Top Nigerian Players Abroad In Top Form: Iheanacho Bags Brace, Tanko Impresses, Others Deliver

In Scotland, Celtic secured a place in the Scottish Cup final after a remarkable extra-time display that produced an eight-goal thriller against St Mirren at Hampden Park. With the game finely balanced at 2-2, the Glasgow giants exploded into life, scoring four goals within six minutes to seal a commanding victory. Kelechi Iheanacho played a key role off the bench, netting a brace in the late surge alongside Luke McCowan, while Benjamin Nygren added the final goal to complete the emphatic win. The result sets up a final clash with Dunfermline Athletic next month and highlights a return to form for Iheanacho, who has now scored six goals in 16 appearances this season after recovering from a lengthy injury setback.

In the Czech Republic, Abdullahi Tanko proved decisive for FK Pardubice, scoring the only goal in a narrow 1-0 win over Viktoria Plzeň. The strike, his sixth of the campaign, secured all three points and helped lift his side to ninth place on the league table.

In England, Ola Aina featured for the full duration as Nottingham Forest staged a dramatic 4-1 comeback victory over Burnley in a crucial Premier League encounter. The result significantly boosts Forest’s survival chances, placing them five points above the relegation zone with five matches remaining.

In Turkey, the Nigerian trio of Paul Onuachu, Anthony Nwakaeme, and Chibuike Nwaiwu were all involved as Trabzonspor played out a 1-1 draw against Istanbul Basaksehir. Onuachu, who currently leads the league scoring chart with 22 goals, was unable to add to his tally in the encounter.

Elsewhere, it was a quieter weekend for other Nigerians in Europe. Chidozie Awaziem remained on the bench during Nantes’ 1-1 draw with Brest, while David Okereke featured in Cremonese’s draw against Torino. Gift Orban also played the full match for Hellas Verona in a narrow 1-0 defeat to AC Milan, extending his goalless run to nine matches.