Nigeria’s Iheanacho, Okpe and Lookman shine in standout week abroad

Kelechi Iheanacho scored for the 11th consecutive league match as Bursaspor beat Pendikspor 2-0, taking his tally to 15 goals in 11 appearances this season.

The Super Eagles forward, also known as Seniorman Kelz, has become one of the most prolific Nigerian players abroad with his latest goal continuing an exceptional run in front of goal.

Ademola Lookman also made a decisive contribution in the UEFA Champions League, assisting Atletico Madrid’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Stuttgart. Introduced at half-time, the Nigerian helped his side earn a point despite Atletico Madrid being reduced to 10 men.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored one of the week’s most impressive goals, finishing a solo run as Lazio won 3-0 away to Juventus. The Super Eagles midfielder’s goal completed a convincing victory for the Rome-based club.

Goals and assists across Europe

George Ilenikhena scored and set up another goal as Al Ittihad defeated Al-Ettifaq 4-1 away from home. The 20-year-old now has five goals and three assists in seven league appearances this season.

Rafiu Durosinmi was also on target as KRC Genk won 2-0 at Royal Excelsior Virton in the Belgian Cup Round of 32. Daan Heymans opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Durosinmi struck in the 28th. The goal was his seventh across all competitions this season and helped Genk reach the Round of 16.

In France, Tochukwu Nnadi provided an assist in Marseille’s 5-2 victory over Angers. The Super Eagles midfielder contributed in both defensive and attacking areas as Marseille recorded a convincing win.

Emmanuel Ayaosi set up Slavia Prague’s 90th-minute equaliser in their 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw with Fenerbahce. David Moses, Mubarak Suleiman and Samuel Isife also featured for the Czech champions, who remain without a win in this season’s competition.

Clean sheets and club developments

Chibuike Nwaiwu helped Trabzonspor keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory over Besiktas, a match in which he faced fellow Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi.

Francis Uzoho also kept a clean sheet as Omonia beat Anorthosis Famagusta 1-0. Fellow Nigerian Kelechi Nwakali featured in the victory.

Super Falcons striker Gift Monday has been unveiled by Boston Legacy FC after her reported record $500,000 transfer from Washington Spirit. She has signed a contract running until December 2030.

Rofiat Imuran made her Aston Villa debut in a 2-1 comeback win over Liverpool. The Super Falcons defender came on in the 46th minute, at the start of the second half.

Favour Omenazu returned to club duty with Milton Keynes Dons after Nigeria’s 2028 Olympic qualifying fixtures against Comoros. The 24-year-old was an unused substitute in both legs as Nigeria won 7-0 on aggregate, but MK Dons were beaten 5-2 by Actonians.

Okpe reaches 21 league goals

Blessing Okpe continued her outstanding form in Belarus by scoring in Dnepr Mogilev’s 4-0 win against Belshina Bobruisk. The Super Falcons forward has now scored 21 league goals this season.

Paris Saint-Germain showed their support for Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade after she underwent surgery on a fractured fibula. Ajibade suffered the injury during Nigeria’s 5-0 win over Comoros in the second leg of the 2028 Olympic qualifiers. PSG also offered support to injured player Anais Ebayilin before losing 4-0 to Lyon.

Ajibade will now concentrate on rehabilitation, while Nigerian players across Turkey, France, Belgium, England, Belarus, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia continue to make an impact for their clubs.