AFCON 2025
Nigerian strikers enjoyed a productive weekend across Europe, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Tolu Arokodare and Rafiu Durosinmi among those finding the net for their clubs.
Osimhen was once again at the centre of the action for Galatasaray, scoring and assisting in their 3-2 victory over Göztepe in the Turkish Süper Lig.
The Super Eagles striker set up Gabriel Sara to put Galatasaray ahead before converting a penalty in the 63rd minute. The goal took his league tally to five in three appearances this season.
In Spain, Ademola Lookman opened his La Liga account for Atlético Madrid in their 3-1 away victory over Sevilla. Lookman struck in the 33rd minute as Diego Simeone’s side took control of the game.
The goal is particularly significant after the debate over Lookman’s deployment as a central striker earlier in the campaign. His latest performance came while operating in a wider attacking role, where he looked more comfortable and dangerous.
In Turkey’s second division, Kelechi Iheanacho continued his remarkable start to life at Bursaspor, scoring and assisting in their victory over Kayserispor.
Iheanacho has now been involved in six goals in four matches this season and has scored in every game he has played.
Tolu Arokodare also continued his impressive start at Ajax, scoring his first Eredivisie goal in the club’s 4-0 win over Telstar. The Nigerian striker came off the bench to score in the 60th minute, taking his overall tally for Ajax to four goals in six competitive appearances.
In Belgium, Rafiu Durosinmi scored for the fourth consecutive league game as Genk defeated Beveren 4-0. The striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the ninth minute and now has four goals in four Belgian league matches.
Elsewhere, Nigerian youngsters also made their mark.
Stanley Iheanacho scored his fourth goal of the season for Midtjylland in their 2-2 away draw against Silkeborg, with fellow Nigerian Friday Etim providing the assist.
Akpe Victory scored his first goal for Basel and added an assist as they recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 away to Young Boys.
And Ebenezer Akinsanmiro marked his Serie A debut for Udinese with an assist in their away victory over Monza.
The weekend’s performances underline the growing depth of Nigeria’s attacking options ahead of the Super Eagles’ September AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
With Osimhen leading the way, Lookman producing at Atlético, Iheanacho rediscovering his scoring touch and Arokodare and Durosinmi continuing to develop, coach Éric Chelle faces a selection problem that Nigeria would welcome — too many forwards in form rather than too few.
