Weekend Recap: Nigerian Players in Europe – Goals, Assists and Records

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Following last week’s excellent performances, this week saw even more notable moments with several Nigerian players finding the back of the net or contributing to their team’s success.

It’s safe to say that it’s rare that a week goes by without a Nigerian player scoring or assisting. They are, quite simply, a force to be reckoned with.

These are the best Nigerian players who stood out with their performances this week, whether it was scoring or assisting:

It’s only a matter of time before Tolu Arokodare earns his first call-up to the national team.

The 23-year-old striker is in spectacular form at Genk.

In Genk’s emphatic 4-0 win over Dender in the Belgian Pro League, Arokodare opened the scoring with a goal in the 23rd minute.

He has already scored 6 goals in 8 games this season, cementing his reputation as one of the most outstanding strikers in Europe right now.

Akor Jerome Adams during the Ligue 1 match between Montpellier and Auxerre at the Stade de la Mosson. (Photo by Sylvain Thomas/FEP/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Former Flying Eagles star Akor Adams was the star of the show, scoring twice in Montpellier’s thrilling comeback win over AJ Auxerre.

Montpellier came from a goal down to beat the newly promoted side 3-2 in their French Ligue 1 clash on Sunday, with Adams inspiring the comeback.

The 24-year-old striker’s brace helped Montpellier secure their first win after five attempts in the 2024/25 season. Adams now has 3 goals and 1 assist in 5 appearances this season.

Nantes’ Nigerian striker Moses Simon (left) battles for the ball with Angers’ Haitian defender Carlens Arcus. (Photo JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER / AFP)

Moses Simon is currently in one of the best moments of his career.

During Nantes’ 1-1 draw with Angers SCO, Simon set a new club record with his 29th assist, surpassing the late Emiliano Sala and becoming the club’s most decisive player since their promotion to Ligue 1 in 2013.

The Super Eagles winger, who also scored 2 goals this season, contributed significantly to Nantes’ attack, playing the full 90 minutes, completing 76% of his passes and delivering two accurate crosses.

Victor Boniface (right) celebrates his goal to make it 4-3. (Photo by Federico Gambarini/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Once again, Victor Boniface was the hero for Bayer Leverkusen.

The Nigerian striker scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner in Leverkusen’s thrilling 4-3 win over Wolfsburg.

This is his third Bundesliga goal of the season. Boniface, who made a spectacular UEFA Champions League debut last week, now has 4 goals and 1 assist in all competitions this season.

Alex Iwobi runs with the ball under pressure from Lewis Hall during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Newcastle United at Craven Cottage. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

In England, Alex Iwobi reached a major milestone by surpassing Nwankwo Kanu’s EPL assist record during Fulham’s 3-1 win over Newcastle.

Iwobi set up Emile Smith Rowe for Fulham’s second goal, recording his 30th Premier League assist and surpassing Kanu’s record of 29.

The former Arsenal man now has 1 goal and 1 assist for Fulham this season.

Victor Osimhen (L) controls the ball during the Turkish Super Lig match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray at Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)

Victor Osimhen continues to impress in his new role with Galatasaray.

In their clash against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, Osimhen provided a brilliant assist in the 28th minute to give Galatasaray the lead.

Although he did not score, Osimhen’s all-round game was crucial to his team’s success, proving he is more than just a goalscorer.

Cyriel Dessers celebrates after scoring against Dundee at Ibrox Stadium. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Cyriel Dessers was a standout performer in the Scottish Cup, scoring twice as Rangers beat Dundee 3-0 in the quarter-finals.

The Super Eagles striker has been in top form this season, racking up 7 goals and 3 assists in 9 appearances.

Despite his exclusion from Nigeria’s recent AFCON qualifiers, Dessers will be hoping to earn a call-up for the October fixtures after such a strong start to the season.