Top 10: Iwobi, Chukwuemeka, Okoye shine for Nigeria’s best

Posted : 07 April 2025

Over the weekend, Nigerian football stars took center stage in some of Europe's top leagues, showcasing their immense talent. From the Premier League to La Liga, players with Nigerian roots made significant impacts, proving their worth across the globe. Whether playing for clubs in England, Spain, or even in Saudi Arabia, these players demonstrated a mix of technical excellence, determination, and match-winning abilities.

Among the standout performers was Alex Iwobi, who played a pivotal role in Fulham's 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Craven Cottage. Iwobi's presence was felt from the first whistle as he assisted in bringing Fulham back into the game, scoring a stunning goal to put them ahead. He also provided the assist for Rodrigo Muniz’s goal. His all-around performance, which included 45 touches, 19 completed passes, and a solid defensive shift, earned him the well-deserved man of the match award.

In the same match, Calvin Bassey delivered an equally impressive performance for Fulham in defense. The Nigerian center-back was a commanding presence, preventing Liverpool's Mohamed Salah from getting a shot on target. Bassey made five clearances, blocked a shot, and completed three tackles, proving his defensive prowess. His performance was especially significant after being benched for the previous match against Arsenal, making this his statement return to the starting lineup.

Christantus Uche, a young Nigerian talent at Getafe, was another standout. The 21-year-old midfielder was instrumental in Getafe’s dominant 4-0 win over Real Valladolid. Uche provided two assists, created several chances, and displayed impressive work rate off the ball, winning duels and tackles. His maturity on the pitch, particularly in his first La Liga season, signals a bright future for both Getafe and the Nigerian national team.

Kelechi Iheanacho's creative skills were on full display in Middlesbrough’s 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. Iheanacho played a key role in both goals, setting up Tommy Conway and Samuel Iling-Junior with well-timed passes. His ability to link up play and create scoring opportunities for his teammates was vital to the victory, showcasing his importance to the team as they chase promotion.

Carney Chukwuemeka also had a standout performance for Borussia Dortmund, marking his first start with a goal in their 4-1 win over Freiburg. The Chelsea loanee impressed with his confidence and composure in midfield, scoring from the edge of the box and completing two key passes. He won six duels and completed 20 of his 22 passes, further solidifying his potential for a bright international future with the Super Eagles.

Moses Simon continued his stellar form for Nantes, providing an assist in their 2-1 victory over Nice. His delivery for Douglas Augusto's opening goal was typical of his season, and his tireless work down the wing has been a key factor in Nantes’ success this year. With seven goals and nine assists, Simon is enjoying his best-ever season in Europe and remains one of Nigeria’s most reliable players.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was another Nigerian making a mark, playing an important role in Lazio’s 1-0 win over Atalanta. The midfielder, who was a surprise starter, provided the assist for the only goal of the game and displayed his excellent ball-carrying and defensive abilities. His performance was instrumental in securing a valuable win for Lazio and further solidified his reputation as a key figure in the team.

Despite Udinese’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Genoa, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was the standout player, making several crucial saves to keep his team in the game. His six saves, five of which came from inside the box, demonstrated his superb reflexes and positioning. Okoye’s consistent performances are putting him in contention for the Super Eagles’ starting goalkeeper role in upcoming international fixtures.

Saviour Godwin also had an important contribution in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, scoring the match-winning goal for Al Okhdood in a 1-0 victory over Al Orubah. His sharp finishing and composure under pressure helped secure three crucial points for his team. Godwin’s goal-scoring ability is becoming an essential asset for Al Okhdood as he continues to prove his worth in the league.

In South Africa, Chibuike Ohizu put in a memorable performance for Sekhukhune United in their 2-1 win over Cape Town City. Ohizu not only assisted the opening goal but also scored the decisive match-winner. His intelligent movement and calmness in front of goal demonstrated why he’s a player to watch, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Super Eagles scouts start taking note of his performances.

Top 10: Iwobi, Chukwuemeka, Okoye shine for Nigeria’s best

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