Soccernet.ng monitored a few matches that could potentially involve Nigerian players on Saturday, March 16th.
Here are the most eye-catching highlights:
Albania: Ahanonu, Itodo, Clement shine
Albania witnessed a flurry of Nigerian brilliance as Nnamdi Ahanonu’s scintillating double propelled Skënderbeu Korçë to a resounding 2-0 victory over Egnatia Rrogozhinë.
Meanwhile, Franklin Ntephe salvaged pride with a lone goal for Vora amid a 3-1 defeat to Kastrioti Krujë.
Peter Mandela Itodo continued his impressive streak, notching his 12th goal in 24 league appearances for Luzi 2008 in a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Tomori Berat.
Bobby Ebuka Clement sealed the deal for AF Elbasani, contributing to their convincing 3-0 win against Burreli at the Elbasan Arena.
Armenia: Otubanjo lone ranger
At the Junior Sport Stadium in Yerevan, Yusuf Otubanjo was among the goals as Pyunik returned to the top of the Premier League table following their 3-1 win over BKMA.
Estonia: Nigerian party in the Meistriliga
It was a beautiful Nigerian show inside the Kalevi Staadion in Narva, where Ezekiel Tanimowo and Ahmed Adebayo were unstoppable as Tammeka strolled to a massive 5-0 win over Trans.
Tanimowo netted a double, while Adebayo scored his third goal in as many matches to maintain Tammeka’s unbeaten start to the season.
Japan: Ageless Utaka plows on
In the J2 League, 40-year-old Peter Utaka came off the bench to net his second goal in four games and lift Ventforet Kofu to a fine 1-0 win at Montedio Yamagata.
Belarus: Adeola’s dream debut
Raymond Adeola announced his arrival in style, bagging a brace on his league debut for FC Dinamo Minsk, propelling them to a commanding 5-0 victory over FC Smorgon in the Premier League opener.
Belgium: Genk II soar with Nigerian duo
KRC Genk II soared to victory in the Challenger Pro League with a stellar 3-1 win over KV Oostende, fueled by the dynamic duo of Victory Beniangba and Christian Akpan.
Beniangba opened the scoring from the penalty spot, while Akpan sealed the deal with a crucial goal in the 75th minute.
England: Dennis delivers, Bassey-Iwobi combo stars
Emmanuel Dennis played the hero for Watford FC, netting the solitary goal in a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Birmingham City FC in the Championship.
Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi orchestrated Fulham FC’s impressive 3-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspurs, with Bassey’s defensive prowess and Iwobi’s creative brilliance proving pivotal.
Iwobi had a hand in Fulham’s second goal, while Bassey hit the woodwork before the Whites bundled home their third of the afternoon.
Victor Udoh’s seventh league goal of the season secured a narrow 1-0 win for Shrewsbury Town FC over Carlisle United FC in the English League One.
France: Nnadozie’s heroics, Moffi’s brace
Chiamaka Nnadozie stole the show with a remarkable penalty save and a clean sheet, inspiring Paris FC to a dominant 4-0 away win against En Avant Guingamp.
Meanwhile, Terem Moffi dazzled with a brace, his first in 2024, guiding OGC Nice to a thrilling 3-1 victory over RC Lens in Ligue 1.
Moses Simon created three chances, but none was converted as Nantes fell to a disappointing 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Strasbourg.
Israel: Bassey’s strike, James’s brilliance
Fortune Bassey found the back of the net for Hapoel Petah Tikva FC, albeit in a 3-2 defeat to goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye’s Hapoel Jerusalem FC in the Ligat Ha’al.
Adeniyi James showcased his class with a brace and an assist, steering Hapoel Hadera FC to a sensational 3-1 win over Maccabi Netanya at the Netanya Stadium.
Spain: Payne propels Sevilla
Super Falcons star Toni Payne was mercurial in midfield for Sevilla as they strolled to an excellent 3 – 0 victory against Levante Las Planas at the Estadio Jesús Navas.
Scotland: Osadolor scores in defeat
Smart Samuel Osadolor broke the deadlock for Bonnyrigg Rose in the first minute of play, but visiting Clyde fought back brilliantly to claim a 2-1 victory.
USA: Kanu ends drought
Super Falcons forward Uchenna Kanu broke her goal drought in style, finding the net for Racing Louisville FC in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Orlando Pride on the opening weekend of the 2024 NWSL season.
Nicole Payne made her NWSL debut for Portland Thorns FC, but it did not go as planned, as her team suffered a 5-4 loss to Kansas City Current.
N.B: Who impressed you the most among these excellent Nigerian stars flying the country’s colours abroad? Leave your comments below.
