around the weekend, Nigerian football players from all around Europe and beyond made an impression. Some scored goals, while others provided vital assists for their teams.
The Nigerian football players abroad made sure their names remained in the news, from Cyriel Dessers’ derby goal in Greece to Kelechi Iheanacho’s inventive spark in Scotland.
When Celtic played Partick Thistle in the Scottish League Cup, Kelechi Iheanacho was trusted with a starting position.
The forward, who has only recently joined the Bhoys, kept his team firmly in charge with a deft assist in the 46th minute.
Before being replaced by Daizen Maeda, he played for 59 minutes, and Celtic won 4-0 with ease. His deft link-up play served as a reminder of his former Premier League star status.
Ademola Lookman, who missed the start of the Serie A season, made his comeback to action for Atalanta in Italy. Late in the 3-0 victory at Torino, the winger came off the bench.
For Atalanta supporters still reeling from the Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the middle of the week, his return was a welcome sight, even though he did not have enough time to affect the scoreline.
In Greece, where Panathinaikos defeated Olympiakos in a fierce derby, Cyriel Dessers delivered, adding to the drama.
In the 48th minute, the striker scored his first league goal of the season with a well-taken finish, giving the home crowd something to celebrate.
However, Olympiakos’ equalizer in stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw cut short his elation.
Raphael Onyedika kept up his good play with Club Brugge in Belgium. Days after scoring against Monaco in the Champions League, the midfielder led Brugge to a 2-0 victory against St. Truiden in the Jupiler League.
He demonstrated the perseverance he gives to the team by playing solidly for the entire ninety minutes and even receiving a late booking for his combative performance.
Action also took place in England, where Brighton’s Chiamaka Nnadozie stood tall in the Women’s Super League. Brighton easily defeated West Ham 4-1, defeating the Super Falcons goalkeeper only by a penalty.
The points were secured with goals from Rosa Kafaji, Kiko Seike, Caitlin Hayes, and Marisa Olislagers, but Nnadozie’s poise at the back gave her team the advantage.
Moses Simon was busy for Paris FC in France as they attempted to retaliate against Strasbourg. The winger had four shots and used his direct runs to stretch the defense, but he was unlucky that day.
Ironically, Nouha Dicko, who replaced him in the 69th minute, ended up scoring and helping to win the 3-2 loss. Simon has already contributed two goals and an assist this season, demonstrating his continued importance to his team.
