As Nigeria prepares for its crucial World Cup qualifiers later this month, Super Eagles players and emerging stars showcased top form across Europe and beyond, offering optimism for coach Finidi George and fans eager for a strong campaign.
From Spain to Scotland, England, and North Africa, several Nigerian footballers were decisive for their clubs, delivering goals, assists, and match-winning performances over the weekend.
In Spain, Barcelona’s unbeaten La Liga run came to a crashing halt at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, where Sevilla stunned the Catalan side 4–1. The victory was powered by a Nigerian connection Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams combined brilliantly for the final goal. Ejuke’s precise cross found Adams, who calmly slotted home in stoppage time to seal the win.
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Adams, who has now scored in back-to-back league matches, said before the clash that he felt confident against Barcelona’s defence. “I think I can score in every game if I have the opportunities,” he declared and he proved it. His growing confidence and clinical finishing could earn him a recall to Nigeria’s national team.
In Scotland, Kelechi Iheanacho continued his fine start to life at Celtic, scoring from the penalty spot in a thrilling 3–2 victory over Motherwell. The former Leicester City striker has now bagged three goals and one assist in six games, becoming a key figure in Celtic’s attack. His sharpness and leadership up front could prove invaluable as the Super Eagles prepare for their next fixtures.
Across the Women’s Super League in England, Chiamaka Nnadozie impressed once again despite Brighton’s 1–0 defeat to Tottenham. The Nigerian goalkeeper made six crucial saves to keep her side in contention and earned praise from pundits for her reflexes and composure. Recently ranked among the top five goalkeepers in the world and nominated for the Yachine Trophy, Nnadozie’s consistency continues to raise Nigeria’s flag high in women’s football.
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In the English Championship, Femi Azeez starred for Millwall in their commanding 3–0 win over West Brom. The winger assisted the opening goal before scoring a fine solo effort, earning Man of the Match honours. Meanwhile, David Akintola netted his first goal of the season for Hull City, securing a narrow 1–0 win over Sheffield United. Defender Semi Ajayi also returned from injury, helping the Tigers keep a clean sheet.
Elsewhere in Algeria, Sikiru Alimi was the hero for JS Saoura, scoring twice — including a dramatic stoppage-time winner in their 3–2 triumph over Olympique Akbou. In Poland, Samuel Akere continued his impressive run for Widzew Łódź, registering an assist and creating several chances in their 4–2 win against KS Nieciecza.
From Ejuke’s creative spark in Spain to Nnadozie’s brilliance in England, Nigerian footballers are delivering standout performances ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. Their form provides a major morale boost for the Super Eagles, whose next challenge will test both their depth and determination on the international stage.