The first international break of the 2024/25 football season is upon us, offering a natural pause from club competitions as a variety of international tournaments take place, from the UEFA Nations League to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
This break offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on how Nigeria’s football stars have fared so far for their respective clubs. From thrilling goals and assists to rock-solid defensive performances, here’s a look at how these Super Eagles have started the new campaign:
Alex Iwobi
Iwobi has been one of Fulham’s best performers in the opening matches of their season, including scoring the winning goal in the 70th minute of their match against Leicester City on matchday two of the English Premier League season.
The winger/midfielder has made an impressive 1.0 key passes per game in the first three Premier League matches, something that could be vital for Nigeria if they are to create chances for their strikers to help get them off to a good start in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Lazio’s new number seven is gradually growing into his new side after moving to Italy from Hatayspor during the summer, starting two of the first three Serie A fixtures.
The midfielder, who has made just two appearances for Nigeria – scoring a goal in that time, was particularly impressive on his debut for Lazio and has already shown his strong attacking and defensive abilities in his first three appearances.
Dele-Bashiru has an outstanding 96.9% pass accuracy, ranking in the top three per cent of Serie A midfielders, while also making 1.70 dribbles, 1.13 tackles and 7.36 recoveries per 90 minutes, marking an impressive start to life at his new club.
Wilfred Ndidi
While Leicester are yet to win a game since returning to the Premier League this campaign, only drawing with Tottenham Hotspur and losing their other two league fixtures, Ndidi has been a shining light in all of their matches.
He opened his scoring account for the season with a goal against Tranmere Rovers in the EFL Cup and got his first assist of the season for Facundo Buonanotte to equalise in their eventual defeat to Aston Villa.
The midfielder has already shown his immense defensive qualities, making 2.3 tackles and 4.3 ball recoveries per game, while also demonstrating his ability on the ball with important passes, an assist and a goal.
Moses Simon
Simon had his worst season for Nantes since joining the club in 2019/20 last year, though that was largely down to breaking his fibula in March, an injury that meant he missed a large part of the campaign.
Despite featuring just 22 times across all competitions, the forward still scored three and assisted five, and Simon looks back at his best at the beginning of this term. He has already scored twice in three Ligue 1 matches for Nantes, helping his side to remain unbeaten with two wins and a draw from their opening three matches.
That form could earn him a place in Nigeria’s starting team for these upcoming qualifiers, providing an attacking threat to secure crucial points in the Super Eagles’s attempts to improve their recent poor form.
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