Soccer
As the international break approaches, several Nigerian players delivered standout performances for their clubs across Europe and beyond, Soccernet.ng reports.
While some made crucial contributions, others endured frustrating outings. Here’s a roundup of how they fared before heading off for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Soccer England: Iwobi & Bassey shine as Fulham stun Spurs
In the Premier League, Alex Iwobi played a key role in Fulham’s attack, while Calvin Bassey was rock-solid in defence as the Cottagers secured a brilliant 2-0 victory over Tottenham at Craven Cottage.
Both players are now en route to Kigali, where Nigeria’s Super Eagles camp has opened ahead of their World Cup qualifiers.
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However, Wilfred Ndidi will be travelling with disappointment after Leicester City suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Manchester United in the Championship.
Soccer Spain: Uche assists, then sees red
In La Liga, Christantus Uche, who is on the radar of Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle, played a decisive role in Getafe’s 2-1 away win at Osasuna.
The 21-year-old midfielder provided a crucial assist for Ramon Terrats’ winning goal in the 71st minute. Terrats, who bagged a brace, had earlier equalised for Getafe after Osasuna’s Ante Budimir had put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot in the firsthalf.
However, Uche’s evening took a dramatic turn when he received two yellow cards in two minutes, leading to his dismissal in the 77th minute.
His first booking came for simulation in the box, and moments later, he was shown a second yellow for a late challenge. It is his first La Liga red card, although, he now has seven yellow cards to his name.
Despite the setback, Uche has had an impressive maiden campaign in Spain, registering three goals and three assists in 27 league appearances.
Elsewhere, Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams, both overlooked for Nigeria’s squad for the qualifiers, featured in Sevilla’s 1-0 home loss to Athletic Bilbao.
Soccer Italy: Lookman & Atalanta stumble against Inter
In Serie A, Ademola Lookman and his Atalanta teammates saw their Scudetto dreams take a significant hit after suffering a 2-0 defeat to league leaders Inter Milan.
Despite the loss, Lookman remains one of Nigeria’s key attacking threats for the upcoming qualifiers.
Soccer Germany: Boniface inspires Leverkusen fightback
Victor Boniface came off the bench to help Bayer Leverkusen pull off a thrilling 4-3 comeback win at Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.
His return is a timely boost for both his club and country, with Nigeria counting on his firepower against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Soccer Czech Republic: Nigeria’s Ogbu nets for Slavia Prague
New Super Eagles call-up Igoh Ogbu marked his invitation in style by scoring the opening goal for Slavia Prague in a 3-0 victory over Jablonec.
Kde se tam vzal, nevíme, ale poradil si fantasticky. Po trefě Igoha Ogbua z 9. minuty vedeme. ♂️ pic.twitter.com/ld0x6X3lTP
— SK Slavia Praha (@slaviaofficial) March 16, 2025
The defender, who has been impressive this season, notched his second league goal of the campaign, helping his side maintain a 13-point lead at the top of the Czech league.
Soccer Scotland: Balogun & Dessers help Rangers stun Celtic
Though overlooked for international duty, Leon Balogun and Cyriel Dessers were instrumental in Rangers’ thrilling 3-2 victory over league leaders Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Soccer Turkey: Osayi-Samuel & Fenerbahce drop points
Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel featured as a second-half substitute in Fenerbahce’s goalless draw with Samsunspor.
The dropped points leave them nine behind league leaders Galatasaray, where Victor Osimhen is aiming to help the Lions retain the Turkish title. Osimhen is among the first players to arrive in Nigeria’s training camp in Kigali.
Soccer United States: Oshoala & Awaziem impress in MLS & NWSL
In the NWSL, Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala featured for Bay FC in their 1-1 draw at Utah Royals in the league’s opening weekend.
Meanwhile, in Major League Soccer, Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem delivered a strong performance at the heart of Colorado Rapids’ defence as they secured an impressive 2-1 away win over SJ Earthquakes.
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