Nigerian footballers shone across Europe and beyond over the weekend, with a number of impressive performances across different leagues.
In Albania, Chinonso Onuh opened the scoring for Besa Kavajë in their thrilling 2-2 draw away to Luzi 2008, while in Cyprus, Godswill Ekpolo was on target for Apollon as they carved out a 3-1 win over Omonia Nicosia, who had Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho on the bench throughout.
Peter Olayinka scored Slavia Prague’s first goal in their 2-2 draw away to Slovan Liberec in the Czech Republic, before being sent off in the 88th minute. However, compatriot Victor Olatunji netted the equaliser for the home side deep into stoppage time.
In England, Wilfred Ndidi was impressive as Leicester City battled to a 1-1 draw at Brentford to snap out of their five-match losing streak. Meanwhile, Alex Iwobi played every minute as a late Ellis Reco Simms’ equaliser helped Everton hold Chelsea to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Chuba Akpom kept up his excellent form, scoring his 24th league goal and assisting another to help Middlesbrough cruise to a massive 4-0 home win over Preston North End.
In France, Girondins Bordeaux returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Nîmes thanks to Josh Maja’s 12th league goal of the season. Kevin Akpoguma put in a disciplined display as Hoffenheim recorded a convincing 3-1 victory at home to Hertha Berlin in Germany.
Isaac Success was one of the star performers, providing the assist for the second goal for Udinese as the home side claimed a huge 3-1 win over visiting AC Milan in Italy.
David Okereke and Cyriel Dessers both featured for Cremonese as they battled to a 1-1 draw at Monza to claim a point that lifted them off the foot of the Serie A table.
In Lithuania, Aaron-Pamilerin Olugbogi netted an 83rd-minute winner for Dainava as they recorded a 2-1 victory at home to Banga in the A Lyga.
Macleans Chinonyerem also continued her fine form with Lokomotiv Moskva, scoring two goals in their well-deserved 3-0 victory over Ryazan on matchday two of the Superliga Women in Russia.
In Saudi Arabia, Odion Ighalo scored his side’s first goal and assisted the second as Al Hilal continued their hunt for the treble with a commanding 3-0 win over Al Ittifaq.
It was also a good day for Nigerian stars in Spain.
Gift Monday put in a good shift for UDG Tenerife in their hard-fought victory over Real Madrid, while Toni Payne impressed as Sevilla ran out 3-0 winners over Real Betis.
Kelechi Nwakali also bossed the midfield for Ponferradina as they claimed a narrow 1-0 home win over Alaves in the Segunda Division.
In Turkey, Olakunle Olusegun and Moses Cobnan both featured as FC Krasnodar fell to a narrow league defeat, while Emeka Eze played in Istanbulspor’s 3-1 derby defeat against Besiktas.
Azubuike Okechukwu set up Ibrahim Olawoyin for the opener, while John Uzuegbunam netted the second as Rizespor soared to a 3-1 home win over Altay.
