S’Eagles Watch: Lookman, Iwobi, Ndidi Shine Across Europe as Osimhen Misses Out

Nigerian football stars delivered a weekend of goals, resilience, and mixed fortunes across Europe, with Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi all getting on the scoresheet, while Victor Osimhen was sidelined as his team slipped to defeat.

Turkey: Onuachu Scores Again, Osimhen Absent

In Turkey, Paul Onuachu continued his impressive run in front of goal, scoring as Trabzonspor secured a crucial away victory over Gaziantep FK. The Nigerian striker’s physical presence and finishing once again proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter.

It was a contrasting story for Galatasaray, who fell 2–0 away to Konyaspor. Osimhen did not make the trip after reporting persistent pain in his right knee, with club officials opting not to risk the striker as a precaution.

Ndidi marked his return to competitive action in emotional fashion, opening the scoring for Besiktas in a commanding 4–0 home win over Goztepe. The goal capped a memorable week for the midfielder, who had recently travelled to Nigeria following the death of his father.

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Also in Turkey, Ibrahim Olawoyin delivered a lively performance for Rizespor in their home victory over Kocaelispor, before being substituted in the second half.

Spain: Lookman Inspires Atletico Comeback

In Spain, Lookman continued his rich vein of form, playing a starring role as Atletico Madrid came from behind to secure a thrilling 4–2 win over Espanyol. The Nigerian forward’s pace and directness unsettled the defence and proved vital in the comeback.

Elsewhere in La Liga, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke both featured for Sevilla in a hard-earned 1–0 away victory over Getafe.

Sadiq Umar played the full 90 minutes for Valencia, but could not prevent a narrow 2–1 away loss to Villarreal.

England: Iwobi on Target, Mixed Outcomes Elsewhere

In England, Iwobi delivered a standout display, scoring Fulham’s third goal in their clash with Sunderland. Calvin Bassey also featured throughout the encounter, providing defensive solidity. Samuel Chukwueze was unavailable for selection.

At Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tolu Arokodare played the entire match in an away defeat to Crystal Palace. The striker later became the target of racial abuse on social media after missing a penalty, drawing condemnation from fans and observers.

Bright Osayi-Samuel featured for Birmingham City in a 2–1 defeat to Norwich City, while Joe Aribo started for Leicester City in their 2–2 draw away at Stoke City before being substituted.

Across Europe: More Nigerian Involvement

• France: Moses Simon came off the bench for Paris FC in a 1–1 draw with Toulouse.
• Italy: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was an unused substitute as Lazio played out a goalless draw with Cagliari.
• Belgium: Raphael Onyedika completed 90 minutes for Club Brugge in a 2–1 home win over Oud-Heverlee Leuven.
• Portugal: Zaidu Sanusi played the full match as FC Porto edged Rio Ave 1–0.
• Greece: Bruno Onyemaechi featured for Olympiacos in a 2–0 victory over Panetolikos, before being substituted in the second half.

Overall

It was a weekend of goals, strong individual displays, and contrasting outcomes for Nigeria’s contingent abroad. With several Super Eagles stars maintaining impressive club form, attention now turns to how these performances could influence upcoming international fixtures.

S’Eagles Watch: Lookman, Iwobi, Ndidi Shine Across Europe as Osimhen Misses Out

Eric Chelle Requests $130,000 Monthly, Lists 19 Conditions to Extend Super Eagles Contract

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has reportedly presented a 19-point contract proposal to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as part of negotiations to extend his tenure with the national team. The proposal, formally submitted on January 22, 2026, includes a $130,000 monthly salary, provisions for his technical staff, and a wide range of operational and logistical demands aimed at enhancing his working conditions and technical autonomy.

Chelle, a Franco-Malian tactician, who signed a two-year deal with the NFF in January 2025, had previously been linked with European club opportunities, including Olympique de Marseille. The contract extension proposal follows Nigeria’s strong performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Chelle guided the team to a third-place finish.

The proposed 19 conditions go beyond salary. They include the provision of a private SUV with a chauffeur and security, a secure residence with 24-hour electricity, a furnished office with internet access and projector for tactical analysis, and flight tickets for his wife and two children. Chelle also requests GPS tools, customized training equipment, and the authority to choose international friendly matches.

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On the technical side, the proposal seeks full control over player selection and call-ups, authority to travel abroad to monitor Nigerian players, and attendance at local league matches to identify talent for the senior team and age-grade squads (U23, U20, U17). Chelle also asks for official contracts for his staff, on-time salary payments, inclusion of his personal assistant in the bonus and allowance structure, and monthly meetings with all national team coaches.

Reports indicate that the proposal reflects Chelle’s aim for greater professional autonomy, operational support, and long-term stability while building a competitive Super Eagles squad for upcoming international fixtures, including 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The NFF has yet to confirm whether it will accept or reject the terms, amid ongoing discussions over budgetary constraints and logistical feasibility.

The submission has sparked debate among football stakeholders, with analysts divided over whether the NFF can meet all the demands, balancing the need for continuity with Chelle against financial realities.

Eric Chelle Requests $130,000 Monthly, Lists 19 Conditions to Extend Super Eagles Contract

Ademola Lookman Scores Historic Goal as Atletico Madrid Draw 3–3 With Club Brugge

Ademola Lookman etched his name into UEFA Champions League history on Wednesday as Ademola Lookman scored for Atletico Madrid in a thrilling 3–3 draw against Club Brugge at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.

Lookman, the Nigerian international winger, became the first Nigerian to score for Atletico Madrid in a UEFA Champions League group-stage match, highlighting his growing influence at the Spanish La Liga club. The goal came during a pulsating encounter that saw both sides trade leads in an end-to-end battle.

Atletico Madrid initially surged ahead through early strikes, but Club Brugge responded with quick counterattacks to equalize twice. Lookman’s historic goal temporarily put the hosts in front, only for Club Brugge to equalize late in the game, ensuring a dramatic 3–3 finish.

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The result keeps Atletico in contention for progression from Group D, but it also underscores the challenges facing Diego Simeone’s side in balancing domestic and European commitments. Lookman’s performance, however, has been widely praised by pundits, with analysts noting his pace, vision, and finishing ability as key assets for Atletico Madrid’s attack.

For Lookman, this goal adds to a growing reputation as a breakthrough Nigerian talent in Europe, joining the ranks of compatriots who have made their mark in top-tier European competitions. Fans and media alike celebrated his contribution, highlighting the significance of his milestone in both club and international football history.

Ademola Lookman, who previously played for clubs in the English Premier League, moved to Atletico Madrid in January 2026. Known for his speed, dribbling, and versatility on the wings, Lookman has steadily adapted to the Spanish game, making appearances in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League matches.

This Champions League goal marks a historic first for a Nigerian player at Atletico Madrid, reflecting the increasing presence of Nigerian talent in elite European competitions.

Ademola Lookman Scores Historic Goal as Atletico Madrid Draw 3–3 With Club Brugge