Nigerian Stars Abroad: Iwobi Leads Fulham Charge, Osimhen Nets First Galatasaray Goal

As the new European football season gained full speed over the weekend, Nigerian players continued to make headlines across top leagues, with standout performances and mixed fortunes for several Super Eagles stars. From England to Turkey, Scotland to Portugal, their displays ranged from match-winning contributions to frustrating absences due to injury. Alex Iwobi led the charge with an influential outing in the Premier League, while Victor Osimhen opened his goal account in Turkey. Here is a detailed look at how they fared across the continent.

IWOBI, BASSEY (FULHAM)

Alex Iwobi was a key figure for Fulham in their Premier League matchday-two clash against Manchester United at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

The midfielder played the full 90 minutes and set up Emile Smith Rowe for the equaliser after United had taken the lead. He also had three attempts on goal, showing his growing importance to Marco Silva’s side.

Since the beginning of last season, Iwobi has been involved in more Premier League goals than any other Fulham player with nine goals and seven assists.

Calvin Bassey also played the entire match, completing 32 passes and committing two fouls. He conceded a penalty late in the game, but Bruno Fernandes missed from the spot.

Fulham’s last four goals against Manchester United have all involved Iwobi and Bassey. Iwobi has one goal and one assist while Bassey has scored twice.

AINA, AWONIYI (NOTTINGHAM FOREST)

Ola Aina started for Nottingham Forest in their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. He completed 36 passes, committed two fouls, and received a booking. Callum Hudson-Odoi equalised in the 57th minute after Ismaila Sarr had put Palace ahead.

Taiwo Awoniyi was not included in the squad as he continues his recovery.

CYRIEL DESSERS (RANGERS)

Cyriel Dessers missed Rangers’ Scottish Premiership clash with St. Mirren due to injury. Without him, Rangers managed only a 1-1 draw, their worst league start since 1989.

Teenager Findlay Curtis scored the equaliser for Rangers, while Hamza Igamane attracted criticism for refusing to come on as a substitute in the second half.

PAUL ONUACHU (TRABZONSPOR)

Paul Onuachu made his full debut for Trabzonspor in a 1-0 home win over Antalyaspor. The striker lasted 89 minutes and registered one shot as his team collected three points in the Turkish Super Lig.

VICTOR OSIMHEN (GALATASARAY)

Victor Osimhen opened his goal account for the season in Galatasaray’s 2-0 away win over Kayserispor. The 2023 CAF Player of the Year scored in the 86th minute from a Nicolo Zaniolo cross and had six shots during the game.

HENRY ONYEKURU (GENCLERBIRLIGI)

Henry Onyekuru was not in the Genclerbirligi squad for their 2-1 defeat at Gaziantep. His team finished with ten players after Michal Nalepa was sent off in the final minute.

ZAIDU SANUSI (FC PORTO)

Zaidu Sanusi returned to the starting line-up for FC Porto in their 4-0 home victory over Casa Pia. The Nigerian left-back played the first half, completing 30 passes before being substituted.

It was his third appearance of the season following earlier games against Vitoria Guimaraes and Gil Vicente where he provided an assist.

KENNETH OMERO (CFR CLUJ)

Kenneth Omeruo was unavailable for CFR Cluj’s 4-1 loss to Oletul Galati in Romania. His absence coincided with a poor performance from his teammates, who also had a player sent off in the second half.

CHIDOZIE AWAZIEM (NANTES)

Chidozie Awaziem featured for Nantes in their Ligue 1 fixture against Strasbourg. The defender completed 82 passes, committed two fouls, and was booked in the first half. Nantes lost 1-0 after a late goal from Emanuel Emegha.

The defeat means Nantes have failed to win their opening away league match for nine straight seasons.