From match-winning goals and assists to a long-awaited return from injury, the weekend provided plenty of encouragement for Nigeria’s international stars and those hoping to break into Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad
Nigerian players across Europe made a strong statement over the weekend, with Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Maduka Okoye, Moses Usor and Rafiu Durosinmi among those who delivered impressive performances for their respective clubs ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Akor Adams enjoyed a dream competitive debut for Venezia, scoring twice and providing an assist to inspire a 3-2 comeback victory over Modena in the Coppa Italia on Saturday night.
The Nigerian striker, who joined Venezia from Sevilla during the summer transfer window, immediately showed why the Italian club moved for his services by playing a direct role in all three of their goals.
Giuseppe Ambrosino put Modena ahead, but Adams restored parity in the first half with a composed finish.
Modena regained the advantage after the break through another Ambrosino goal, but Adams once again proved decisive as Venezia mounted their comeback.
With seven minutes remaining, the former Sevilla forward turned provider, setting up John Yeboah to level the score.
Just two minutes later, Adams completed the turnaround himself with a superb strike that put Venezia 3-2 ahead and secured their passage into the next round.
It was an eye-catching competitive debut for Adams, who will now look to build on the performance and establish himself as an important figure for Venezia throughout the new campaign.
Samuel Chukwueze also produced a performance to remember, scoring once and providing two assists as AC Milan defeated Manchester United 4-2 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.
The Super Eagles winger played the entire match and responded brilliantly after United took the lead inside the opening two minutes through Harry Maguire.
Chukwueze restored parity by calmly converting from a lay-off by Goncalo Ramos.
Patrick Dorgu put United back in front six minutes into the second half, but Chukwueze again made his presence felt.
The Nigerian set up Alphadjo Cisse for Milan’s equaliser before providing another assist for Ramos to head the Italian giants into the lead.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek later completed the scoring for Milan.
The impressive outing will come as a major boost for Chukwueze, who will be hoping to continue his progress and repay the faith shown in him by manager Ruben Amorim following his successful loan spell at Fulham last season.
Victor Boniface was also on target, scoring a late winner as Bayer Leverkusen defeated Newcastle United 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at St James’ Park as part of the VisitMalta Weekender.
Leverkusen needed just one minute to take the lead, with Ibrahim Maza firing a superb 25-yard effort past the Newcastle goalkeeper.
Malick Thiaw equalised for the hosts shortly before half-time, but Boniface settled the contest eight minutes from full-time with a fine finish to hand Leverkusen victory.
The goal represents another encouraging step for the 25-year-old, who is determined to rediscover his best form after difficult campaigns in 2024/25 and 2025/26.
His loan spell at Werder Bremen was particularly frustrating, having been interrupted by a serious knee injury that required surgery in January and limited him to just 11 Bundesliga appearances without a goal.
Leverkusen head coach Carles Martinez believes the striker is moving in the right direction.
“He knows what he has to do. I’m pushing him as well. It’s getting better. His quality is obvious,” Martinez said.
Boniface, meanwhile, expressed his appreciation to Leverkusen supporters for their backing during his difficult period.
“The fans supported me in good times and bad times, and I really appreciate that. We, players, need their support. I’m really very happy and thank every single one of them,” he said.
Maduka Okoye also made a positive return to competitive action, keeping a clean sheet as Udinese defeated Padova 1-0 in their Coppa Italia opener.
The Nigerian goalkeeper had earlier been declared fit for the fixture by Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic.
Okoye had been sidelined after suffering a shoulder injury during Udinese’s pre-season training camp in Lienz, Austria, which ran from July 22 to early August.
His return to full training came in time for the Coppa Italia fixture, allowing the 26-year-old to reclaim his place between the posts and begin the new campaign with a shutout.
Moses Usor was another Nigerian who caught the eye, producing a scintillating performance in LASK’s 4-1 Austrian Bundesliga victory over Austria Wien.
