Super Eagles’ Redemption Begins in Europe’s Top Leagues After World Cup Exit
Nigeria’s Super Eagles may still be reeling from the heartbreak of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but attention quickly shifts back to club football this weekend as several of the country’s stars prepare to take center stage across Europe.
In England, the spotlight falls on Alex Iwobi, who is set to extend his record as the Nigerian with the most Premier League starts when Fulham host Sunderland at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
The 29-year-old midfielder, fresh from his 90th and 91st international appearances during Nigeria’s failed CAF Playoff campaign, is poised to make his 240th start in the competition.
Iwobi already holds a string of milestones: the most assists by a Nigerian in Premier League history, the most appearances, the most minutes played, and the most passes completed.
Having started all 11 league matches for Fulham this season, he will be looking to add to his tally of goals and assists, with Sunderland yet to feature among the teams he has scored or assisted against.
Iwobi will not be alone in flying the Nigerian flag in England. His Fulham teammate Calvin Bassey is expected to continue his strong run of form, while Samuel Chukwueze, on loan from AC Milan, is chasing his first Premier League start and goal.
Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tolu Arokodare is hoping to reignite his career against Crystal Palace, while Palace’s Chrisantus Uche is eager for his first start after limited minutes.
Brentford’s Frank Onyeka is also in line for his first start of the season when his side face Brighton.
Beyond England, Nigerian stars are making headlines across Europe.
In Turkey, Paul Onuachu leads the Super Lig scoring charts with eight goals in 12 games for Trabzonspor and could extend his advantage over compatriot Victor Osimhen, who remains sidelined.
Wilfred Ndidi is expected to return for Besiktas after Nigeria’s playoff disappointment, having already contributed a goal and an assist in the league this season.
In France, Moses Simon will be looking to add to his tally when Paris FC face Lille, while in Spain, Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams return to action, both seeking consistency in La Liga. Umar Sadiq of Real Sociedad is also hoping for his first start of the season against Osasuna.
Germany offers another test for Victor Boniface, who is still searching for his first goal in Werder Bremen colors as they face RB Leipzig.
In Italy, Ademola Lookman will be keen to impress Atalanta’s new coach Raffaele Palladino against champions Napoli, a side he has scored against five times in six matches. Maduka Okoye will be in goal for Udinese against Bologna, chasing his 11th Serie A clean sheet, having already kept two against the same opponent in past encounters.
