Monday scores 10th goal, Osimhen's match abandoned, Nnadozie shines

Posted : 10 February 2025

Nigerian footballers left their mark across Europe and beyond on Sunday, February 9, 2025, with standout performances in various club competitions. From England to Spain, Italy to Turkey, several Super Eagles and Super Falcons stars played key roles for their teams, showcasing their talents on the big stage.

In the FA Cup, it was a mixed day for Nigerian players. Rofiat Imuran and London City Lionesses suffered a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, while Toni Payne’s Everton fell 4-1 to Chelsea in the Women’s FA Cup. On the men’s side, Emmanuel Dennis made his debut for Blackburn Rovers but could not prevent their 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers, marking an early exit from the competition.

One of the biggest surprises of the FA Cup came from Plymouth Argyle, where Mohamed Tijani played a late role in his team's stunning 1-0 victory over Premier League leaders Liverpool. The upset was reminiscent of Wigan Athletic’s shock win over Manchester City in 2018, as the Championship’s bottom club advanced to the fifth round against all odds. In Spain, Christantus Uche helped Getafe secure a narrow 1-0 win at Deportivo Alavés, while Umar Sadiq came on as a substitute to help Valencia claim a 2-0 victory over Leganés. Meanwhile, Chidera Ejuke featured in Sevilla’s disappointing 4-1 defeat to Barcelona.

In the Spanish women’s league, Rinsola Babajide converted a crucial penalty and was named MVP in UD Tenerife’s thrilling 2-1 comeback win over Valencia. Gift Monday also netted a late winner, taking her league tally to 10 goals, making her the third-highest scorer in the division. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru continued his fine form in Italy, coming off the bench to score in Lazio’s commanding 5-1 win over Monza. The midfielder, on loan from Hatayspor, now boasts three Serie A goals along with two goals and two assists in the UEFA Europa League.

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie delivered another impressive performance, making key saves to help Paris FC secure a 2-0 victory over Dijon in the Coupe de France Féminine quarterfinals. With this win, Paris FC advanced to the semifinals, where they will face Le Havre. In Ligue 1, Nigerian defender Gabriel Osho returned to AJ Auxerre’s starting lineup and played an important role in a 2-2 draw with Toulouse.

Beyond the top European leagues, Nigerian players also made their presence felt. Jesse Sekidika scored the winning goal for Sabah in Azerbaijan’s Premyer Liqa, securing a 2-1 comeback victory against Turan. Samuel Akere found the net in Bulgaria, salvaging a point for Botev Plovdiv in a 1-1 draw with Hebar 1918. In Switzerland, Philip Otele scored a late consolation goal for Basel, though his side lost 2-1 to Servette.

Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen made headlines in Turkey, not for scoring but for allowing new signing Álvaro Morata to take a controversial penalty for Galatasaray against Adana Demirspor. The match was ultimately abandoned after Adana Demirspor walked off in protest over officiating decisions. Elsewhere in Turkey, Bright Osayi-Samuel featured for Fenerbahçe in their 2-0 win over Alanyaspor, ending speculation about his registration amid contract disputes. In Turkish Lig 1, Chukwuma Akabueze provided an assist in Şanlıurfaspor’s 3-2 loss to Bandırmaspor.

Monday scores 10th goal, Osimhen's match abandoned, Nnadozie shines

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