Iwobi makes EPL history, Osimhen falters as Eagles return to Club action after World Cup Playoff qualification

Following their emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo, which secured Nigeria’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoffs, the Super Eagles returned to club duties across Europe and beyond this weekend.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong, who was benched during Tuesday’s qualifier, returned to full action on Friday, playing the entire match for Al Kholood in their commanding 5–1 win over Al Najma in the Saudi Professional League.

On Saturday, Alex Iwobi etched his name into the history books by becoming the Nigerian with the most Premier League appearances. His 299th outing came in Fulham’s narrow 1–0 loss to former club Arsenal at Craven Cottage.

Since leaving the Gunners in 2019, Iwobi has faced them 11 times, registering one assist and a record of four wins, two draws, and five defeats.

Calvin Bassey was benched for the first time this season, coming on late for Jorge Cuenca. His 72nd Premier League appearance, and fourth against Arsenal, ended his unbeaten run against the North London side.

Samuel Chukwueze missed out entirely due to a calf injury sustained on international duty. Chrisantus Uche, on loan from Getafe, was absent from Crystal Palace’s squad in their thrilling 3–3 draw with Bournemouth. He is still awaiting his Premier League start.

At Wolves, Tolu Arokodare came on in the 76th minute during their 2–0 defeat to Sunderland. He remains in search of his first Premier League goal and will hope to break the drought when Wolves host Burnley next.

In Turkey Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s hat-trick hero against Benin, was a second-half substitute in Galatasaray’s 2–1 win over İstanbul Başakşehir but failed to score. He has two goals in six Super Lig appearances and lost ground in the top scorer race to compatriot Paul Onuachu, who netted again for Trabzonspor to take his tally to seven goals in nine matches.

Wilfred Ndidi, recently named vice-captain at Besiktas, featured in their 2–0 home defeat to Gençlerbirliği. Since joining from Leicester City, he has made six appearances and provided one assist.

In La Liga, Akor Adams couldn’t extend his scoring streak as Sevilla fell 3–1 to Mallorca. The striker had previously scored against Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona, and Lesotho in international duty but was unable to find the net at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.