Several Super Eagles players were in impressive form for their clubs on Sunday, delivering eye-catching performances in their final outings before reporting to Nigeria’s national team camp ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
It was a goal-filled weekend for the invited players, with a number of them finding the net across Europe to inspire important victories for their respective sides.
At the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams stole the spotlight for Sevilla as they powered the Spanish side to a convincing 4–0 win over Real Oviedo. Both attackers, recently called up to the Super Eagles camp, played key roles in the emphatic triumph.
Adams opened the scoring as early as the 4th minute after latching onto a clever chipped pass from Alexis Sánchez at the halfway line. The striker showed composure and pace, racing through on goal before calmly placing his finish beyond goalkeeper Aaron Escandell.
Late in the game, Ejuke added the gloss with a moment of individual brilliance. In the 89th minute, he collected the ball on the left, danced past three defenders, and coolly slotted the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs to complete the rout.
Dessers Ends Goal Drought in Greece
In Greece, Cyriel Dessers also returned to the scoresheet, netting his first goal in three months for Panathinaikos. The former Rangers striker, who joined the club in the summer, had struggled with injury after just four appearances.
Having recently returned to action as a substitute, Sunday marked Dessers’ first start since September and he made it count. He struck five minutes into a tense encounter that Panathinaikos eventually won 2–1, a result that could easily have gone the other way without his early intervention.
Salim Fago Shines in Fog-Disrupted Clash
New Super Eagles invitee Salim Fago Lawal also made headlines in Croatia, scoring for Istra in their top-flight clash against Rijeka. Lawal struck in the 5th minute, reacting quickest to a rebound in the box, dribbling past the goalkeeper, and tapping into an empty net.
However, his opener was short-lived, as Luka Menalo equalized for Rijeka four minutes later. The match was later abandoned after just 18 minutes due to heavy fog and has been rescheduled for January 2026.
Perfect Timing Ahead of AFCON
With their club commitments concluded, all invited Super Eagles players are now expected to travel to Egypt to link up with the rest of the squad ahead of the upcoming international fixture against Egypt.
Although those who featured on Sunday are unlikely to see action against the Pharaohs, head coach Eric Chelle will be keen to have a full squad in camp as preparations intensify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Franco-Malian tactician will be encouraged by the fine form of his attackers, especially with Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen also contributing goals for their clubs on Saturday.
Such momentum should boost confidence as Nigeria gears up for the tournament.
The Super Eagles will begin their AFCON campaign next Tuesday with a Group A clash against Tanzania.
