Super Eagles combined XI – Matchday 31: Okoye, Osimhen, Iwobi in; no place for Nwabali, Aina

Matchday 31 was filled with intense action across the globe, and several Nigerian players stood out for their respective clubs, Soccernet.ng reports. 

A few Super Eagles players enjoyed a good outing in Europe with goals that secured all three points for their club, while some players stood solid in the defense.

Based on form, impact, and match performances, Soccernet.ng presents its Best XI of Nigerian players from Matchday 31, arranged in a classic 4-4-2 formation.

Goalkeeper: Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Serie A)

Okoye gets the nod between the sticks this week despite his club's 1-nil loss to 12th-place Genoa over the weekend. In the game against Genoa, the 25-year-old made six key saves, five inside the box and one high claim, edging out Nwabali, who had three key saves against Golden Arrows.

Defenders

Right-back: Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe, Süper Lig)

Osayi-Samuel was sharp on the right flank against Trabzonspor, earning a 7.5 rating on Sofascore. He contributed both defensively and offensively, which helped with a 4-1 victory at home.

Centre-back: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Pro League)

The Super Eagles captain was a key figure for his side in his first game after the international break. Despite Al-Kholood’s 2-0 loss to Al-Taawoun, Troost-Ekong stood out defensively, recording five clearances, six blocked shots, and two tackles.

Centre-back: David Sholumade (Rivers United, NPFL)

The 22-year-old was solid in Rivers United’s narrow 1-0 win over NPFL table-toppers Remo Stars. His 84th-minute goal secured all three points for the hosts and helped close the gap at the top of the table.

Left-back: Calvin Bassey (Fulham, Premier League)

Bassey was a rock at the back for Fulham in their 3-2 win over Liverpool. The powerful defender won most of his duels, and made clearances when needed.

Midfielders

Right midfield: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, Premier League)

Iwobi returned to his scoring ways in a crucial encounter against league leaders, Liverpool FC, at the weekend. His shot from inside the box made it 2:1 to hand Fulham the lead in the game. In the game, Iwobi created a few chances, and his link-up play was key to Fulham's attack.

Central midfield: Christantus Uche (Getafe, La Liga)

Uche continued his hot form for the La Liga side with a commanding midfield performance. Although, he did not score against Valladolid, but his 88% accurate passes and two assists were key in their away victory.

Central midfield: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Serie A)

Dele-Bashiru controlled the midfield tempo for Lazio. He broke up play to set up the only goal that drowned Atalanta in Bergamo.

Left midfield: Simon Moses (Nantes, Ligue 1)

Simon Moses was electric on the left, cutting in frequently and testing the goalkeeper. Although he had no goals or shots on target, his assist was crucial in Nantes's win over OGC Nice.

Forwards

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkish cup)

Although not in a regular domestic league but in the Turkish Cup, Osimhen continued his scoring form with two brilliant goals and was a menace against Fenerbahce.

Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough, EFL Championship)

Iheanacho partnered well with Osimhen in this fantasy XI, bullying defenders and providing two assists in an impressive outing for Michael Carrick's men. His holdup play complemented Osimhen’s directness perfectly.

See the combined XI here: