Nigerian football stars made significant impacts across European leagues and beyond this weekend, with George Ilenikhena shining in France, while Tolu Arokodare and Chrisantus Uche marked their Premier League debuts, according to Soccernet.ng.
At the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps, 19-year-old forward George Ilenikhena came off the bench to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory for Monaco against Auxerre in Ligue 1.
Monaco’s Takumi Minamino initially put his team ahead, but Auxerre equalized through an unfortunate own goal by Mohammed Salisu in the 73rd minute.
However, just ten minutes after entering the pitch, Ilenikhena soared above defenders to head in the winning goal in the 88th minute, marking his first goal of the season.
This crucial strike capped a promising start for Monaco, who have now won three of their first four matches despite missing key signings Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati.
Meanwhile, in the Czech First League, Rafiu Durosinmi made a strong comeback from illness to lead Viktoria Plzen to a 1-0 victory over SK Sigma Olomouc.
The 22-year-old striker scored in the 30th minute after a VAR review confirmed the goal. Despite Olomouc receiving two red cards, Plzen couldn’t extend their lead but climbed to third place, maintaining a four-game unbeaten streak.
Rafiu Durosinmi se nemýlil! pic.twitter.com/2jgl3nWfQs
– FC Viktoria Plzeň (@fcviktorkaplzen) September 13, 2025
In England, two Nigerian talents made their Premier League debuts this weekend.
Tolu Arokodare, who transferred from Belgian club Genk to Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer, started in Wolves’ narrow 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United.
Despite his enthusiasm, Arokodare struggled to make a significant impact and was substituted in the 66th minute.
Meanwhile, Chrisantus Uche, Crystal Palace’s late transfer window signing, made his first appearance in English football by coming on as a substitute in the 84th minute during a goalless draw against Leeds United.
Both players recently represented Nigeria in World Cup qualifiers and will be keen to enhance their performances as the season unfolds.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Samuel Chukwueze was absent from Fulham’s squad following his last-minute transfer from AC Milan. The winger is anticipated to fully integrate with his new team in the upcoming weeks.
On the women’s front, Super Falcons striker Esther Okoronkwo continued to elevate her reputation in Canada.
Okoronkwo scored twice as AFC Toronto dominated Vancouver Rise 7-0 in the Northern Super League.
New skill alert!
Esther Okoronkwo just upgraded her skill.
The AFC Toronto player scored free-kick goal against Vancouver Rise FC in the Canadian Northern Super League pic.twitter.com/c7oxrYNXoY– SURE 97.5FM (@sure975fm) September 14, 2025
She opened the scoring with a spectacular free-kick in the sixth minute and added another goal midway through the second half, helping Toronto secure a playoff spot and maintain their position at the top of the table. This victory also ended Vancouver’s eight-match unbeaten run.
In Saudi Arabia, Ashleigh Plumptre captained Al Ittihad to a successful start in their league campaign.
The defender assisted Leticia Nunes for the club’s second goal in a 2-1 win over Al Ula. Francisca Ordega also made a late appearance as Al Ittihad claimed three points to kick off their season positively.
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