Lookman, Iheanacho And Others Shine As Nigerian Footballer Stars Abroad

Nigerian footballers continued to impress across Europe over the weekend, delivering crucial goals, assists and standout performances as leagues approach their final stages.

In Spain, Ademola Lookman maintained his fine form for Atletico Madrid by scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Girona. The strike marked his second consecutive La Liga goal since joining the Spanish side from Atalanta in February.

The forward has now scored four goals in 11 league appearances and has become an important figure in Atletico Madrid’s strong campaign, which includes a run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and the Copa del Rey final.

Fellow Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq also made an impact in Spain during Valencia’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Real Sociedad at Anoeta. Sadiq featured for 17 minutes against his former club and now boasts four goals and two assists in 19 league outings since sealing a permanent move.

At Sevilla, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke were in action during their narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid. Adams completed the full match but was unable to add to his 10-goal tally, while Ejuke came on in the second half.

In Turkey, Paul Onuachu ended the Super Lig season as joint top scorer despite Trabzonspor’s 3-0 loss to Genclerbirligi. The Nigerian striker shared the Golden Boot with Eldor Shomurodov after both players finished with 22 league goals. Remarkably, Onuachu reached the feat in just 29 matches.

In the English Premier League, Taiwo Awoniyi featured in Nottingham Forest’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. The striker has recorded four goals and one assist this season, helping Forest secure safety from relegation.

Meanwhile, Tolu Arokodare made his 32nd league appearance for Wolves in their 1-1 draw against Fulham and has contributed three goals and one assist this campaign.

In Scotland, Kelechi Iheanacho celebrated winning the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership title with Celtic after the club fought back to defeat Hearts 3-1. Iheanacho came on after halftime and became only the second Nigerian player to win the Scottish top-flight title.

The striker also surpassed former Celtic defender Efe Ambrose’s goal tally at the club after scoring eight times this season despite featuring in fewer matches.

Elsewhere in Italy, Maduka Okoye conceded early against Cremonese shortly after becoming the first Nigerian goalkeeper since Vincent Enyeama to register 10 clean sheets in a top-five European league season.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru featured for Lazio in their derby defeat to Roma, while Ebenezer Akinsanmiro was in action for Pisa as the club missed out on top-flight football.

In Belgium, Raphael Onyedika helped Club Brugge secure a dominant 5-0 victory over Royale Union SG, a result that pushed the club four points clear at the top of the table with two games left to play.