Super Eagles players enjoyed mixed fortunes in Europe over the weekend. Victor Osimhen celebrated the birth of his second daughter with a goal for Galatasaray in their 4-0 win over Konyaspor. The Nigerian striker scored with a powerful header from a free-kick in the 12th minute. He played for an hour before being substituted. Osimhen's goal took his league tally to nine, placing him joint top of the Turkish Süper Lig scoring chart alongside compatriot Gift Orban.
Gift Orban continued his impressive form for Amedspor with a goal and an assist in their 5-1 home victory over Eyupspor. Orban scored in the 35th minute to take his league tally to nine goals. He also provided the assist for Samuel Ballet as the hosts established a commanding 3-0 lead before half-time. The 24-year-old now has nine goals and four assists, strengthening his case in the early race for the league's Most Valuable Player award.
Taiwo Awoniyi ended his seven-match goal drought by scoring his first Premier League goal for Coventry in their 3-1 home victory over Sunderland. The Nigerian striker doubled Coventry's advantage after dispossessing an opponent near the edge of the penalty area, beating two defenders and firing into the bottom corner. The goal provided a timely boost for Awoniyi, who had struggled to find the net in his previous seven appearances.
Kelechi Iheanacho's remarkable 12-match scoring streak ended on Saturday as Bursaspor defeated Bandirmaspor without a goal from the Nigerian forward. Iheanacho had scored in 12 consecutive matches, first equalling and subsequently setting a new club record during his debut season with the Turkish first-division side. Despite failing to extend the run, Iheanacho remains the league's leading scorer with 16 goals and three assists.
Umar Sadiq made a successful return from a seven-week injury absence, scoring the only goal as Valencia defeated Elche away from home. The 29-year-old came off the bench to deliver the decisive goal, marking an encouraging return to action after his lengthy spell on the sidelines. Sadiq will hope to maintain his fitness and form ahead of the November international window.
Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey helped Fulham secure a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday. Iwobi registered a shot on target, completed 86 per cent of his passes and played a role in Fulham's equaliser. Bassey also delivered a decent performance, featuring for the entire match despite receiving a booking for a foul. The Nigerian centre-back won 50 per cent of his tackles and duels and completed 90 per cent of his passes.
Other Super Eagles players in action over the weekend included Wilfred Ndidi, who put in a solid performance for Besiktas despite a 2-2 draw away to Kasimpasa. Chibuike Nwaiwu delivered an impressive performance as Trabzonspor defeated Gaziantep 2-0 on Sunday. Paul Onuachu returned from injury and played for more than an hour in the victory, while Semi Ajayi played the full 90 minutes as Hull City shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw against Ipswich.
Key points
- Victor Osimhen scores after celebrating the birth of his second daughter
- Taiwo Awoniyi ends seven-match goal drought with Coventry
- Gift Orban joint top scorer in Turkish Süper Lig with nine goals
