Super Eagles: Iheanacho Extends Scoring Streak to 12 Games, Arokodare Hits 101 Career Goals as Iwobi Matches Salah’s Premier League Record
Nigerian footballers recorded notable individual milestones across Europe over the weekend, with Kelechi Iheanacho extending his scoring streak to 12 consecutive games, Tolu Arokodare reaching 101 career goals and Alex Iwobi matching Mohamed Salah’s record for Premier League appearances among African players.
George Ilenikhena, Cyriel Dessers and Gift Orban also found the net for their respective clubs, while Emmanuel Ayaosi registered an assist for Slavia Praha.
However, it was a weekend of mixed fortunes for Nigerians abroad, with Nathan Tella, Victor Boniface and Maduka Okoye suffering defeats with their teams.
Iheanacho Extends Scoring Streak to 12 Games
Kelechi Iheanacho maintained his impressive form in Turkey, scoring in Bursaspor’s 4-2 victory over Keçiörengücü in the Turkish second division.
The Super Eagles forward has now scored in 12 consecutive games, underlining his importance to Bursaspor’s attacking ambitions as the club pursues its objectives this season.
His remarkable consistency has made him one of the Nigerian forwards to watch abroad, while his continued goalscoring form could strengthen his case for a return to the Super Eagles setup.
Arokodare Reaches 101 Career Goals
Tolu Arokodare reached a significant career milestone after scoring in Ajax’s 2-1 away victory over Sparta Rotterdam in the Eredivisie on Sunday.
The Nigerian striker found the net in the 45th minute of first-half stoppage time, taking his career tally for club and country to 101 goals.
Arokodare played the full 90 minutes and recorded three shots as Ajax secured an important away victory.
The achievement represents another landmark for the Nigerian forward, whose goalscoring contribution continues to attract attention as he progresses in European football.
Iwobi Matches Salah’s Premier League Appearance Record
Alex Iwobi reached another career landmark after featuring in Fulham’s 1-0 victory over Coventry City.
The appearance reportedly took the Nigerian midfielder’s Premier League total to 328, drawing him level with Egypt international Mohamed Salah as the joint-second African player with the most appearances in the competition.
Former Ivory Coast defender Kolo Touré remains the African record-holder with 353 appearances.
Having represented Arsenal, Everton and Fulham in the English top flight, Iwobi is now within reach of Touré’s mark as he continues to play a prominent role for Fulham.
Oscar Bobb scored Fulham’s winning goal in the 80th minute to secure the victory.
Ilenikhena Scores in Al-Ittihad Victory
George Ilenikhena continued his contribution to Al-Ittihad’s attack, scoring in the Saudi club’s 2-0 victory over Al-Diriyah.
The Nigerian forward opened the scoring in the 30th minute before Georginio Wijnaldum converted a second-half penalty to seal the win.
Ilenikhena’s latest contribution further underlined his growing importance to the Saudi side as he continues to develop his career abroad.
Dessers, Orban Find the Net
Cyriel Dessers scored the decisive goal as Panathinaikos defeated Volos 1-0 in the Greek Super League.
The Nigerian striker’s effort proved enough to secure all three points in a closely contested encounter, highlighting his ability to make a difference in tight matches.
In Turkey, Gift Orban converted a penalty in Amedspor’s 2-1 away victory over Samsunspor.
Orban scored in the 73rd minute to draw Amedspor level before Dia Sabi’a netted the winner in the 83rd minute, completing a comeback for the visitors.
Ayaosi Provides Assist for Slavia Praha
Emmanuel Ayaosi registered an assist as Slavia Praha played out a 1-1 draw against Mladá Boleslav in the Czech league.
The Nigerian midfielder contributed to his side’s attacking efforts, although Slavia Praha were unable to secure maximum points.
His compatriots Mubarak Suleiman and David Moses were both substituted at half-time.
Durosinmi Features in Genk Victory
Rafiu Durosinmi was involved as Genk secured a 2-1 victory over Standard Liège in Belgium.
The result added another positive outcome to the weekend for Nigerian players featuring across European leagues, with Durosinmi contributing to his side’s efforts.
Mixed Fortunes for Tella, Boniface and Okoye
Nathan Tella featured for Bayer Leverkusen before being substituted in the second half of their Bundesliga encounter against Hoffenheim, while Victor Boniface remained an unused substitute.
Leverkusen suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat, leaving both Nigerian forwards on the losing side.
In Italy, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye started for Udinese but could not prevent a 2-0 defeat against AC Milan in Serie A.
Nigerian Stars Deliver Weekend Milestones
The weekend produced several notable achievements for Nigerian footballers abroad.
Iheanacho’s 12-game scoring streak and Arokodare’s rise to 101 career goals highlighted the performances of Nigerian forwards, while Iwobi’s latest Premier League appearance added another milestone to his career.
Ilenikhena, Dessers and Orban also found the net, while Ayaosi supplied an assist for Slavia Praha.
Despite the contrasting team results, the individual contributions offered another reminder of the Nigerian presence across Europe’s major leagues and other international competitions.
