Nigeria have several high-profile international players performing in Europe’s best leagues.
With all the major leagues kicking off over the past two weekends, there have been some players who have really impressed and performed above expectations.
Here, we look at the progress of five of the top Super Eagles players.
Alex Iwobi, Everton
Alex Iwobi has changed his career over the past 18 months since he has offered his versatility where he can play in a slightly deeper role in the heart of midfield.
The Nigerian chipped in with nine goal contributions last term in the league in a struggling Everton side. This season, he has started the first two matches which both ended in disappointing defeats but he was forced off due to injury against Aston Villa, so he will be a major loss for Sean Dyche if out for an extended period of time.
Taiwo Awoniyi, Nottingham Forest
Taiwo Awoniyi was the club’s top goal scorer last term in the English Premier League with 10 goals in 27 games and he has continued his form this term after finding the back of the net in both of the opening two games.
The 26-year-old striker has been in and out of the starting XI for Forrest since his arrival but started and scored against Sheffield United on Friday and he will be hoping that he has cemented his place in the side with his recent goal scoring form.
Ademola Lookman, Atalanta
Ademola Lookman signed for Serie A outfit Atalanta at the start of last season and was in fine form after he scored 13 goals and chipped in with six assists in 31 league games.
The Nigerian winger started in Atalanta’s first game of the 2023/24 season at the weekend and helped them beat Sassuolo 2-0 and this season he will be hoping that he can replicate how important he was for the Italian side last campaign.
Victor Osimhen, Napoli
Victor Osimhen has become one of the most sought after forwards in world football over the past few seasons and he found the back of the net twice in Napoli’s opening game of 2023/24 against Frosinone this weekend.
Despite several top clubs showing great interest in Osimhen, Napoli stayed strong and rejected the offers made to them, including a £120m bid from Al Hilal.
Calvin Bassey, Fulham
Calvin Bassey made the switch to the Premier League this summer from Ajax but has had to wait patiently on the bench in the opening two fixtures of the campaign.
The defender was subbed on against Brentford in the 67th minute after Tim Ream got sent off but couldn’t stop a 3-0 home defeat, although he could be handed his first start for his new club at the weekend against Arsenal.
EPL matchday two gets completed tonight as Crystal Palace host Arsenal. Bet on the match at Bet9ja!
