Payne shines for Everton; Babajide, Monday beat Sevilla; Boniface, Kayode impress

Posted : 03 February 2025

On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Nigerian footballers around the globe delivered some thrilling performances across multiple leagues. Here are the key highlights from that action-packed day.

Toni Payne was at the heart of Everton’s resounding 4-1 victory over Leicester City in the Women’s Super League. The Super Falcons forward assisted on two goals, helping Everton secure their third win of the season. After Leicester’s Shannon O’Brien canceled out Odette Gago’s opener, Payne set up Katja Snoeijs for the lead and then assisted Gago for her second goal in the 69th minute, solidifying the win.

In Spain, Nigeria’s Rinsola Babajide and Gift Monday led UD Tenerife to a dominant 2-0 victory over Sevilla. Babajide scored in the 9th minute and then set up Monday for her goal just after halftime. Monday’s strike was her sixth in five consecutive games, cementing her status as one of the top forwards in Spain.

Meanwhile, in the Spanish Primera División Femenina, two top Nigerian talents, Edna Imade and Rasheedat Ajibade, played against each other at the Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes, but neither side could find the back of the net as Granada and Atlético Madrid drew 0-0.

In Germany, Victor Boniface made an impressive return for Bayer Leverkusen after a long injury layoff, scoring in their 3-1 win over Hoffenheim. Boniface opened the scoring in the 15th minute, his seventh Bundesliga goal this season. Leverkusen looked in control with additional goals from Jeremie Frimpong and Patrik Schick, although Hoffenheim pulled one back through Gift Orban, who reduced the deficit after coming on as a substitute.

In Turkey, Fenerbahçe managed a dramatic comeback against Rizespor, who were initially 2-0 up thanks to goals from Ali Sowe, assisted by Nigerian duo Ibrahim Olawoyin and David Akintola. However, Olawoyin’s red card for a penalty foul changed the game. Edin Džeko converted the penalty and later scored again, while Youssef En-Nesyri sealed the win for Fenerbahçe, who are now just three points behind Super Lig leaders Galatasaray.

Meanwhile, in Turkey’s Lig 1, Olanrewaju Kayode helped Esenler Erokspor secure a 1-1 draw against Boluspor, contributing with an assist. Recently promoted Uchenna Ogundu, who replaced Kayode at Şanlıurfaspor, also made an immediate impact, assisting in a 92nd-minute winner for his side against İstanbulspor, lifting Şanlıurfaspor out of the relegation zone.

It was a day of strong performances from Nigerian players across Europe, with Boniface, Babajide, and others continuing to make their mark in their respective leagues.

Payne shines for Everton; Babajide, Monday beat Sevilla; Boniface, Kayode impress

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics