The top 10 Nigerian football stars of the weekend

Benjamin Joseph

As the 2024/25 league season picks up pace across Europe, Dailynews24 highlights the standout performances of Nigerian footballers from the past weekend.

1. Victor Boniface – Bayer Leverkusen 2–2 Stuttgart

Victor Boniface continued his impressive form by scoring the opening goal for Bayer Leverkusen in their German Super Cup match against VfB Stuttgart. Despite Stuttgart taking the lead, Leverkusen equalized in the last minute and won 4-3 on penalties. This victory adds to Boniface’s and Nathan Tella’s third title with Bayer Leverkusen.

2. Tolu Arokodare – Beerschot 3–4 Genk

Tolu Arokodare played a pivotal role in Genk’s 4-3 win over Beerschot by scoring twice, including the decisive goal. Arokodare now has four goals in his first four league games of the season.

3. Roosa Ariyo – KuPS 8–0 Ilves

Roosa Ariyo excelled in KuPS’s dominant 8-0 victory over Ilves, scoring two goals. Despite the win, KuPS is still trailing HJK by 12 points in the Kansallinen Liiga.

4. Umar Muhammed – TPS 5–3 KäPa

Umar Muhammed scored two goals in TPS’s 5-3 win against KäPa in Finland’s Ykkösliiga, helping secure the victory for the hosts.

5. Tosin Kehinde – Ferencváros 1–0 Újpest

Tosin Kehinde scored a stoppage-time winner in Ferencváros’s 1-0 win over Újpest, marking his first league goal for the club.

6. Oriola Sunday – Omiya Ardija 2–0 Zweigen Kanazawa

Oriola Sunday scored twice in Omiya Ardija’s 2-0 victory over Zweigen Kanazawa, showcasing his attacking prowess and contributing significantly to his team’s performance.

7. Cyriel Dessers – Rangers 2–0 St. Johnstone

Cyriel Dessers scored the opening goal and provided an assist in Rangers’ 2-0 win over St. Johnstone, aiding the team’s progression to the League Cup quarterfinals.

8. Ridwan Sanusi – Podbrezová 7–1 Skalica

Ridwan Sanusi played a crucial role in Podbrezová’s 7-1 win over Skalica, scoring once and assisting another in a record-setting match for the club.

9. Justice Ohajunwa – Floreşti 0–8 Zimbru

Justice Ohajunwa scored four goals in Zimbru’s emphatic 8-0 win over Floreşti, marking the first time in his career he has achieved such a feat. He has now scored in his last four games.

10. Moses Cobnan – Krasnodar 2–1 Nizhny Novgorod

Moses Cobnan came off the bench to score twice in Krasnodar’s 2-1 comeback win against Nizhny Novgorod, securing their second Russian Premier League victory of the season.

Honourable Mentions

• Maduka Okoye: Delivered a solid performance in goal for Udinese in their 1-1 draw against Bologna.
• Fisayo Dele-Bashiru: Impressed in his league debut for Lazio in their 3-1 win over Venezia.
• Ebenezer Akinsanmiro: Contributed to Sampdoria’s 2-2 draw against Frosinone on his Serie B debut.
• Gabriel Osho: Played a key role in AJ Auxerre’s 2-1 win over OGC Nice on his Ligue 1 debut.