Adams, Osimhen & Chinedu Shine: Top Nigerian Stars Light Up European Leagues Last Weekend

Several Nigerian footballers played pivotal roles for their clubs across Europe last weekend, delivering goals, assists, and standout performances.

In Russia, striker Geoffrey Chinedu stole the spotlight for Krylia Sovetov Samara, scoring a brace in a man-of-the-match display. His two goals brought his total to four in the last five matches. Chinedu also registered four shots (two on target), consistently troubled defenders with his pace, and completed seven on-the-ball runs covering over 60 metres.

In Italy’s Serie A, Gift Orban provided the match-winning assist as Hellas Verona F.C. secured a crucial 2-1 away victory against Bologna F.C. 1909 at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Orban’s low cross found Kieron Bowie, who calmly finished to end Verona’s 13-match winless streak. Fellow Nigerian defender Daniel Oyegoke impressed at right-back, delivering a solid defensive performance in only his ninth league appearance.

In Spain, striker Akor Adams returned to the scoresheet for Sevilla FC against Rayo Vallecano, ending a five-game goal drought. The strike marked his fourth in eight games since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, bringing his league tally to seven goals this season. Adams’ performance featured four shots, strong aerial play, and several forward runs that kept Sevilla on the front foot. Nigerian winger Chidera Ejuke came on as a substitute but was unable to change the outcome.

In the Czech Republic, forward Salim Fago made his mark for FC Viktoria Plzeň in a 3-0 away win over FC Hradec Králové. The 23-year-old sprinted onto a long ball just before halftime and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to open the scoring—his second goal in six matches since joining the club earlier this year.

Turkey also saw notable Nigerian contributions. Midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin shone for Çaykur Rizespor in their 1-0 Süper Lig win over Antalyaspor, creating three key passes and completing 34 of 43 passes. Forward Rasheed Akanbi registered an assist for Boluspor, setting up the opener with a precise header in their home victory against Iğdır FK.

On Saturday, March 7, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen starred for ten-man Galatasaray, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Beşiktaş, despite the presence of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi. Osimhen has now tallied 18 goals and six assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this season.

In Portugal, right-back Bright Godwin delivered the decisive assist for F.C. Vizela, securing a 1-0 win over F.C. Felgueiras 1932 and lifting the team to sixth place.

Meanwhile, in England, Nigerian internationals Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze suffered FA Cup heartbreak as Fulham F.C. were stunned 1-0 by Southampton F.C. at Craven Cottage.