The weekend delivered plenty for Nigerian football fans, with Super Eagles stars making their mark across Europe. From stunning goals and match-winning performances to a Premier League debut and a strong return from WAFCON duty, several Nigerians had reasons to celebrate.
Tella and Ejuke Make Their Mark
Nathan Tella opened his account for the new season in emphatic fashion as Bayer Leverkusen cruised past Wehen Wiesbaden 4-0 in the first round of the DFB Pokal.
The Nigerian winger came off the bench in the 65th minute and needed only four minutes to get on the score-sheet. His goal put Leverkusen 3-0 ahead before Christian Kofane completed the rout.
Patrik Schick had given Leverkusen the lead shortly before half-time, while Lucas Vazquez added a second two minutes after the restart. Victor Boniface remained an unused substitute.
In Spain, Chidera Ejuke also returned to action with a spectacular goal as Sevilla defeated Athletic Club 3-1 at San Mamés.
Ejuke, introduced at half-time, doubled Sevilla’s advantage in the 50th minute with a delicate chip over Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón. The goal capped a dramatic return for the winger, who had been left out of Sevilla’s final pre-season tour leg amid a potential move to Belgian club Anderlecht.
With the transfer talks breaking down, Ejuke was reinstated and quickly reminded Sevilla supporters of what he can offer.
The victory also moved Sevilla to the top of LaLiga with six points from their opening two matches.
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Yohanna Makes Premier League Debut
Another Nigerian youngster made history over the weekend as Zadok Yohanna made his Premier League debut for Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 19-year-old came on in the 78th minute during Brighton’s 4-0 victory over Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium.
Yohanna’s debut marks another major step in a rapid rise that has taken him from academy football in Nigeria to the Premier League in just over a year. Brighton signed him from Swedish club AIK Stockholm on a five-year contract after he scored five goals in 18 appearances for the Swedish side.
The youngster was handed the No. 36 shirt and retained his place in Brighton’s first-team plans despite speculation that he could leave on loan.
Elsewhere in England, Nigerian players continued to feature across Europe’s major leagues.
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Chukwueze, Lookman and Adams Feature Across Europe
Samuel Chukwueze was one of the weekend’s standout performers in Serie A, earning the Man of the Match award after AC Milan defeated Torino 2-1.
Operating in a wing-back role, Chukwueze provided the assist for Adrien Rabiot’s second-half goal. He also created four chances and recorded nine touches in the opposition box as Milan secured the victory.
Ademola Lookman made his second consecutive LaLiga start for Atletico Madrid as they drew 2-2 with Villarreal. The Nigerian forward also started Atletico’s opening-day win over Malaga as he continues to establish himself in Diego Simeone’s side.
In Italy, Akor Adams completed his Serie A debut for Venezia but could not prevent his new club from losing 2-0 at home to Lecce. Adams played the full match after completing his permanent move from Sevilla in July.
Kevin Akpoguma was an unused substitute as Frosinone lost 1-0 to Juventus, while Paul Onuachu started for Trabzonspor in their 2-1 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir. Onuachu, who finished last season with 22 league goals and shared the Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot, was unable to find the net.
For Nigerian footballers across Europe, the weekend offered a mixture of goals, assists, debuts and promising starts to new campaigns.
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