By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
It was a weekend to remember for Nigerian stars across Europe as several Super Eagles players delivered standout performances just days before the Africa Cup of Nations. Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, and others found the back of the net, sending strong signals of readiness ahead of the continental showpiece. From Italy to Spain, and beyond, the goals poured in, while others like Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi impressed with crucial contributions for their clubs.
Czech Republic:
Nigerian forward Rafiu Durosinmi delivered a standout performance for Viktoria Plzeň in their 2–0 victory over Dukla Praha on December 14, 2025, in the Czech First League. Durosinmi opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a remarkable solo effort, marking his seventh league goal of the season.
The goal was a testament to Durosinmi’s skill and composure. He utilized his strength to fend off a defender, maneuvered past two more with close control, and executed a delicate lob over the advancing goalkeeper.
This latest goal brings Durosinmi’s tally to 13 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions for the season, including:
– 7 goals in the Czech First League
– 2 goals in the UEFA Europa League
– 2 goals in UEFA Champions League qualifiers
– 2 goals in the Czech Cup
Durosinmi’s consistent scoring and dynamic play have been instrumental in Viktoria Plzeň’s campaign, highlighting his importance to the team’s attacking prowess.
Croatia:
SALIM FAGO LAWAL SCORES EARLY BEFORE FOG FORCES NK ISTRA VS RIJEKA ABANDONMENT
Newly invited Super Eagles striker Salim Fago Lawal was on the scoresheet just five minutes into NK Istra 1961’s league clash against Rijeka before thick fog led to the match being abandoned.
The Nigerian capitalized on a goalkeeper error to tap in his 5th league goal of the season and 7th across all competitions. A new date for the fixture will be announced later.
Lawal is now set to join the Super Eagles camp ahead of their friendly against Egypt.
Italy: Serie A
GIFT ORBAN STRIKES TWICE OFF THE BENCH TO SEAL VERONA COMEBACK WIN OVER FIORENTINA
Super sub Gift Orban delivered a stunning brace to help Hellas Verona overturn a deficit and beat Fiorentina 2–1 in dramatic fashion.
Coming on in the second half, the Nigerian striker scored twice to earn Man of the Match honors and secure all three points for his side.
Orban now has 4 goals in 12 games since joining Verona on loan from Hoffenheim.
Spain: La Liga
AKOR ADAMS MASTERCLASS, EJUKE STRIKES AS SEVILLA THRASH OVIEDO 4–0 IN AFCON SEND-OFF
Akor Adams signed off in style with a goal and two assists, while Chidera Ejuke also found the net as Sevilla crushed Real Oviedo 4–0.
Adams was named Man of the Match after a dominant 90-minute display, leading the line with precision and power.
Both players now head to AFCON on a high, full of confidence for Nigeria’s campaign.
England: Premier League
Super Eagles Trio Shine as Fulham Secure Historic Win at Burnley
Fulham ended a 74-year winless streak at Turf Moor with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Burnley, thanks to standout performances from Nigerian internationals Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi.
Calvin Bassey scored his first Premier League goal of the season, heading home from a Harry Wilson corner to restore Fulham’s lead in the first half.
Samuel Chukwueze provided the assist for Fulham’s third goal, setting up Harry Wilson during a swift counterattack.
Alex Iwobi delivered a composed performance in midfield, contributing to Fulham’s attacking transitions and ball retention throughout the match.
This victory lifts Fulham to 13th place in the Premier League, providing a morale boost as Bassey, Chukwueze, and Iwobi prepare to join Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
TOLU AROKODARE SCORES FIRST PREMIER LEAGUE GOAL IN DRAMATIC LATE LOSS TO ARSENAL
Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare netted his debut Premier League goal for Wolverhampton Wanderers in a dramatic 2–1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Coming off the bench in the 79th minute, Arokodare headed home a 90th-minute equaliser from a Mateus Mane cross, momentarily securing a 1–1 draw.
However, Wolves’ hopes were dashed in stoppage time when Yerson Mosquera inadvertently scored an own goal, handing Arsenal the win.
Post-match, Arokodare expressed his frustration: “It’s hurtful. It’s been happening to us the whole season. We played the whole 90 minutes very well, and at the end we always concede.”
Despite the loss, Arokodare’s performance was a positive note for Wolves, who remain at the bottom of the Premier League table. [2]
Israel:
AFCON-Bound Usman Mohammed Sees Red in Ironi Tiberias Defeat
Super Eagles midfielder Usman Mohammed was sent off in Ironi Dorot Tiberias’ 2-0 loss to Hapoel Haifa, picking up two yellow cards in four minutes.
The 31-year-old had 49 touches, one dribble, and two tackles before his 66th-minute dismissal.
Mohammed’s discipline is now a concern ahead of AFCON, with 10 yellow cards and one red in just 16 league appearances, despite registering one goal this season.
Turkey:
Osimhen Strikes Again!
Victor Osimhen fires Galatasaray’s third in their 3–0 win over Antalyaspor!
The Nigerian forward nets his 6th league goal of the season, a perfect AFCON send-off.
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