Nigerians abroad: Olatunji bags brilliant brace, Akinyemi excellent, Boniface on target for USG

It was a captivating weekend of football as leagues across Europe and beyond witnessed thrilling encounters and impressive individual displays, Soccernet.ng reports

In the Premier League, Joe Aribo featured for relegated Southampton, but their descent to lower depths continued as they suffered a 1-3 defeat away to Brighton.

The Women’s Super League saw Ashleigh Plumptre on the losing side as her Leicester City team fell 1-2 at home to West Ham United.

Meanwhile, in Spain, Asisat Oshoala’s unfortunate injury marred Barcelona’s historic run, as they tasted their first league defeat in two years, succumbing to a determined Madrid side in a hard-fought 2-1 clash.

In the Segunda Division, Kenneth Omeruo showcased his prowess, delivering a commanding performance as Leganes secured a 1-1 draw against Andorra.

Over in Italy’s Serie A, Victor Osimhen dazzled for Napoli, spearheading their dominant 3-1 victory over UEFA Champions League finalists Inter Milan.

In a tightly contested encounter in the German Regionalliga, Osayamen Osawe showcased his goal-scoring instincts, netting his second goal of the campaign to help Rot-Weiß Erfurt secure a 2-2 draw at home against Chemie Leipzig.

Meanwhile, in the French Ligue 1, Terem Moffi had a frustrating outing as OGC Nice settled for a goalless draw with Toulouse.

Lorient, featuring Bonke Innocent, suffered a disappointing 1-3 defeat against Lens on their home soil.

In the Feminine Division, Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons goalkeeper, exhibited her shot-stopping prowess, making several crucial saves to inspire Paris FC to a resounding 5-2 victory over Soyaux. This win propelled Paris FC into the last UEFA Champions League qualifying spot.

Yusuf Otubanjo continued his goal-scoring spree, finding the back of the net for the fourth consecutive match, leading Pyunik to a convincing 2-0 triumph over Lernayin Artsakh in Armenia.

Abdullahi Shuaibu’s 11th league goal of the season was a mere consolation as Kapaz succumbed to a 1-3 home defeat against Neftchi Baku in the Azerbaijani Premyer Liga.

Elsewhere, Idris Nuradeen displayed his goal-scoring ability, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Smorgon from falling to a 1-3 loss against Shakhtyor Soligorsk in the Belarus Premier League.

In the Belgian First Division A, Raphael Onyedika produced a masterful midfield performance, significantly contributing to Club Brugge’s 2-0 home win over Antwerp, thereby denting their title hopes.

In the Czech Republic, Victor Olatunji stole the show with a brilliant brace, inspiring Slovan Liberec to a resounding 4-0 victory over Hradec Králové.

Adeleke Akinyemi continued his goal-scoring exploits, finding the net for the sixth time in his last four games as Karviná cruised to a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Slavia Praha II in the FNL.

The action-packed weekend also witnessed notable performances across other leagues.

Notably, Chisom Onije’s fine goal for Vlašim proved insufficient as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against Táborsko in Tábor.

Kingsley Onuegbu’s 40th-minute strike earned Dongguan United a well-deserved 1-1 draw with Dandong Tengyue in the Chinese League One.

In Japan’s J2 League, Peter Utaka emerged as the hero for Ventforet Kofu, as his decisive goal secured a narrow 0-1 away victory against Zweigen Kanazawa.

Meanwhile, in Latvia, Olabanjo Ogunji made his mark on the scoreline, contributing to Riga’s dominant 5-1 thrashing of Tukums.

In Romania, Joseph Godwin showcased his goal-scoring prowess, finding the back of the net for the first time in AS FC Buzău’s colors. However, their efforts fell short as they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against CSA Steaua Bucureşti.

Turning our attention to the Swedish Damallsvenskan, Anam Imo, the star of the Super Falcons, stole the spotlight, as she single-handedly propelled Piteå to a 2-0 away victory over Kalmar, scoring both goals to secure a crucial win for her side.

In the Ettan league, John Junior made a notable contribution to Sandviken’s impressive 4-0 victory over Sylvia, leaving a lasting impact on the scoreline.