From the Premier League to La Liga to Turkey, Nigerian footballers are gearing up for action, with some playing their first games of the year. Here are five Super Eagles players to keep an eye on this weekend:
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray vs Goztepe)
Victor Osimhen will aim to notch his 10th Turkish Süper Lig goal of the season when unbeaten Galatasaray takes on Göztepe at RAMS Park on Saturday.
Since joining Galatasaray on loan last summer, Osimhen has been a revelation, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 11 league games. He has also shone in the UEFA Europa League, tallying three goals and two assists in four appearances. Altogether, the Nigerian international boasts an impressive 12 goals and five assists in 15 outings for the club.
Amid transfer rumors linking him to Manchester United in a potential swap deal involving Marcus Rashford, Osimhen has expressed his commitment to completing the season in Turkey. However, this January transfer window could bring surprises.
Josh Maja (Swansea vs West Brom)
Super Eagles striker Josh Maja will look to build on his New Year’s Day heroics, where he scored twice in West Brom’s 3-1 victory over Preston North End, ending an eight-game goal drought.
Reflecting on his performance against Preston, Maja said:“I didn’t realize until after the game that it’s been eight games since I last scored…but to be back on the scoresheet is something I’m happy about, and I hope it continues.”
With 12 goals and two assists in 25 Championship matches, Maja remains a key figure for West Brom as they continue their promotion push.
Chidera Ejuke (Almeria vs Sevilla)
After a lengthy injury layoff, Chidera Ejuke is set to return for Sevilla in a Copa del Rey round-of-32 clash against Almería at the Power Horse Stadium on Saturday.
Ejuke has missed Sevilla’s last 11 matches across all competitions due to a hamstring injury sustained in October during a 5-1 loss to Barcelona. The Nigerian international resumed training in late December and is now ready to rejoin the squad.
A fan favorite for his flair and dribbling skills, Ejuke will look to make an impact as Sevilla aims to progress in the tournament. Before his injury, he had one goal in nine La Liga appearances.
Ola Aina (Wolves vs Nottingham Forest)
Ola Aina and Nottingham Forest will aim to maintain their strong defensive form when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday in the Premier League.
Aina has been instrumental in Forest’s solid backline, contributing to their league-best record for clean sheets. He has played in all 19 matches this season, scoring two spectacular goals along the way.
With interest from high-profile clubs like Manchester City and Galatasaray, Nottingham Forest is keen to secure Aina’s future with a contract renewal. Monday’s match against a struggling Wolves side provides another opportunity for Aina to shine.
Alex Iwobi (Fulham vs Ipswich Town)
Alex Iwobi has been a standout performer in the Premier League this season, anchoring Fulham’s midfield during their seven-match unbeaten run. This impressive streak includes results against top teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
Fulham takes on Ipswich Town on Sunday, with Iwobi looking to help his team secure their first victory of 2025. His compatriot, Calvin Bassey, is also expected to feature for the Cottagers in the match.
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