Nigerians abroad: Iwuala, Mukairu shine as Ndidi, Iheanacho, Ibrahim endure tough night in England, France

It was a night of mixed fortunes for Nigerian footballers across Europe and beyond on Friday, February 21, 2025, as some delivered standout performances while others suffered disappointing results, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ndidi and Iheanacho struggle in England

In the Premier League, Wilfred Ndidi and Leicester City’s relegation woes deepened after a heavy 4-0 home defeat to Brentford.

Wilfred Ndidi after Brendford ‘s third goal! pic.twitter.com/AWf3ef8KDE

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) February 21, 2025

Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho made his third Championship appearance for Middlesbrough but is still searching for his first goal since joining in the winter. Boro fell to a 2-1 loss against Bristol City.

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Ibrahim’s nghtmare Ligue 1 debut in France

Former Chelsea trialist Hamzat Ibrahim endured a debut to forget in Ligue 1.

The 19-year-old Nigerian talent made his first appearance for Reims in a 1-0 defeat to Rennes but lasted only 16 minutes before being sent off. Booked in the 79th minute for a rash challenge, he received a second yellow ten minutes later, cutting short a promising first-team introduction.

Ibrahim’s promotion followed his impressive form for Reims II, where he netted nine goals in National 3, making him the club’s top scorer at that level.

I’ve been following the story of Hafiz Umar Ibrahim since he became a sensation at the Viareggio Cup in Italy in February.

The 19-year-old closes 2024 with his first professional senior cap for French side Stade Reims. What a story of triumph for the former water melon seller… pic.twitter.com/SKP78eBwRk

— Lolade Adewuyi (@Jololade) December 29, 2024

Nigeria’s Oyewusi and Mustapha impress in France and Albania

In the French National 1, Mathias Oyewusi provided the assist for Valenciennes’ opener in a 1-1 draw away to Concarneau.

Over in Albania, Ibrahim Mustapha enjoyed a full debut to remember for Bylis. The former Kano Pillars and Plateau United forward played a key role in his side’s stunning 3-2 comeback win over Partizani Tirana.

Having left El Kanemi Warriors — where he had already scored eight NPFL goals this season — Mustapha made his first start for Bylis at the Arena e Demave.

After Partizani raced into a two-goal lead within 16 minutes, Victor da Silva pulled one back before Mustapha equalised in the 71st minute. His night got even better when Flamur Ruçi netted a stoppage-time winner.

Eze, Iwuala, Rafiu, and Mukairu make their mark

In Egypt, Nigeria’s Emeka Eze registered an assist for Haras El Hodood in their 2-2 draw at Petrojet.

Super Eagles winger Anayo Iwuala was the hero for Al Arabi in Kuwait, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 away win over Yarmouk.

In Slovenia’s 1. SNL, former Rivers United attacker Ishaq Kayode Rafiu was on the scoresheet for Primorje as they fought back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw at Nafta.

Meanwhile, in Turkey’s 1. Lig, Paul Mukairu showcased his playmaking ability, providing an assist in Boluspor’s 2-0 away win at Manisa FK.