Nigerian footballers continue to make their mark on the global stage. From Spain to Germany, and across various leagues, the nation’s talents are leaving an indelible impression with their goal-scoring prowess and match-winning contributions.
At the Estadio Antonio Puchades in Valencia on Sunday, September 22, 2024, Rasheedat Ajibade put on a masterclass performance that left fans and pundits alike in awe. The Super Falcons captain was instrumental in Atletico Madrid’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Valencia, contributing two goals and an assist.
Ajibade’s first moment of brilliance came in the 15th minute when she set up Gabriela Garcia for Atletico’s opening goal. Not content with just creating, the 24-year-old Nigerian international found the back of the net twice herself. Her first goal, just before halftime, was a display of technical brilliance as she controlled a lofty pass with her chest before firing home from an acute angle.
“Ajibade’s performance today was simply world-class,” remarked Atletico Madrid coach Andrea Toril. “Her vision, her finishing – she’s becoming the complete player we always knew she could be.”
With four goal contributions in just two games this season, Ajibade is on track to surpass her impressive tally from the previous campaign, where she notched 10 goals and four assists in 30 appearances.
Boniface’s Last-Gasp Winner Thrills Leverkusen Faithful
Across in Germany, the BayArena in Leverkusen was the scene of high drama as Victor Boniface emerged as the hero for Bayer Leverkusen. In a pulsating encounter against Wolfsburg that ended 4-3, it was Boniface who had the final say, scoring a 93rd-minute winner that sent the home crowd into raptures.
The Nigerian striker, who has been in scintillating form since his arrival in the Bundesliga, pounced on a loose ball in the box and slammed it past the Wolfsburg goalkeeper to secure all three points for the champions.
Victor showed incredible composure in that moment,” Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso commented after the match. “To have that clarity of thought in the 93rd minute of such an intense game – that’s the mark of a top striker.”
Boniface’s winner not only sealed a crucial victory for Leverkusen but also set the perfect tone ahead of their highly anticipated clash with Bayern Munich next week. The striker now boasts an impressive tally of three goals and one assist in four league games this season.
Meanwhile, in Turkey, Victor Osimhen may still be searching for his first goal for Galatasaray, but his impact is already being felt. In a fiery Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce at the Ulker Stadyumu on Saturday, September 21, Osimhen played a pivotal role in Galatasaray’s 3-1 victory.
The Nigeria international showcased his creative side, providing a clever assist for former Napoli teammate Dries Mertens. Osimhen’s intelligent chest pass set up Mertens for a delightful chip over the onrushing goalkeeper, doubling Galatasaray’s lead.
Victor’s understanding of the game is exceptional,” Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk praised. “Even when he’s not scoring, he’s creating chances and causing havoc for opposition defenses.”
Premier League Nigerians Make Their Mark
The English Premier League also saw its fair share of Nigerian influence this weekend. At Craven Cottage, Alex Iwobi continued his fine form for Fulham, providing his 30th Premier League assist in a 3-1 victory over Newcastle United. The midfielder’s vision was on full display as he set up Emile Smith Rowe for Fulham’s second goal in the 22nd minute.
Iwobi’s teammate, Calvin Bassey, also put in a solid shift, playing the full 90 minutes as Fulham climbed to eighth in the table.
Alex and Calvin have been crucial to our strong start,” Fulham manager Marco Silva stated. “Their energy and quality are lifting the entire team.”
Elsewhere, Josh Maja’s clinical strike for West Bromwich Albion in their 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle helped maintain the Baggies’ position at the top of the Championship table.
The weekend also saw promising performances from emerging talents and seasoned professionals alike. In South Africa, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali continued his fine form, making four crucial saves to help Chippa United secure a 1-0 victory against Richards Bay.
In Scotland, Cyriel Dessers can’t stop scoring for Rangers, bagging a brace in their 3-0 League Cup win over Dundee FC. The striker has now netted seven goals across all competitions this season.
As another action-packed weekend of football draws to a close, it’s clear that Nigerian players continue to be a force to be reckoned with across Europe and beyond. From Ajibade’s dominance in Spain to Boniface’s heroics in Germany, and the consistent performances in the Premier League, Nigerian footballers are not just participating – they’re often leading the charge for their respective teams.
With the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon and World Cup qualifiers approaching, the form of these players bodes well for the Super Eagles. As they continue to shine on the global stage, the future of Nigerian football looks brighter than ever.
