With Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 squad announcement just days away, several Super Eagles and Super Falcons players delivered eye-catching performances across Europe over the weekend, strengthening their bids for a place in the final squad.
In Turkey, Olanrewaju Kayode continued his impressive resurgence, scoring twice and assisting another in Erokspor’s 4–1 win over Sakaryaspor. His goals in the 53rd and 79th minutes took his season tally to 10, placing him among the league’s top scorers and boosting his chances of a Super Eagles return.
Salim Fago also found the net, grabbing his fourth goal of the season in NK Istra’s commanding 5–1 victory over Osijek, further justifying his inclusion in Nigeria’s 54-man provisional AFCON list.
In Turkey’s Super Lig, Anthony Dennis delivered one of the weekend’s standout moments with an 84th-minute rocket to stun Trabzonspor—his third goal in 14 matches.
Mixed Fortunes for Nigerians in England
In the Women’s Super League, Toni Payne played a pivotal role for Everton, providing the match-winning assist in a 1–0 upset over Chelsea, ending the Blues’ remarkable 585-day unbeaten league run. Payne now has one goal and three assists in 13 appearances.
Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie kept her third clean sheet of the season in a tight 1–0 win over London City Lionesses, where compatriot Rofiat Imuran featured for the full 90 minutes.
In the Premier League, Fulham’s Nigerian trio—Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze—all featured in a 2–1 defeat to Crystal Palace. Palace forward Christantus Uche made the most of his opportunity, winning the corner that produced the late winner.
Nigerians Across Europe
Victor Boniface made an 11-minute cameo in Werder Bremen’s 3–2 loss to Hamburg, while in France, Moses Simon’s goal drought stretched to five games after Paris FC were held by Le Havre.
Akor Adams’ struggles also continued in Spain, going seven matches without a goal as Sevilla drew 1–1 with Valencia.
Austria produced another major talking point as Wolfsberger midfielder Chubuike Nwaiwu collected his second red card of the season during their 2–1 win over Austria Vienna.
In Greece and Scotland, Cyriel Dessers and Kelechi Iheanacho both started on the bench, with Iheanacho still awaiting his first appearance under new coach Eric Chelle.
Turkey’s Super Lig top scorer Paul Onuachu (11 goals) was booked in Trabzonspor’s clash, triggering a suspension that could accelerate his arrival to Nigeria’s AFCON camp. He contributed defensively as the club held on to beat Göztepe 2–1.
Elsewhere, Tom Dele-Bashiru returned to Gençlerbirliği’s starting lineup in their 3–0 victory, while Henry Onyekuru continued searching for form.
Earlier in the weekend, Victor Osimhen delivered a brilliant brace in Galatasaray’s thrilling 3–2 win over Samsunspor, reaffirming his status as one of Nigeria’s most in-form attackers. In Switzerland, Philip Otele impressed for Basel, registering four shots—three on target—in a 2–1 win over Winterthur.
As the deadline approaches, the timely surge in form from several Nigerian stars gives coach José Peseiro considerable selection headaches ahead of the highly anticipated AFCON 2025 squad announcement.
