Nigerians Abroad: Iheanacho extends scoring streak as Ajayi, Awaziem shine

Kelechi Iheanacho maintained his remarkable scoring run in Turkey, Semi Ajayi earned two Man of the Match awards after Hull City’s draw with Brentford, while Chidozie Awaziem, Gift Orban and David Okereke also impressed for their clubs.

Nigerian footballers enjoyed a productive weekend across Europe, with Kelechi Iheanacho extending his scoring streak in Turkey, Semi Ajayi delivering an outstanding defensive performance for Hull City and Chidozie Awaziem scoring twice for Konyaspor.

Iheanacho led the weekend’s headlines after scoring in Bursaspor’s 4-2 victory over Keçiörengücü in Turkey.

The forward took his tally to 16 goals and three assists in 12 appearances, extending his scoring streak to 12 consecutive league matches. The victory also sent Bursaspor to the top of the Turkish 1. Lig table.

His continued goalscoring form has made him one of the standout Nigerian performers abroad this season.

Semi Ajayi was another Nigerian who attracted attention after helping Hull City secure a 1-1 draw against Brentford at the MKM Stadium.

The Nigerian international was instrumental in the Tigers’ defensive effort as they responded to their previous defeat to Fulham, earning two Man of the Match awards for his performance.

“It’s important that we had a good bounce back from last week; we did that,” Ajayi told Sky Sports after the match.

The defender won five of the six tackles he attempted, made four clearances, recorded five recoveries and produced two interceptions.

His display earned him the Premier League Player of the Match award, while he also won Hull City’s official Man of the Match poll with 43.6 per cent of the votes, finishing ahead of Oli McBurnie, Tim Iroegbunam and Lewis Coyle.

Despite the individual recognition, Ajayi admitted that Hull City were disappointed not to claim all three points.

“We are definitely disappointed not to come away with the three points, but a point at home is always positive,” he added.

In Turkey’s top flight, Awaziem produced one of the weekend’s most notable performances, scoring twice to help Konyaspor beat Gençlerbirliği 2-0.

The Nigerian centre-back opened the scoring shortly before half-time before adding a second early in the second half to secure the victory.

The brace was a significant attacking contribution from a defender and helped Konyaspor claim all three points.

Orban also made a decisive contribution, converting a penalty as Amedspor came from behind to defeat Samsunspor 2-1.

The Super Eagles forward scored in the 73rd minute to draw his side level before Dia Saba struck the winner in the 84th minute. Orban’s goal took his league tally to eight for the season.

In Russia, Olusegun ended his wait for a league goal by scoring in Rostov’s 2-0 victory over Lokomotiv Moscow.

The forward doubled Rostov’s advantage in the 24th minute, finishing an assist from Oumar Sako after Andrei Langovich had opened the scoring.

Denmark also provided a memorable moment for Nigerian football, with Etim scoring in Midtjylland’s 3-2 victory over Lyngby.

The forward found the net three minutes after the restart, extending his team’s lead. He has now recorded six league goals and three assists this season.

The match also marked a milestone for 18-year-old midfielder Joseph Okuaghare, who came off the bench to make his senior debut for Midtjylland.

His appearance represents an important step in the young Nigerian’s development at the Danish club.

In Italy’s Serie B, Okereke produced an impressive attacking performance, scoring once and providing two assists as Benevento defeated Arezzo 3-0.

His contribution underlined the growing list of Nigerian players making decisive impacts for their clubs across Europe.

Iwobi also reached a significant career milestone over the weekend, becoming the joint-second most-capped African player in Premier League history.

The Fulham midfielder matched Egypt international Mohamed Salah’s tally of 328 appearances in the English top flight.

At 30, Iwobi is 25 appearances short of the record held by former Ivory Coast international Kolo Touré, who made 353 Premier League appearances.

The milestone further highlights the Nigerian midfielder’s longevity in English football, having played for Arsenal, Everton and Fulham.