The spotlight was on Nigerian goalkeepers this weekend, as they played crucial roles in their teams’ performances abroad. ABIODUN ADEWALE reports on their standout displays.
France
Moses Simon (Nantes)
After reaching a milestone of 150 Ligue 1 appearances, Moses Simon continued his playmaking prowess in Nantes’ 2-2 draw against St. Etienne. Despite his efforts, which included two goals and two assists this season, Simon couldn’t add to his tally in the exciting match.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC)
In a dominant 8-0 victory over Le Havre, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was pivotal, making eight saves. This match marked her first clean sheet of the league season and her fourth overall, showcasing a stark improvement after a disappointing UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifier against Manchester City, where they lost 8-0 on aggregate.
Italy
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio)
Despite scoring and assisting in Lazio’s 3-0 UEFA Europa League win against Dynamo Kyiv, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was an unused substitute in Lazio’s 3-2 win over Torino. He has yet to find the net in three Serie A appearances this season.
The Netherlands
Chuba Akpom (Ajax)
Chuba Akpom was benched again as Ajax secured a 2-0 win over Waalwijk. He contributed for 36 minutes without influencing the scoreline.
Spain
Chidera Ejuke & Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla)
The Nigerian duo started for Sevilla in a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao. Ejuke assisted Sevilla’s goal with a crucial cross that was deflected into the net by Bilbao’s keeper deep in stoppage time.
Rinsola Babajide & Gift Monday (Tenerife)
Babajide and Monday also featured in the starting lineup for Tenerife, facing Real Madrid Women at home.
England
Toni Payne (Everton)
Midfielder Toni Payne made her second appearance for Everton in a 1-0 loss to Manchester United, coming off the bench in the 64th minute.
Scotland
Cyriel Dessers & Leon Balogun (Rangers)
Dessers started on the bench as Rangers narrowly beat Hibernian 1-0. Balogun remained an unused substitute. Dessers has netted three goals and provided one assist in six league matches this season.
South Africa
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United)
Nwabali maintained a solid performance with one clean sheet in four Premier League matches, conceding one goal in Chippa’s 2-1 win over TS Galaxy.
Turkey
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Osimhen opened his account for Galatasaray with two goals in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Kasımpaşa, ending a three-game drought since joining on loan from Napoli.
Kenneth Omeruo (Kasımpaşa)
Omeruo returned from injury, playing 61 minutes and helping Kasımpaşa come back from a 3-0 deficit to secure a draw.
Saudi Arabia
William Troost-Ekong (Al Kholood)
Troost-Ekong scored his first goal for Al Kholood in a 4-2 defeat against Al Hilal, converting a late penalty to reduce the deficit.
England
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
Ndidi had a mixed day, providing an assist but also scoring an own goal in Leicester’s 4-2 loss to Arsenal.
Taiwo Awoniyi & Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
The duo faced their first defeat of the season in a 1-0 loss to Fulham, where Awoniyi made his first league start.
Josh Maja & Ajayi (West Brom)
Maja scored his seventh goal of the season, but West Brom fell 3-2 to Sheffield Wednesday.
Maduka Okoye (Udinese)
Okoye made four saves in a 3-2 loss to Inter Milan.
Adeola Lookman (Atalanta)
Lookman played as a striker but failed to score in a 1-1 draw against Bologna.
Chrysantus Uche (Getafe)
Uche contributed to Getafe’s first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Alaves amid ongoing discussions about racism in football.
Abdulrahman Taiwo (FK Auda)
Taiwo scored twice, leading FK Auda to a 3-2 victory over Valmiera, boosting his tally to six goals in seven matches this season.
