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

Iwobi, Lookman

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.

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.