Weekend Roundup: Nigerian Players in Europe – Goals, Assists, and Record Breakers
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Building on great showings from last week, this week delivered even more remarkable moments with several Nigerian players finding the back of the net or contributing to their team’s success.
It’s safe to say that it’s rare for a week to pass without a Nigerian player scoring or assisting. They are simply a force to be reckoned with.
Here are the top Nigerian players who stood out with their performances this week, either by scoring or assisting:
Genk’s Tolu Toluwalase Arokodare. (Photo by JOHAN EYCKENS / BELGA MAG / Belga via AFP)
It’s only a matter of time before Tolu Arokodare earns his first call-up to the national team.
The 23-year-old striker is in scintillating form for Genk.
In Genk’s commanding 4-0 win over Dender in the Belgian Pro League, Arokodare opened the scoring with a goal in the 23rd minute.
He’s now scored 6 goals in 8 games this season, solidifying his reputation as one of the hottest forwards in Europe right now.
Akor Jerome Adams during the Ligue 1 match between Montpellier and Auxerre at Stade de la Mosson. (Photo by Sylvain Thomas/FEP/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Former Flying Eagles star Akor Adams was the star of the show, netting twice in Montpellier’s thrilling comeback win over AJ Auxerre.
Montpellier came from a goal down to beat the newly-promoted side 3-2 in their French Ligue 1 clash on Sunday, with Adams inspiring the turnaround.
The 24-year-old forward’s brace helped Montpellier secure their first win after five attempts in the 2024/25 season. Adams now has 3 goals and 1 assist in 5 appearances this season.
Nantes’ Nigerian forward Moses Simon (L) fights for the ball with Angers’ Haitian defender Carlens Arcus. (Photo by JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER / AFP)
Moses Simon is currently enjoying one of the best forms of his career.
During Nantes’ 1-1 draw with Angers SCO, Simon set a new club record with his 29th assist, surpassing the late Emiliano Sala to become the club’s most decisive player since their promotion to Ligue 1 in 2013.
The Super Eagles winger, who has also scored 2 goals this season, contributed significantly to Nantes’ attack, playing all 90 minutes, completing 76% of his passes, and delivering two accurate crosses.
Victor Boniface (r) celebrates his goal to make it 4-3. (Photo by Federico Gambarini/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Once again, Victor Boniface was the hero for Bayer Leverkusen.
The Nigerian striker netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner in Leverkusen’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Wolfsburg.
This marks his third Bundesliga goal of the season. Boniface, who made a spectacular UEFA Champions League debut last week, now has 4 goals and 1 assist across all competitions this season.
Alex Iwobi runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Lewis Hall during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Newcastle United at Craven Cottage. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
In England, Alex Iwobi reached a significant milestone, surpassing Nwankwo Kanu’s assist record – in the EPL – during Fulham’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle.
Iwobi set up Emile Smith Rowe for Fulham’s second goal, marking his 30th Premier League assist, surpassing Kanu’s record of 29.
The former Arsenal player now has 1 goal and 1 assist for Fulham this season.
Victor Osimhen (L) controls the ball during the Turkish Super lig football match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray at Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)
Victor Osimhen continues to impress in his new chapter with Galatasaray.
In their clash against José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, Osimhen provided a brilliant assist in the 28th minute to give Galatasaray the lead.
While he didn’t score, Osimhen’s all-around play was crucial in his team’s success, proving he’s more than just a goal-scorer.
Cyriel Dessers celebrates after scoring against Dundee at Ibrox Stadium. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Cyriel Dessers delivered a standout performance in the Scottish Cup, scoring twice as Rangers cruised to a 3-0 win over Dundee in the quarter-finals.
The Super Eagles forward has been on fire this season, amassing 7 goals and 3 assists in 9 appearances.
Despite his exclusion from Nigeria’s recent AFCON qualifiers, Dessers will hope to earn a recall for the October fixtures after such a strong start to the season.
