Several Nigerian footballers are making a name for themselves in European leagues, with impressive goal tallies. Kelechi Iheanacho, playing for Bursaspor, has scored 16 goals and provided three assists in 12 appearances. His recent goal in a 4-2 win against Keçiörengücü has contributed to his team's success, lifting them to the top of the Turkish 1. Lig. Iheanacho's form is expected to strengthen his claim for a Super Eagles place in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
Victor Osimhen, playing for Galatasaray, has nine goals and three assists in nine appearances. Despite missing five weeks due to injury, Osimhen has picked up where he left off, scoring his first Champions League goal of the season and both goals in a 2-1 derby win over Fenerbahçe. His performance has helped Galatasaray maintain their lead in the Super Lig. Osimhen expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, hinting at more to come.
Sadiq Arokodare, on loan at Ajax from Wolves, has also scored nine goals and provided three assists in 14 appearances. Arokodare reached 100 career goals recently, scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory at Sparta Rotterdam. His form has led to reports that Ajax wants to make his move permanent. Arokodare has been in and out of the lineup due to illness and limited playing time, but has still managed to score in five of his last seven league games.
Cyriel Dessers, playing for Panathinaikos, has nine goals in 14 appearances despite struggling with injuries. His goals have come in limited minutes, including four in the Conference League qualifiers. Dessers' recent goal helped his team secure a 1-0 win at Volos, marking their fourth consecutive game with a goal. The 31-year-old is pushing for a Super Eagles recall, and his form is helping his case.
Gift Orban, on loan at Amedspor from Hoffenheim, has eight goals and four assists in the Turkish Süper Lig. His goals have contributed significantly to Amedspor's strong start to the season, including a brace against Kasımpaşa and a hat-trick against Başakşehir. Orban's latest goal was a 73rd-minute penalty in a 2-1 win at Samsunspor, helping his team briefly top the table.
Rafiu Durosinmi, playing for Genk, has seven goals, six of them in the Belgian league, since joining from Pisa in the summer. He scored on his debut and won the Man of The Match award, and has since scored in four straight games. Durosinmi has set a target of at least 20 goals this season and is aiming to challenge for the Golden Boot.
Other Nigerian players, including Akor Adams and Abraham Marcus, are also making an impact in European leagues. Adams has four goals and one assist in nine games for Venezia, while Marcus has four goals and two assists in nine appearances for Estrela Amadora. Their performances are a testament to the growing presence of Nigerian footballers in European leagues.
Key points
- - Iheanacho leads Nigerian scorers in Europe with 16 goals for Bursaspor. - Osimhen and Arokodare follow closely with nine goals each for Galatasaray and Ajax. - Nigerian players' impressive form is expected to strengthen their claims for the Super Eagles and potentially impact their teams' success in their respective leagues.
