Nigerian Players Watch: Osimhen, Orban, Onyedika shine as Nigerian stars deliver goals across Europe

Osimhen and Orban were the headline performers in Turkey, with both forwards reaching nine league goals. Onyedika and Moffi also shared the spotlight in Germany, while Arokodare and Awoniyi delivered important goals for Ajax and Coventry, respectively

Nigerian footballers enjoyed a busy weekend across Europe, with several Super Eagles stars making decisive contributions for their clubs in domestic competitions.

In Germany, Raphael Onyedika and Terem Moffi were both on target as Eintracht Frankfurt defeated Hamburger SV. Tolu Arokodare continued his scoring form in the Netherlands, while Taiwo Awoniyi opened his Premier League account for the season in Coventry City’s victory over Sunderland.

There were also important contributions from Friday Etim, Samuel Adeniran, Umar Sadiq and Josh Maja, while Kelechi Iheanacho saw his remarkable run of scoring in 12 consecutive league matches come to an end.

Osimhen had another memorable outing for Galatasaray, scoring in their commanding 4-0 away victory over Konyaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a powerful header from a free-kick, setting Galatasaray on their way to an emphatic win.

The goal carried extra significance for the 27-year-old, who had welcomed his second daughter, Liora Audrey, with his partner, Stefanie Kim Ladewig, shortly before the fixture. Osimhen had remained in Istanbul for the birth before travelling to Konya on matchday.

He was withdrawn after an hour, having taken his league tally to nine goals, alongside three assists in eight appearances. He has now scored four times in his last three matches.

Orban was arguably one of the standout Nigerian performers of the weekend, combining a goal with an assist as Amedspor thrashed Eyüpspor 5-1.

The forward found the net in the 35th minute, finishing emphatically after being set up by Rayan Lutin. He then turned provider seven minutes later, supplying Samuel Ballet for Amedspor’s third goal of the afternoon.

Orban was substituted in the 78th minute, with Mohamed Khalil taking his place. The 24-year-old, who is on loan from Hoffenheim, has now scored nine league goals and registered four assists this season.

His latest contribution also places him level with Osimhen at the top of the Süper Lig scoring chart.

Trabzonspor extended their winning run to five consecutive league matches with a 2-0 victory over Gaziantep FK, with both Nigerian players involved.

Nwaiwu delivered another full shift in defence, helping his side secure a clean sheet. The 23-year-old has now featured in every one of Trabzonspor’s league matches this season, underlining his growing importance to the team.

Onuachu, meanwhile, returned to the starting line-up after missing three matches with a muscle injury sustained during the Conference League victory over KuPS on 15th October.

The striker was unable to get on the scoresheet and was replaced by Umut Nayir in the 63rd minute. His return was nevertheless encouraging for Trabzonspor, with coach Thomas Reis previously expressing uncertainty over whether the Nigerian could manage the full 90 minutes.

Onuachu has scored twice this season, both goals coming against Gençlerbirliği in September.

Iheanacho’s remarkable scoring streak finally came to an end as Bursaspor defeated Bandırmaspor 3-0 in the Turkish 1. Lig.

The former Leicester City forward played the entire match but could not find the net, bringing an end to his run of scoring in 12 consecutive league appearances.

Halil Akbunar opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Lewis Baker struck twice in the 12th and 23rd minutes to put Bursaspor firmly in control.

Iheanacho’s Nigerian compatriot, Olanrewaju Kehinde, started for Bandırmaspor but was booked in the second minute and substituted in the 59th minute.

Despite failing to extend his scoring run, Iheanacho remains the championship’s leading scorer with 16 goals and three assists. Bursaspor sit top of the table with 31 points.

Victor Osimhen and Orban’s compatriots were not the only Nigerians in action in Turkey. Chidozie Awaziem played the full match for Konyaspor in their defeat to Galatasaray.

Onyedika marked an important milestone by scoring his first goal for Eintracht Frankfurt since joining the Bundesliga side from Club Brugge in the summer.

The midfielder struck in the 47th minute as Frankfurt defeated Hamburger SV 3-1, restoring his side’s advantage after Terem Moffi had equalised for the visitors.

Frankfurt had taken the lead in the 10th minute when Warmed Omari inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. Moffi responded four minutes later, finishing from close range after Albert Grønbæk picked him out.

Onyedika then reacted quickest after goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes parried Lilian Brassier’s header from a corner, firing Frankfurt back in front. Younes Ebnoutalib added the third in the 69th minute to seal the victory.

Moffi continued his encouraging start at Hamburg with another goal against his former Club Brugge teammate’s new side.

The striker was alert to Albert Grønbæk’s pass in the 14th minute, finishing from close range to bring Hamburg level after Omari’s own goal.

Although his effort was not enough to prevent defeat, it was another positive contribution from the Nigerian forward, who had also scored a late consolation when Hamburg lost 3-1 to Frankfurt in the DFB-Pokal on 27 October.