Several Nigerian players delivered standout performances across Europe and beyond this past weekend, making bold statements ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. From stunning goals to heroic saves, Super Eagles hopefuls showed impressive form that could influence final squad decisions.
Top Performers
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
The former African Player of the Year scored a sensational brace, including a 93rd-minute bicycle kick winner that sealed a dramatic 3-2 win over Samsunspor. A true Goal of the Season contender.
Olanrewaju Kayode (Erzokspor, Turkey)
The former Super Eagles striker stole the spotlight in Turkey second tier, scoring twice and providing an assist in Erzokspor’s 4-1 demolition of Sakaryaspor. He now has 10 league goals and remains the club’s offensive engine.
Leo Brian Kokubo (Sint-Truidense VV, Belgium)
The Japan-born Nigerian goalkeeper earned Man of the Match after making five critical saves to secure a thrilling 3-2 win over Club Brugge. His confidence between the posts is turning heads in Belgium.
Kaye Furo (Club Brugge, Belgium)
The young midfielder came off the bench to score his first senior goal, marking a bright personal milestone despite Club Brugge’s loss to Sint-Truidense.
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
The versatile midfielder also found the net in the same match, displaying his growing influence in the Belgian top flight.
Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)
Fresh off his Super Eagles invitation, the 20-year-old forward scored his sixth goal of the season in Istra’s dominant 5-1 away win against Osijek.
Women’s Roundup
Francisca Ordega & Ashleigh Plumptre (Al Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia)
Ordega opened the scoring in a 2-0 win against Neom SC, while Plumptre was solid in defence, continuing her fine form in the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
Toni Payne (Everton Women)
The Super Falcons star provided the assist in Everton’s shock 1-0 victory over Chelsea, ending the Blues’ dominant home record.-
Other Highlights
Fulham Trio (Iwobi, Bassey, Chukwueze)
All three started in Fulham’s hard-fought 2-1 defeat to Chelsea. While they didn’t make the scoresheet, their presence shows promise for AFCON chemistry.
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)
Came on as a second-half substitute in Bayer Leverkusen’s 3-2 loss to Werder Bremen, continuing his steady return from injury.
As AFCON looms, these performances offer optimism for Nigeria’s prospects. With form peaking at the right time, national team selectors have plenty to consider.
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