Nigerian footballers captured attention across Europe on Wednesday evening, as action in the Europa League and various domestic leagues showcased a blend of goals, intense moments, and notable returns, according to Soccernet.ng.
Iheanacho Shines but Celtic Draws in Belgrade
Kelechi Iheanacho maintained his impressive form at Celtic by netting a goal in their Europa League group stage opener against Red Star Belgrade. Despite his contribution, the Scottish champions had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Coming off the bench at halftime, Iheanacho quickly made his mark. Within six minutes of the second half, he skillfully received a pass from Benjamin Nygren and curled a precise shot into the upper corner of the net.
This marked Iheanacho’s third direct involvement in goals across his first three appearances under Brendan Rodgers.
However, Celtic’s advantage was short-lived. Following a corner, Nigerian defender Franklin Uchenna set up Marko Arnautovic, who powered a strong finish to level the score in the 61st minute.
Red Star had posed the greater threat in the opening 45 minutes, with Nemanja Radonjic and Bruno Duarte testing Celtic’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Although Iheanacho came close to regaining the lead late on, the draw was a fair reflection of the contest.
Both teams remain unbeaten this season. Celtic now prepare for their upcoming clash with Hibernian, while Red Star will host FK Radnicki.
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Otele Scores for Basel in Close Europa League Defeat
Philip Otele also found the back of the net during the Europa League, scoring Basel’s lone goal in a 2-1 loss to Freiburg.
The Swiss side fell behind when Patrick Osterhage opened the scoring in the 31st minute, with Maximilian Eggestein doubling Freiburg’s lead early in the second half.
Otele, who entered the match in the 58th minute, made an immediate impact by converting a chance from Leo Leroy’s assist six minutes before full time.
Although Basel couldn’t overturn the deficit, the 24-year-old winger demonstrated why he deserves a starting role for the Swiss champions.
Moffi Nets in Nice’s Narrow Defeat to Roma
In Ligue 1, Terem Moffi scored for Nice but the team succumbed 2-1 to Roma.
After serving a disciplinary suspension earlier in the week, Moffi began on the bench but came on to convert a penalty in the 77th minute, reducing the deficit following goals from Roma defenders Evan Ndicka and Gianluca Mancini.
Despite Nice’s late attempts to equalize, Roma held firm to secure all three points. Moffi’s goal marked his third of the season, underscoring his clinical finishing even amid off-field challenges.
Sadiq Makes Long-Awaited Return for Real Sociedad
Umar Sadiq finally returned to action for Real Sociedad, coming on as a late substitute in their 1-0 La Liga victory over Mallorca.
The 27-year-old had been absent from Sociedad’s lineup since December, spending the latter half of last season on loan at Valencia. His substitution in the 85th minute, replacing Ander Barrenetxea, marked his first competitive appearance this season.
With Real Sociedad competing on multiple fronts, Sadiq’s return adds depth and attacking options for the club.
Ndidi Returns as Besiktas Dominate Kayserispor
Wilfred Ndidi made his comeback from injury for Besiktas in their commanding 4-0 league victory away at Kayserispor in Turkey.
The midfielder, sidelined since Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa, played 66 minutes before being substituted for Yilmaz. By that point, Besiktas had secured a comfortable lead thanks to a hat-trick from Rafa Silva and a goal from Tammy Abraham.
This victory lifted Besiktas to ninth place in the Super Lig standings with nine points from five matches. Ndidi’s return was a welcome boost, alleviating concerns over his recent absence. Head coach Sergen Yalçın expressed satisfaction at having the Nigerian midfielder back in the squad.
Onyedika’s Injury Halts Belgium Thriller
Raphael Onyedika’s evening was cut short due to injury as Club Brugge played out a wild 5-5 draw against Westerlo in the Belgian Pro League.
The 23-year-old midfielder was forced off after just 16 minutes, sparking concerns for both his club and the Nigerian national team. The match itself was a rollercoaster, with Brugge rallying from a two-goal deficit to lead 3-2, only to fall behind again before salvaging a point in stoppage time thanks to an own goal by Emin Bayram and a late equalizer.
Club Brugge remain third in the league table, but focus now shifts to Onyedika’s recovery ahead of crucial Champions League fixtures.
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