Nigerian Stars Shine Abroad As Dele-Bashiru Scores, Roma Duo Clinch Double

According to Ireporter Online, several Nigerian footballers concluded their European club campaigns on a high note over the weekend, with standout performances, crucial goals, and trophy celebrations marking the final stretch of the season across top leagues.

In Italy, Super Falcons duo Rinsola Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo played key roles as AS Roma Women sealed a domestic double following a narrow 1-0 victory over Juventus Women in the Coppa Italia final at the Romeo Menti Stadium in Vicenza. Manuela Giugliano netted the decisive goal in the 80th minute to secure the cup after Roma had already clinched the Serie A Femminile title earlier in the month. While Babajide remained on the bench for the final, Oladipo delivered a solid defensive display to help preserve the lead until full-time. The Nigerian defender featured in 31 matches across all competitions, contributing to 11 clean sheets in 18 league appearances, alongside 70 clearances and 104 recoveries. Babajide, who recently joined Tenerife on a two-year deal, recorded one goal and three assists in 14 appearances across all competitions.

At the Stadio Olimpico, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru ended his season on a positive note for Lazio, scoring in a comeback win after Stefano Moreo gave the visitors an early advantage. Pedro Rodríguez later completed the turnaround as Lazio secured all three points in their final fixture of the campaign.

In another notable performance, Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye impressed despite Udinese’s 1-0 loss to Napoli, making five saves from six shots on target. Okoye finished the season with 10 clean sheets, becoming the first Nigerian goalkeeper to reach double figures in a major European league since Vincent Enyeama achieved 17 for Lille in the 2014/15 Ligue 1 season.

In England, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey featured as Fulham ended their Premier League season with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United. The Cottagers finished 11th on 52 points after their European qualification push faded in the latter part of the campaign. Iwobi registered four goals and three assists in 29 league appearances, while Bassey scored once in 30 outings.

Taiwo Awoniyi also made an appearance for Nottingham Forest in their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, coming off the bench for 29 minutes. He concluded the season with four goals and one assist in 17 appearances, including a notable brace against Chelsea earlier in the month.

In Spain, Umar Sadiq played a crucial role in Valencia’s relegation escape, contributing four goals and two assists in 20 league matches as the club secured survival. Akor Adams also stood out for Sevilla, finishing as their top scorer with 10 league goals and three assists in 32 appearances. Chidera Ejuke recorded one goal and one assist in 27 league games, providing pace and creativity as Sevilla finished 13th with 43 points.

Elsewhere in Belgium, Raphael Onyedika remained an unused substitute as Club Brugge recorded a dominant 5-0 victory over Gent to close their season. Ebenezer Akinsanmiro endured a difficult outing for Pisa, completing 87 percent of his passes and making three recoveries before being substituted at halftime. The 21-year-old is expected to return to Inter Milan following his loan spell, with several clubs reportedly monitoring his situation ahead of the summer transfer window.

Both Akinsanmiro and Dele-Bashiru have already been included in Nigeria coach Eric Chelle’s plans for upcoming international fixtures later in the year.