The Nigerian football community had plenty to cheer about over the weekend, as several stars delivered impressive performances for their respective clubs. From goal-scoring heroics to defensive masterclasses, Nigerian players made their mark in various leagues across foreign countries.
From the English Championship to Italy’s Serie A, Belgium’s Pro League to the Spanish Primera Division, Nigerian players made their presence felt. Bold Sports analyses the top 5 performing Nigerian players from the weekend’s action.
Tom Dele-Bashiru (Watford)
Tom Dele-Bashiru took to the pitch on Saturday as Watford clashed with Sunderland, who boasted an impressive six-game unbeaten streak and occupied a playoff spot for Premier League promotion.
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Sunderland drew first blood through Luke O’Nien’s 16th-minute strike, but Dele-Bashiru equalized just before halftime, breathing new life into Watford’s chances. The match ultimately ended in a 2-2 stalemate.
Dele-Bashiru’s standout performance extended beyond his crucial goal. He demonstrated his midfield prowess by completing an impressive 88% of his passes, while also winning half of his ground duels. Additionally, he secured three clearances and one interception, showcasing his defensive capabilities.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio)
The Dele-Bashiru brothers stole the show over the weekend as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s 24th birthday celebration was made even more memorable with a standout cameo for Lazio in their 5-1 thrashing of Monza. The Nigerian international was brought into the game with Lazio already leading 3-0, and he quickly made his mark by scoring his fifth goal of the season in all competitions.
Dele-Bashiru’s impressive strike sealed the win for Lazio, capping off a dominant display after earlier goals from Adam Marusic, Pedro Rodriguez, and Valentin Castellanos.
The big victory propelled Lazio to fourth place in the Serie A standings with 45 points from 24 matches, temporarily moving them two points clear of Juventus, who will be eager to reclaim their top-four spot in the coming weeks.
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
Nigerian international Raphael Onyedika delivered another impressive performance for Club Brugge, showcasing his exceptional midfield skills as they edged OH Leuven 1-0 in the Belgian Pro League.
Club Brugge desperately needed a win after a five-game winless streak, and Onyedika stepped up to the challenge, excelling defensively by winning 43% of his ground duels, making 11 recoveries, and earning two fouls while protecting the back line from dangerous attacks from the opposition.
Onyedika also demonstrated his technical prowess, completing an impressive 92% of his passes and executing the most dribbles in the match (2). The crucial victory propelled Club Brugge to second place in the standings, six points behind leaders Gent, who have 57 points from 25 matches.
Gift Monday (UD Tenerife)
23-year-old Nigerian international Gift Monday has been pivotal for Spanish side UD Tenerife, with 11 goals and three assists in all competitions. Nonetheless, her phenomenal form continued as she scored in her fifth consecutive match, helping Tenerife overcome Valencia 2-1 in the Liga F.
Tenerife trailed early after Yasmin Mirabel’s goal, but a stunning comeback was sparked by fellow Nigerian attacker, Rinsola Babajide and sealed by Gift Monday’s late strike in the 90th minute.
The impressive victory propelled Tenerife to sixth place in the Spanish Primera Division standings with 29 points from 18 matches, just four points behind third-placed Atletico Madrid who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.
Rinsola Babajide (UD Tenerife)
Rinsola Babajide, Gift Monday’s teammate, deserves incredible recognition for her outstanding performance during the weekend. Together, the deadly duo have formed a formidable partnership, contributing 17 of Tenerife’s 26 league goals this season.
Babajide played a crucial role in Tenerife’s 2-1 comeback win over Valencia, scoring the equalizing penalty and paving the way for Gift Monday’s late winning goal to seal Tenerife’s third consecutive victory and their fourth in five games.
Rinsola Babajide was unstoppable during the impressive comeback, creating four chances and two big chances while completing 50% of her dribbles, and making three passes into the final third. She also showcased her defensive skills, winning five ground duels, making four recoveries, and intercepting the ball twice.
Her brilliant performance earned plaudits and accolades from supporters and teammates, winning her the Player of the Match award, a testament to her irresistible talent and a sign of greater things to come.
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