If the players of the Super Eagles could replicate their performance at the club level during matches for Nigeria, it would be highly beneficial
Coming off an international break where Nigeria managed just two goals and two points against Zimbabwe and Lesotho, Super Eagles players in top European leagues showcased their scoring prowess over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao’s Iñaki Williams maintained his impressive form as he prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations for Ghana. On a different note, Elye Wahi, the French-Ivorian young talent, is still pursuing a record set by Karim Benzema, but concerns linger about his discipline following yet another red card.
Observing Nigeria’s lackluster performances against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the recent international break, where they managed only uninspiring draws, it amplifies the pressure on Jose Peseiro. Despite missing the presence of superstar forward Victor Osimhen in those matches against teams ranked 153rd and 125th globally, the weekend’s football action in Europe revealed a plethora of goal-hungry Nigerians shining in top leagues.
Alex Iwobi took center stage on Monday evening, showcasing his excellent form as he broke his Premier League goal drought for Fulham, contributing to their thrilling 3-2 victory over Wolves. While Iwobi had begun to establish himself at Everton before his summer transfer, the versatility of being deployed in various positions, including a wing-back role, often posed challenges for him to assert his influence on the Merseyside club.
Reunited with Marco Silva and granted a more expansive role, the cousin of Jay-Jay Okocha emerged as the standout performer in the game, registering more goal attempts than any other player on the field. Displaying his prowess at Craven Cottage, he found the net from close range after a dynamic run into the box, connecting with Antonee Robinson’s precise cross. Earlier in the match, the 27-year-old showcased excellent teamwork with Andreas Pereira, creating an opportunity for Raúl Jiménez, and later tested José Sá with a powerful shot as the hosts aimed to increase their lead in the second half.
In another Premier League encounter, Michael Olise delivered one of the standout goals of the weekend for Crystal Palace against Luton Town. The 21-year-old initiated a dazzling 50-meter run from the halfway line, skillfully maneuvering past Amari’i Bell on the right flank before outmaneuvering him with a quick shimmy. Upon entering the box, Olise unleashed a magnificent left-footed strike beyond Thomas Kaminski.
Although Palace couldn’t secure the victory, with Luton securing their first home win of the campaign, and with Eberechi Eze sidelined due to injury, the Eagles will depend on continued inspired performances from the 21-year-old Olise. The Super Eagles would undoubtedly welcome the opportunity to include him in the squad for the upcoming Nations Cup.
Meanwhile, over in France, Elye Wahi, a highly anticipated prospect in Ligue 1 this season at the age of 20, added to his goal tally by scoring in Lens’ 3-0 triumph against Clermont Foot this weekend. Despite his on-field successes, challenges persist.
Having showcased his talent by netting 19 goals for Montpellier last season, Wahi secured a €35 million move to Champions League participants Lens this summer. While he has already found the back of the net against formidable opponents like Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League, his performances in Ligue 1, particularly against Strasbourg in late September, have been a mixed bag.
In the recent victory against Clermont, Wahi opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a skillful header from a well-delivered Ruben Aguilar cross. This marked his 34th goal in the top flight, placing him third among the league’s top U-21 goal scorers in the last four decades, trailing only Kylian Mbappé (71) and Karim Benzema (35). While surpassing Mbappe may be a tall order, the prospect of equalling or even surpassing Benzema before his 21st birthday on January 2 is still well within reach, despite his suspension for Lens’ upcoming clash with Olympique Lyonnais.
While Wahi’s athleticism and goal-scoring instincts are unquestionable, concerns persist about his maturity, especially following his recent dismissal after a confrontation with Ghana’s Alidu Seidu, who was also sent off. At just 20 years old and having named fellow Ivorian Didier Drogba as his idol, Wahi has now been red-carded in each of the last three Ligue 1 seasons, making him the sole holder of this unwanted distinction.
Terem Moffi notched his fourth goal of the season, securing the lone goal in OGC Nice’s encounter with Toulouse, adding to the club’s remarkable season. This marked Moffi’s first goal since his double in the 3-2 triumph against Paris Saint-Germain in mid-September. Despite Moffi’s goal drought, Nice has maintained an impressive defensive record, not conceding in their last eight games and allowing only four goals in 13 matches. This defensive resilience has propelled them to the second spot in Ligue 1. If Moffi can reignite his goal-scoring form, coupled with their solid defense, Nice’s unexpected title pursuit could endure for a while longer.
Meanwhile, in France, 20-year-old Emanuel Emegha outperformed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang by opening the scoring for Strasbourg in their 1-1 draw against Olympique de Marseille. Additionally, winger Chidera Ejuke opened his goal account for Royal Antwerp with an 81st-minute equalizer against St. Truiden.
Turning to Turkey, Paul Onuachu continues to overcome his challenging stint at Southampton with a stellar performance in the Super Lig. The towering Nigerian striker notched his seventh goal in nine top-flight appearances, contributing to Trabzonspor’s 3-3 draw against Sivasspor. Egyptian winger Trézéguet and Arsenal outcast Nicolas Pépé also found the back of the net in the same fixture.
In Spain, Inaki Williams made a triumphant return from the international break, continuing his excellent form. The loyal one-club man added to his La Liga goal tally, reaching six for the season. He concluded a splendid counter-attacking sequence with a well-executed left-footed finish from inside the box, perfectly timing his run to connect with Oihan Sancet’s through-ball.
Williams, at 29, put an end to his nearly year-long goal drought for Ghana by scoring a late winner against Madagascar in international qualifiers. This crucial goal spared the Black Stars from potential embarrassment and served as a response to those doubting his capability to lead the West Africans’ attack in the upcoming AFCON.
While Williams has faced occasional criticism for perceived shortcomings in his cutting edge throughout his career, he managed to reach double figures in La Liga for only the second time last season. With already six goals in 14 appearances this season, he seems poised to surpass that 10-goal mark and continue his impressive goal-scoring run.