It was a Sunday to forget for Nigerians plying their trade across Europe and beyond, as several Super Eagles stars and their compatriots suffered disappointing defeats, struggled for form, or endured frustrating nights in front of goal. OLAMIDE ABE writes on how they fared across the major leagues
SUNDAY
Scotland
Kelechi Iheanacho
Iheanacho. Photo: Kelechi Iheanacho on X (@67Kelechi)
It was a night of frustration for Kelechi Iheanacho as Celtic suffered a shock 2–0 defeat to Dundee, their first loss in the city in 37 years. The Nigerian forward had multiple chances but failed to convert, in what became another chapter in Celtic’s worrying dip in form.
Despite his lively movement, Iheanacho’s finishing deserted him, five total shots, one on target, one against the post, and a big chance missed summed up his evening. His efforts could not prevent Brendan Rodgers’ side from slipping five points off the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
France
File photo of Nigerian international, Ademola Lookman.
Lookman led Atalanta’s attack as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Lazio at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo. The Nigerian started in Ivan Juric’s 3-4-2-1 formation, flanked by Charles De Ketelaere and Kamaldeen Sulemana, while Ederon and Mario Pasalic operated in midfield.
Despite Atalanta’s dominance, Lazio seemed content to defend deep and hold out for a point, managing to frustrate the hosts throughout the first half. After the interval, Atalanta returned with renewed urgency, and Lookman came close to breaking the deadlock with a close-range header that narrowly missed the target. The chances continued to fall for La Dea as the game progressed, but they found Ivan Provedel in inspired form. The Lazio goalkeeper produced a string of superb saves, including a spectacular stop to deny Lookman’s low strike late on, while Davide Zappacosta was also denied by the woodwork.
Lookman, who was replaced by Daniel Maldini in the 82nd minute, finished with two shots, one on target, and an expected goals value of 0.74. It was an industrious but luckless outing for the Nigerian, whose sharp movements and positioning constantly troubled Lazio’s back line but ultimately failed to yield the breakthrough Atalanta deserved.
Kazakhstan
Geoffrey Chinedu
In a weekend of few positives, Geoffrey Chinedu provided one of the rare bright spots, scoring a hat-trick in Astana’s thrilling 5–3 win over Aktobe in Kazakhstan.
The forward struck in the 10th, 34th and 50th minutes, each goal underscoring his poacher’s instinct and composure in front of goal. Chinedu’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award and took his season tally to eight goals in 24 appearances.
The 28-year-old’s resurgence has been key to Astana’s attacking form, as they continue their pursuit of league honours.
Moses Simon
FILE: Lawal Taiwo
In Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil, Lawal Taiwo ended her goal drought while Vivian Ikechukwu provided a key assist as Santos Laguna edged Mazatlán 2–1.
Taiwo, who had gone ten games without scoring, finally found the net eight minutes into the contest, restoring parity before Ikechukwu set up Sandra Nabweteme for the winner.
The result lifted Santos Laguna to 15th on the table and gave both Nigerian forwards a timely confidence boost.
PUNCH.
