Awaziem double headlines Nigerian goals abroad as Iheanacho extends scoring run

Chidozie Awaziem scored twice for Konyaspor in their 2-0 victory over Genclerbirligi as six Nigerian players produced goalscoring performances across Turkey, Russia, Italy and Denmark over the weekend.

The Super Eagles defender struck shortly before half-time to put Konyaspor ahead, then completed his brace early in the second half. The performance was included in Premium Times’ weekend roundup on 26 October.

Iheanacho keeps scoring for Bursaspor

Kelechi Iheanacho continued his remarkable run in Turkey by scoring in Bursaspor’s 4-2 win against Keciorengucu.

The forward has now scored in 12 consecutive league matches. He has 16 goals and three assists from 12 appearances, while the victory moved Bursaspor to the top of the table.

Soccernet previously reported on Iheanacho’s Turkish scoring record when his run had reached 10 successive league games.

Gift Orban also found the net in Turkey, converting a 73rd-minute penalty to bring Amedspor level at 1-1 against Samsunspor.

Dia Saba scored the winning goal in the 84th minute as Amedspor completed a 2-1 victory. Orban has scored eight league goals this season.

Goals in Russia, Italy and Denmark

Olakunle Olusegun scored his first league goal of the season for Rostov in their 2-0 win over Lokomotiv Moscow.

He doubled Rostov’s advantage in the 24th minute after receiving an assist from Oumar Sako.

In Serie B, David Okereke scored once and provided two assists as Benevento defeated Arezzo 3-0.

Friday Etim scored three minutes after half-time in Midtjylland’s 3-2 victory over Lyngby. The goal took his league tally to six, while he has also recorded three assists.

Midtjylland also gave 18-year-old midfielder Joseph Okuaghare his senior debut, introducing him as a substitute.

Turkey form in focus before Tanzania qualifiers

Three of the Nigerian scorers from the weekend – Iheanacho, Awaziem and Orban – play in Turkey.

Their form comes with Nigeria preparing for Tanzania qualifiers on 13 and 17 November. Nigeria are three points behind Guinea-Bissau in the AFCON 2027 group.

Current form alone will not determine the squad, but Awaziem’s two-goal display and Iheanacho’s scoring in 12 consecutive league matches provide the sort of figures coaches can be questioned about.

Chelle’s squad selection for the Tanzania fixtures will indicate how much importance he places on those performances.