Nigerian strikers were in red-hot form on Thursday night, delivering goals across Europe and the Middle East, with Odion Ighalo, Rafiu Durosinmi, Cyriel Dessers, and Malomo Taofeek Ayodeji all finding the net, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ighalo breaks drought, extends lead on Ronaldo
Odion Ighalo netted his fifth league goal of the season to help Al Wehda secure a 3-1 home win over Al Raed at the King Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Mecca.
The former Watford striker had endured a two-month goal drought, last scoring on January 9 in a 2-1 win over Al Fateh.
Coincidentally, that was also Al Wehda’s last league victory, with the club suffering a dismal run of seven defeats and two draws since then.
Ighalo, however, rediscovered his scoring touch to inspire José Daniel Carreño’s side back to winning ways.
Daniel Carreno's men took down fellow strugglers Al Raed at home, stepping closer to safety being just 2 points away from beating the drop!#WEHRAE highlights brought to you by @VisitSaudi pic.twitter.com/5fPLXrvrwR
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) March 7, 2025
The match did not start well for Al Wehda, as Morocco's Karim El Berkaoui put Al Raed ahead in the 16th minute. But Tunisian midfielder Saad Abdullah Bguir restored parity midway through the first half.
With the game locked at 1-1, Ighalo delivered in the 76th minute, stabbing home a left-footed shot from close range after an assist from Youssef Amyn. Alexandru Cretu then added a late goal to seal the win.
Despite the victory, Al Wehda remain in the relegation zone with 17 points, but they are now just two points from safety.
Even with his modest returns this season, Ighalo remains Nigeria’s all-time top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 72 goals. He is currently ninth on the league’s all-time scorers list, sitting six goals ahead of Portugal and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
The glory belongs to God and GOD alone! Thankful, Humbled by HIS mercy pic.twitter.com/t2lNBVjo0O
— Odion Jude Ighalo (@ighalojude) March 7, 2025
Elsewhere in the Saudi League, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong delivered a commanding defensive performance to help Al Kholood claim a 2-1 home win over Al Fateh.
Jackson Muleka smacked home the winner late on, after having missed the penalty he took early on as Al Kholood made it 3 wins in 4 games!#KHOFAT highlights presented by @VisitSaudi pic.twitter.com/8G97kNvbLL
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) March 7, 2025
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Durosinmi, Dessers on target in the Europa League
In the Europa League, Rafiu Durosinmi was on the scoresheet for Viktoria Plzen, though his side fell 2-1 at home to Lazio in their Round of 16 first leg clash.
Durosinmi’s equaliser canceled out Lazio’s first-half opener, but despite two red cards reducing the visitors to nine men, the Italians grabbed a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
In Istanbul, Cyriel Dessers produced a sensational display to help Rangers claim a crucial 2-1 away win over José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
The Nigerian forward scored the opener, assisted the second, had two goals ruled out for offside, and provided the pre-assist for the third, in what was an outstanding individual performance.
Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun was also influential, coming on in the first half for the injured Robin Pröpper. The 36-year-old veteran played a key role in helping Rangers withstand Fenerbahce’s relentless second-half attacks.
However, it was a difficult night for Bruno Onyemaechi, who came off the bench for Olympiakos but could not prevent them from suffering a surprise 3-0 defeat at Bodø/Glimt.
Ayodeji strikes in Albania
Away from the Europa League, another Nigerian found the net in Albania’s Superliga.
Malomo Taofeek Ayodeji was the hero for Bylis, scoring in the 54th minute to secure a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Teuta Durrës.
The former Shooting Stars midfielder now has five goals in 26 league games since his move from the Oluyole Warriors in August.
The 21-year-old Ayodeji is Nigeria’s second-highest goalscorer in the Albanian top flight, trailing only Itodo Mandela, who has 11 goals for Dinamo City this season.
