Top Nigerian Footballers Excelling Abroad: Lookman, Sadiq, Iheanacho And Others

According to Ireporter Online, Nigerian footballers delivered impactful performances across Europe last weekend, contributing crucial goals, assists, and title-chasing efforts as the season nears its conclusion.

In Spain, Ademola Lookman maintained his impressive run of form for Atlético Madrid, netting the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Girona. The strike marked his second consecutive La Liga goal, a personal milestone in his current purple patch. Since joining from Atalanta in February, Lookman has scored four goals in 11 league appearances and has also played a significant role in Atlético Madrid’s progress to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and the Copa del Rey final.

Umar Sadiq also made a notable contribution from the bench as Valencia edged Real Sociedad 4-3 at Anoeta, with the striker featuring for 17 minutes against his former club. Since making his permanent move, he has recorded four goals and two assists in 19 league outings.

At Sevilla, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke were involved in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid. Adams completed the full match but could not extend his tally of 10 league goals, while Ejuke was introduced in the second half, playing the final 37 minutes.

In Turkey, Paul Onuachu concluded the Super Lig season as joint top scorer despite drawing a blank in Trabzonspor’s 3-0 loss to Gençlerbirliği. The forward shared the Golden Boot with Eldor Shomurodov after both finished on 22 goals, with Onuachu achieving the feat in just 29 appearances.

In England, Taiwo Awoniyi featured for 21 minutes in Nottingham Forest’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, bringing his season tally to four goals and one assist, as the club secured Premier League survival with 43 points. Tolu Arokodare also made his 32nd league appearance for Wolves in their 1-1 draw with Fulham, finishing the campaign with three goals and one assist.

In Scotland, Kelechi Iheanacho celebrated a league triumph with Celtic as they secured the Scottish Premiership title following a 3-1 comeback win over Hearts. Iheanacho, who came on after the break, became only the second Nigerian to win the Scottish top-flight title. He also ended the campaign with eight goals, surpassing Efe Ambrose’s previous Nigerian record in the competition.

In Italy, Maduka Okoye conceded early against Cremonese shortly after recently becoming the first Nigerian goalkeeper since Vincent Enyeama to record 10 clean sheets in a single top-five European league season. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru played 29 minutes in Lazio’s derby defeat to Roma, while Ebenezer Akinsanmiro featured for Pisa in their relegation setback.

In Belgium, Raphael Onyedika celebrated as Club Brugge secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Royale Union SG, a result that strengthened their position at the top of the league table with two matches remaining.