Super Eagles stars are making waves across European leagues, with standout performances this weekend. It is harder to pick a list of the top 5 performances weekly but BALLGIST will give it a go.
Here’s a roundup of how Nigerian footballers fared in their respective leagues:
1. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
Ademola Lookman dazzles again
The in-form Ademola Lookman continued his remarkable season by scoring his seventh goal in Serie A for Atalanta. His goal temporarily lifted the club to the top of the league before Napoli regained the lead the following day. Lookman, who is set to be crowned CAF Player of the Year 2024, has enjoyed an impressive 2024 and will be honored with Africa’s most prestigious individual football award next month in Morocco.
2. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru steps off the bench to deliver for Lazio
Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru made an impact for Lazio by scoring his first Serie A goal in a dominant 3-0 home win over Bologna. Coming off the bench, Dele-Bashiru’s performance is a testament to his potential as he continues to impress during his loan spell in Italy. With national duty on pause until March 2025, the midfielder now has ample time to push for a permanent move to Lazio.
3. Tolu Arokodare (Genk)
Tolu Arokodare celebrates 24th birthday in style
Genk striker Tolu Arokodare celebrated his 24th birthday in style by scoring his ninth league goal of the season in Genk’s 3-0 victory over Sporting Charleroi. The goal marked a strong response from the league leaders after their recent setback to Union St. Gilloise. Arokodare’s consistent form continues to keep Genk at the top of the Belgian Pro League.
4. Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
Super Eagles Star Onyedika scores first goal in Belgium
Super Eagles defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika added a goal to his name as Club Brugge demolished Sint Truiden 7-0 in the Belgian Pro League. Onyedika’s first league goal of the season came in the 51st minute, and it highlights his growing influence on the pitch. With Club Brugge maintaining second place in the standings, six points behind leaders Genk, Onyedika’s contributions both defensively and offensively remain crucial.
5. David Okereke (Gaziantep)
Okereke wheels away after scoring his goal
David Okereke made a strong return from injury, scoring his second goal of the season in Gaziantep’s dominant 3-0 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir in the Turkish Super Lig. Okereke had initially injured himself while scoring his first goal of the season but showed no signs of rust as he helped his team secure three valuable points. Gaziantep now sits in 10th place with 15 points from 12 games, with Okereke poised to help them climb further.
The performances of these Nigerian stars continue to highlight their growing impact in European football as they build toward their next international challenges. With Ademola Lookman eyeing the CAF Player of the Year award and Okereke, Arokodare, Onyedika, and Dele-Bashiru all making significant strides, the future looks bright for Super Eagles talents.
