It was a weekend packed with drama, key performances, and decisive moments as Super Eagles stars lit up pitches across Europe, Africa, and beyond. From defensive duels to late-match heroics, here’s how Nigerian internationals fared between April 18 and 20.
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Nwabali stood tall once again, securing a clean sheet in Chippa United’s goalless draw against Nedbank Cup finalists Kaizer Chiefs. Despite the result, which left Chippa 9th on the PSL table with 30 points, the Super Eagles No. 1 picked up a 94th-minute yellow card as frustrations flared late on.
Defenders
William Troost-Ekong (Al Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
The Super Eagles captain played the full 90 minutes in a tough 3-1 home loss to Damac. The result leaves Al Kholood in 12th, locked on 31 points with their opponents as the battle for mid-table supremacy continues.
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe, Turkey)
A dynamic presence down the flank for the full match, Osayi-Samuel was helpless as Fenerbahçe conceded a late equalizer in a pulsating 3-3 draw against Kayserispor.
Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
Another full outing for the commanding centre-back, but Bassey and Fulham suffered late heartbreak as Chelsea overturned the tie to win 2-1 at Craven Cottage.
Jordan Torunarigha (Gent, Belgium)
Torunarigha was part of the Gent backline that was ripped apart in a shocking 5-0 defeat at home to Club Brugge, a result that raised eyebrows in the Belgian Pro League.
Igoh Ogbu (Sparta Prague, Czech Republic)
Returning from a muscle injury, Ogbu featured for the final 15 minutes in Slavia Prague’s 2-0 win over Slovacko. The Nigerian is now on the brink of a league title, with Slavia needing just two more points from five matches to clinch the Chance Liga crown.
Midfielders
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
The Super Eagles midfielder ran the show in midfield as Club Brugge humiliated Gent 5-0 away from home. Onyedika’s composure and control helped orchestrate one of their biggest wins of the season.
Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, MLS)
Abdullahi was immense in midfield, playing all 90 minutes in New England’s 2-0 win over New York City FC. It was their second straight victory, lifting them to 11th in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
Iwobi broke the deadlock in the 20th minute with a smart finish but couldn’t prevent Fulham from slipping to a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea. The midfielder lasted 84 minutes in a spirited outing.
Head Up. Go Again. pic.twitter.com/MUFKCwK5YM
— Alexander Iwobi (@alexiwobi) April 20, 2025Joe Aribo (Southampton, England)
Aribo watched on from the bench as Southampton earned a valuable point in a 1-1 draw, offering rare respite in a difficult campaign for the already-relegated side.
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
Ndidi played 83 minutes and received a yellow card. Leicester City lost 1-0 to Liverpool, confirming their relegation to the English Championship.
Forwards
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
The winger was a late entrant, playing the final eight minutes as Milan fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Atalanta, who solidified their top-three ambitions.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Though not on the scoresheet, Osimhen’s presence up front was instrumental in Galatasaray’s 2-0 home win over Bodrumspor. The striker remains top of the Turkish Süper Lig scoring chart with 21 goals.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
Lookman put in a lively shift for the full 90 minutes, helping Atalanta edge AC Milan 1-0 and continue their charge for Champions League qualification.
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Boniface returned to action with a brief cameo, featuring in the final two minutes of Leverkusen’s frustrating 1-1 draw with St. Pauli.
Moses Simon (Nantes, France)
Simon was heavily involved for 90 minutes as Nantes suffered a 2-1 defeat to Rennes. Despite the loss, they remain 13th in Ligue 1, seven points clear of the drop.
Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain)
Sadiq made his impact count with a crucial equaliser just nine minutes after coming on, earning Valencia a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano. However, his joy was tempered by a late yellow card for elbowing.
Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)
Arokodare struck deep into stoppage time, but his 93rd-minute goal was a mere consolation as Genk lost 2-1 to Royale Union SG at home.
Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough, England)
The striker was introduced in the final 18 minutes and helped see out a late 2-1 win over Plymouth, giving Boro a vital three points in their promotion push.
