Super Eagles’ stars shine across Europe with goals, assists, and milestones
It was a busy Saturday for Nigerian footballers across Europe with Alex Iwobi in England, Paul Onuachu in Turkey and Gift Orban in Italy scored.
Orban stole the spotlight in Italy, scoring his 65th career goal and first for Hellas Verona in a fiery 1-1 draw against Juventus.
The 23-year-old striker was named Man of the Match after a tireless 89 minute display that rattled the Bianconeri defence. His 44th minute penalty cancelled out Francisco Conceição’s opener and came after a VAR reviewed handball decision.
Orban, on loan from Hoffenheim, was making just his second league appearance of the season.
In Turkey, Onuachu continued his fine form in Super Lig, scoring his 20th goal in all competitions for Trabzonspor in a 1-1 draw against Gaziantep.
The Nigerian striker latched onto a pinpoint long ball from André Onana and chipped in the equaliser 20 minutes from time. Onuachu now has three goals in six league games this season and remains a key figure in Trabzonspor’s title push.
In England and at the Craven Cottage, Iwobi delivered another stellar performance for Fulham, scoring within 98 seconds and assisting once in a 3-1 win over Brentford.
The Super Eagles midfielder now holds the record for most Premier League assists by a Nigerian (37) and has 32 goals in the competition. He was subbed off to a standing ovation in the 80th minute.
Calvin Bassey featured for the full 90 minutes, marking his 69th Premier League appearance, while Frank Onyeka and Samuel Chukwueze were unused substitutes.
Elsewhere in England, Ola Aina was absent due to surgery, and Taiwo Awoniyi was not listed in Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 draw with Burnley at the Turf Moor. Awoniyi is yet to feature this season.
Christantus Uche remained on the bench in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 win over West Ham at the London Stadium while at the Molineux, Tolu Arokodare played the full match as Wolves fell 3-1 to Leeds United.
In Spain, Akor Adams came on as a 73rd minute substitute for Sevilla in their 2-1 win over Deportivo Alaves at the Mendizorroza Stadium.
Chidera Ejuke was an unused substitute. Former Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez scored the winner for Sevilla.
And in Germany, Victor Boniface was subbed on in the 60th minute for Werder Bremen but couldn’t prevent a 3-0 home defeat to Freiburg at the Wohninvest WESERSTADION.
