Top 10: Nigeria’s best players at the weekend as Oyewusi, Ighalo, Dessers, Ajibade shine bright (VIDEOS)
It was another weekend of thrilling football action, with Nigerian stars lighting up pitches across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
From stunning goals to vital assists, these players showcased their incredible talents, making their mark for their respective clubs.
Leading the charge were Mathias Oyewusi, Odion Ighalo, Cyriel Dessers, and Rasheedat Ajibade, who delivered standout performances.
Soccernet.ng’s Imhons Erons take a look at the top 10 Nigerian players who stood out this weekend.
Mathias Oyewusi, Valenciennes 3 – 3 Concarneau
Mathias Oyewusi was in scintillating form for Valenciennes, contributing a goal and an assist in their thrilling 3-3 draw against Concarneau.
Oyewusi set up his team’s second goal and calmly converted a penalty to give Valenciennes a commanding 3-0 lead by the 36th minute. However, Concarneau mounted a remarkable comeback to share the points.
Odion Ighalo, Al Wehda 1 – 1 Al Faisaly (4-2 pens)
Odion Ighalo came off the bench to inspire Al Wehda to a penalty shootout victory over Al Faisaly in the Kings Cup of Champions.
After scoring a crucial equalizer, Ighalo converted his penalty to help his side win 4-2 in the shootout, advancing to the next round after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Josh Maja, West Brom 1-0 Plymouth
Josh Maja was the hero for West Bromwich Albion, scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Plymouth.
His sixth goal of the campaign extended West Brom’s unbeaten run and kept them at the top of the Sky Bet Championship.
Bede Osuji, Manisa FK 5 – 1 Yeni Malatyaspor
Bede Osuji produced a brilliant display for Manisa FK, scoring twice and assisting another goal in a commanding 5-1 victory over Yeni Malatyaspor.
Osuji’s goals were pivotal in securing the win, marking his first goals since joining the club in August.
Edna Imade, Granada 2 – 0 Eibar
Granada’s Edna Imade made a match-winning impact after coming off the bench, scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Eibar.
The Benin City-born forward netted her first brace for the club, helping them secure their first win of the season in the Primera División Femenina.
Viv Solomon-Otabor, Zhejiang 2 – 2 Cangzhou Mighty Lions
Viv Solomon-Otabor was the star for Cangzhou Mighty Lions, scoring two quickfire goals in the opening 24 minutes.
Despite his efforts, Zhejiang fought back to secure a 2-2 draw in the Chinese Super League clash.
Victor Boniface, Bayer Leverkusen 4 – 3 Wolfsburg
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface came off the bench to score Bayer Leverkusen’s winner in a seven-goal thriller against Wolfsburg.
Boniface’s late strike secured a 4-3 victory, continuing his impressive goal-scoring form with three goals in four league matches this season.
Cyriel Dessers, Rangers 3 – 0 Dundee
Cyriel Dessers was at his clinical best, scoring twice as Rangers eased past Dundee 3-0 in the Scottish Cup quarterfinals.
Dessers’ goals helped Philippe Clement’s side progress to the next round in style.
Rasheedat Ajibade, Valencia 0 – 4 Atlético Madrid
Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a stellar performance, scoring two goals and providing an assist in Atlético Madrid’s 4-0 win over Valencia.
The Super Falcons captain has now contributed four goal involvements in two games this season, underlining her importance to the team.
Akor Adams, Montpellier 3 – 2 Auxerre
Akor Adams stole the show with two goals in Montpellier’s comeback win over Auxerre.
The former Flying Eagles star scored the equalizer and the winning goal in a 3-2 victory, taking his tally to three goals in five league games.
Honourable Mentions
Victor Osimhen, Fenerbahce 1-3 Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen added another assist to his growing tally as Galatasaray overcame Fenerbahce 3-1 in the Turkish Super Lig.
The Nigerian striker, on loan from Napoli, provided a sublime assist for Dries Mertens, chesting down the ball before Mertens finished with composure.
Tolu Arokodare, Genk 4-0 Dender
Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive run of form, scoring his sixth league goal in eight appearances for Genk.
His contribution helped his team secure a commanding 4-0 win over Dender. Nigerian teammate Yira Sor also played a part, with one goal and four assists this season.
Moses Simon, Angers 1-1 Nantes
Moses Simon’s superb season for Nantes continued as he delivered an assist in their 1-1 draw against Angers.
Simon set up Johann Lepenant’s opening goal, bringing his tally to two goals and two assists this campaign.
Chinedu Geoffrey, Ordabasy 2-4 Astana
Chinedu Geoffrey made his mark in Kazakhstan, scoring twice as Astana triumphed 4-2 over Ordabasy.
The Lagos-born striker continues to shine in the Kazakhstan Premier League with his consistent performances.
NB: Who impressed you most? Leave your comments below, please.