European club football returns this weekend after the international break, and as usual, Nigerian stars will be in action for their clubs across the top 5 leagues and even beyond.
While the likes of Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi continue to thrive on a weekly basis, others like Taiwo Awoniyi and Kelechi Iheanacho have struggled to make any real impact this season.
Ahead of the weekend, here are 5 Super Eagles stars to watch out for.
1. Alex Iwobi (Fulham)
Alex Iwobi has been outstanding for Fulham this season, playing with creative freedom and finally reaching the heights many believed he was capable of. The Nigerian international has contributed two goals and two assists in 11 appearances, including a crucial game-winning strike against Leicester City and a well-taken finish to rescue a point against Everton.
Fulham manager Marco Silva recently praised Iwobi’s performances, calling him “one of the best players this season” and he will be hoping for more of the same from his star midfielder as they welcome Wolves to Craven Cottage this weekend.
2. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
On-loan striker Victor Osimhen will have to shoulder the goalscoring burden for Galatasaray for the rest of the season after his strike partner Mauro Icardi picked up a season-ending injury.
Osimhen has already scored 8 goals in 9 games for the Turkish giants and will certainly lead the line when they face Bodrumspor this weekend.
Gala have opened up a 5-point lead at the top of the Turkish Super Lig, and Osimhen, who is just 2 goals behind top scorer Ciro Immobile will have his sights on the Golden Boot.
3. Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
Ola Aina is not just the best full-back at Nottingham Forest; there’s a strong case to be made for him being one of the best full-backs in the league.
The Nigerian is virtually undroppable and has been instrumental in Forest’s impressive start to the season. The Tricky Tees are currently fifth in the standings, and boast a better defensive record than Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, having conceded just 10 goals in 11 games.
However, this weekend’s task against Arsenal will be all about keeping the likes of Gabriel Martinelli quiet and helping preserve Forest’s excellent start.
4. Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)
Bayer Leverkusen star man Victor Boniface has suffered a drop in form in recent weeks, but he has the character and mentality to bounce back.
The 23-year-old is yet to score in any of his last 6 games, including extending his scoreless run for the Super Eagles to 12 games.
This weekend, Leverkusen are in action against struggling Heidenheim at home. Anything short of a win could spell the end of their title defence, as Xabi Alonso’s men are already 9 points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Boniface will be keen to return to scoring form.
5. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
Wilfred Ndidi has been instrumental in Leicester City’s fight to avoid relegation this season. The Nigerian midfielder has been a major driving force at the heart of the pitch, contributing four assists in 11 appearances.
The Foxes are currently three points clear of the drop zone, a win against Chelsea this weekend could propel the Foxes into mid-table.
They are certainly not favourites to beat Chelsea this weekend, but for them to stand a chance, Ndidi must be at the top of his game.
