Nigerian Stars Shine in Europe: Ndidi Nets First Season Goal, Bamidele, Dessers and Arokodare On Target

It was a productive night for Nigerian forwards in Europe on Thursday as Wilfred Ndidi, Yusuf Bamidele, Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare all found the back of the net for their respective clubs.

In Istanbul, Besiktas captain Wilfred Ndidi scored his first goal of the season when he netted in his club’s 2-2 draw against Premier League side Crystal Palace in a Europa League league phase game at the Tüpraş Stadyumu.

The goal was Ndidi’s third in 43 appearances since he joined Besiktas in August 2025. It was also his fourth Europa League goal after netting once in eight games for Leicester City and twice in six games for Belgian side KRC Genk.

Also on song was Yusuf Bamidele who scored for Ferencvaros in their 4-1 mauling of Torreense at the Groupama Arena. Like Ndidi, he scored the opening goal of the game for his Hungarian side.

It was his second goal of the season in three Europa League games and 18th in 57 appearances across all competitions since he joined the club in August 2025.

In the Europa Conference League, Super Eagle Cyriel Dessers scored twice to help his Greek side Panathinaikos to a 5-1 win away at Kairat Almaty.

Tolu Arokodare was also on target in the competition, scoring Ajax’s first goal in their 2-0 defeat of visiting Atalanta at the Johan Cruijff Arena.

It was the Nigerian’s eighth goal in 13 appearances across all competitions since he joined the Dutch Eredivisie side on loan last summer.