Nigerian footballers delivered another compelling weekend across Europe and beyond, with decisive goals, landmark moments and timely returns from injury and international duty shaping the headlines.

From the Premier League to Turkey, France, Italy and Saudi Arabia, the Super Eagles and Super Falcons contingent reminded everyone of their growing influence abroad.

The standout moments came from Taiwo Awoniyi, who finally ended a long scoring drought in England, and Victor Osimhen, who marked his return to club action by reaching a historic milestone in Turkey. Elsewhere, young talents and established names alike left their imprint, whether through goals, assists or influential cameos.

Awoniyi and Aina lift Forest in England

Nottingham Forest enjoyed a much-needed boost in the Premier League as Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina played central roles in a convincing 2-0 away win over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Both Nigerians registered their first direct goal contributions of the season, capping an assured team display that brought Forest their first victory in four matches after two draws and a defeat.

Aina, starting at right-back, was heavily involved in Forest’s opener. Under pressure near the touchline, he showed calm and awareness to loft a precise cross into the box. Igor Jesus did the rest, cushioning the ball on his chest before drilling a right-footed volley beyond Caoimhín Kelleher.

Awoniyi entered the fray in the 68th minute and needed just 11 minutes to seal the result. As Brentford pressed for an equaliser, Nikola Milenković intercepted play and Morgan Gibbs-White released the striker down the right. Awoniyi powered into the area, skipped past Van den Berg and slid a composed finish past Kelleher.

The goal carried extra significance. It was Awoniyi’s first for Forest since February 11, 2025, when he scored in a 2-2 FA Cup draw against Exeter, ending a frustrating run of 348 days and 29 matches without finding the net.

For Aina, who missed Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) bronze-winning campaign through injury, the performance flaunted his return to full fitness.

Elsewhere in England, Chrisantus Uche made his 11th Premier League appearance of the season, coming on in the 85th minute as Crystal Palace fell 3-1 at home to Chelsea. The midfielder had seven touches during his brief outing.

Mixed fortunes for Nigerian Footballers in France

In Ligue 1, Chidozie Awaziem returned to Nantes duty following the 2025 AFCON but endured a difficult afternoon as the Yellow Canaries lost 4-1 at home to Nice. Despite the heavy defeat, the Nigerian defender still made his mark.

After Nantes had fallen 3-0 behind, Awaziem provided the knockdown from a corner that allowed Mostafa Mohamed to head home a consolation goal. The assist took his season tally to one goal and one assist in 17 league appearances.

Terem Moffi remained unavailable for Nice, continuing his absence since the November 2025 incident in which he and Jérémie Boga were targeted by sections of the club’s supporters amid a run of poor results.

Both players sought redress and requested to leave the club, with Moffi now missing Nice’s last nine matches in all competitions after initially taking sick leave. Before the incident, the striker had scored twice in 10 appearances.

At Paris FC, Moses Simon was an unused substitute as his side played out a goalless home draw against Angers. Before leaving for the AFCON in Morocco, the winger had contributed three goals and two assists in 16 league matches.

Further down in Ligue 2, there was a bright Nigerian footballer moment as Hafiz Ibrahim scored the decisive goal in Stade de Reims’ 1-0 home win over Saint-Étienne. The 20-year-old played 76 minutes and now boasts six goal involvements this season, with five goals and one assist. The victory lifted Reims to third place on 35 points, six behind leaders Troyes.

Lookman returns as Atalanta cruise in Italy

Ademola Lookman made his return to Serie A action with a 13-minute appearance as Atalanta thrashed Parma 4-0. Having already provided an assist in midweek, the forward was eased back into domestic competition after a disrupted start to the campaign.

Transfer-related issues earlier in the season limited Lookman’s involvement, and he has so far recorded two goals in 12 league matches. However, his form at the international level was emphatic, as he starred for Nigeria at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco with four goals and three assists.

In the Italian women’s top flight, Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide and defender Shukurat Oladipo both came off the bench as AS Roma edged Genoa 1-0 away from home. The win extended Roma’s perfect league run to nine consecutive wins and opened up a seven-point lead at the summit.

Sor strikes in Belgium

Yira Sor was on target in Belgium, scoring his second league goal of the season as Genk were held to a 1-1 home draw by Cercle Brugge. The winger was lively throughout, attempting six shots, four of which were on target, and has now featured in 17 league matches this term.

Nigerian Footballers involved in Croatia’s upset

In Croatia, Istra 1961 claimed a notable 2-1 away win over Hajduk Split. One-cap Super Eagles midfielder Salim Lawal was named among the substitutes, while compatriot Israel Ayuma featured for 34 minutes.

Lawal has been in fine club form this season, contributing five goals and two assists in 17 league appearances. His performances earned him a place in Nigeria’s 28-man Africa Cup of Nations squad, and he made his senior debut in the 3–1 win over Uganda on December 30, 2025.

Goal fest in Turkey for Otu

Regina Otu found the net extraordinarily as Fenerbahçe Women demolished ALG Spor Women 18-0. The Nigerian midfielder scored the 16th goal of the game, with Maria Salas grabbing four and Yağmur Uraz completing a hat-trick in one of the most emphatic results of the season.

Osimhen hits a landmark on return

The headline act of the weekend for Nigerian footballers came in Turkey, where Victor Osimhen marked his return from the 2025 AFCON in style. The striker scored in Galatasaray’s 3-1 away win over Karagümrük, showing sharpness and composure despite missing more than seven league matches on international duty.

Osimhen’s close-range finish helped settle the game, and he played 79 minutes before making way for Kaan Ayhan. The goal took his season tally to seven in the league and 13 in all competitions, adding to six strikes in the Champions League.

More significantly, Osimhen reached 50 goals for Galatasaray since joining the club, highlighting his status as one of the most prolific forwards in the club’s recent history.

Nigerian Footballers: Adams, Ejuke and Iwobi are involved

In Spain, Akor Adams continued his impressive run for Sevilla, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 home victory over Athletic Bilbao. The Nigerian converted a 56th-minute penalty to complete the comeback, despite registering just 29 touches, the fewest of any outfield player.

The strike was his third in two league matches and lifted his overall tally to five goals and two assists in 15 appearances. Chidera Ejuke also featured, coming on in the 81st minute for Isaac Romero to make his 13th league appearance of the season.

Back in England, Fulham staged a thrilling comeback to beat Brighton 2-1 at Craven Cottage. Chukwueze, introduced in the 59th minute, made an immediate impact by scoring the equaliser in the 72nd minute after Yasin Ayari had opened the scoring.

His goal set the stage for Harry Wilson’s stoppage-time winner and took Chukwueze’s season tally to three goals and four assists. Alex Iwobi started the match and played 88 minutes, recording one shot, 62 touches and completing 38 of his 46 passes. Calvin Bassey was an unused substitute.