Orban Overtakes Osimhen in Turkish Super League as Nigerian Stars Make Their Mark Across Europe
Gift Orban has moved ahead of Victor Osimhen in the Turkish Super League scoring standings after another decisive weekend performance, strengthening his growing influence in Turkey while Nigerian footballers continued to make their mark across Europe and beyond.
Orban was central to Amed SK’s 3-2 victory over Besiktas, scoring one goal and providing an assist in an entertaining encounter. His contribution underlined the Nigerian forward’s increasingly prominent role in the Turkish top flight and saw him move beyond Osimhen in the league’s scoring chart.
The development adds another layer to the growing Nigerian presence in Turkish football, where the performances of the country’s leading forwards have attracted considerable attention.
While Orban continued his upward trajectory, Kelechi Iheanacho also produced a standout display in Turkey, scoring twice as Bursaspor secured a 2-1 away victory over Batman Petrolspor.
The Nigerian attacking contingent was not limited to Turkey. In the Netherlands, Tolu Arokodare found the net as Ajax were held to a 2-2 draw by Excelsior, while Alex Iwobi featured for Fulham in their 1-1 Premier League draw against Manchester United at Craven Cottage.
Calvin Bassey also played a role in Fulham’s equaliser, with his effort leading to an own goal by United defender Lisandro Martinez.
In Saudi Arabia, Asisat Oshoala continued her impressive goalscoring form, scoring twice as Al Hilal Women swept aside Al-Ahli Ladies 9-0.
The weekend’s Nigerian performances come at a time when the welfare, representation and professional interests of Nigerian players remain firmly in focus. Read Also: NANPF Reaffirms Legal Status as Nigeria’s Players’ Trade Union, Insists on Statutory Welfare, Labour Representation Role
Elsewhere in Europe, Terem Moffi featured as Hamburg recorded their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Cologne.
In France, Rasheedat Ajibade came on in the 66th minute, while Jennifer Echegini entered at half-time as Paris Saint-Germain defeated Nantes 1-0.
E. Ayaosi completed 90 minutes for Slavia Prague in their 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen in the Czech Republic, while goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was between the posts for Udinese in their 1-0 home defeat to Cagliari.
For Orban, however, the weekend belonged to Turkey.
His goal and assist against Besiktas not only helped Amed secure a valuable victory but also pushed the Nigerian forward ahead of Osimhen in the Turkish Super League scoring race, providing another significant marker in his development and growing influence in Turkish football.
