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As the 2025/26 season gathers steam across Europe, Nigerian footballers are once again making their mark on some of the world’s biggest stages. From the English Premier League to the Turkish Super Lig, the weekend served up moments of brilliance, mixed fortunes, and reminders of just how influential Super Eagles players have become abroad.
Fulham’s Super Eagles shine
At Craven Cottage in England, Alex Iwobi reminded everyone why he is Fulham’s creative heartbeat. Against Manchester United, the 28-year-old was everywhere, linking play, driving forward, and ultimately providing the assist that allowed Emile Smith Rowe to cancel out United’s opener. His three attempts on goal showed his growing confidence, and with nine goals and seven assists since last season, no Fulham player has been more productive.
Calvin Bassey was just as involved, holding his own in defence for 90 minutes. Though he conceded a penalty, Bruno Fernandes’ miss spared his blushes. Remarkably, in their last five games against United, all four Fulham goals have involved either Iwobi or Bassey, underscoring the Nigerians’ influence.
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Across London, Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina put in a typically hardworking performance in the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. Strong in tackles and neat in possession, he capped his day with a yellow card, the price of his relentless commitment. Taiwo Awoniyi, however, was a notable absentee, left out of Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad. Frank Onyeka came in as a sub for Brentford in their 1-0 win against Aston Villa.
Another for Osimhen & elsewhere in Europe
The weekend also marked the return of Victor Osimhen to the scoresheet. Leading the line for Galatasaray, the former Napoli Man struck late against Kayserispor, guiding in Nicolo Zaniolo’s cross for his first league goal of the campaign. With six shots in total, Osimhen looked sharp and determined to write a new chapter in Turkey after a successful loan spell.
Also in turkey, , Paul Onuachu started for his new club Trabzonspor, playing 89 minutes in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Antalyaspor. Though limited to just one shot, his presence gave the team a focal point in attack.
Elsewhere, fortunes varied. Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers missed out through injury as the Scottish giants’ poor start continued. Henry Onyekuru was also absent from Genclerbirligi’s 2-1 defeat in Turkey. In Portugal, Zaidu Sanusi returned to FC Porto’s line-up, featuring in their 4-0 win over Casa Pia — his third league appearance of the season.
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Veteran defender Kenneth Omeruo did not feature in CFR Cluj’s heavy defeat in Romania, while Chidozie Awaziem played all 90 minutes for Nantes in France, albeit in a losing cause against Strasbourg.
From London to Istanbul, Porto to Paris, Nigerian footballers continue to be central figures in their clubs’ stories. For Iwobi, it was another demonstration of his creative evolution; for Osimhen, the promise of another prolific campaign. Others like Onuachu and Sanusi showed their resilience, even as injuries and selection issues tested the depth of Nigeria’s talent pool.
As the season takes shape and the season also heading to international break in weeks, one thing is clear: wherever football is played at the highest level, the green-white-green is being proudly represented.
