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Top 10: Nigeria’s best players at the weekend – Iwobi, Chukwuemeka, and Okoye lead the charge

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It was a weekend where Nigeria’s finest football exports took centre stage across Europe’s top leagues and beyond, Soccernet.ng reports

From Craven Cottage to Cape Town, Nigerian internationals and hopefuls stepped up with performances full of class, grit, and game-changing quality.

Here are Nigeria’s top 10 standout performers from the weekend.

1. Alex Iwobi, Fulham 

At Craven Cottage, Iwobi was untouchable. He was Fulham’s engine, playmaker, and finisher all in one breath as they stunned Liverpool 3-2.

After Alexis Mac Allister gave the visitors the lead, Fulham responded with three quick goals — with Iwobi right at the heart of it.

After Fulham levelled matters, Iwobi put the Londoners in front with a smashing finish. Shortly after, the Super Eagles midfielder turned provider for Rodrigo Muniz to net Fulham’s third.

Nigeria and Fulham star Alex Iwobi. Photo by IMAGO

Iwobi’s stats back up the eye test: 45 touches, 19 completed passes, three shots on target, and an assist — all while putting in a defensive shift with two tackles and an interception. Man of the match, no debate.

Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi.
Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi. Photo Credit X

2. Calvin Bassey, Fulham

At the other end, Bassey was equally magnificent.

The Nigerian centre-back bossed the defensive third with a performance that combined brute strength, anticipation, and cool-headed composure.

Bassey racked up five clearances, three tackles, and blocked one shot — most crucially, he kept Mohamed Salah completely quiet.

Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Liverpool's Mo Salah
Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Liverpool’s Mo Salah. Photo credit X

The Liverpool talisman failed to register a single shot on target, a rare feat made possible by Bassey’s relentless marking. After being benched against Arsenal, this was a statement return.

3. Christantus Uche, Getafe

Only 21, Uche delivered a performance beyond his years in Getafe’s 4-0 demolition of Real Valladolid.

He picked apart the opposition with two assists, created two big chances, and played a key role in the third goal.

Nigeria and Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche.
Nigeria and Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche. Photo by IMAGO

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A menace between the lines, the Owerri-born midfielder also showed tenacity off the ball — winning three tackles and six duels.

His debut La Liga campaign now reads: 3 goals, 5 assists, and growing authority. With performances like this, it won’t be long before he becomes a regular for the Super Eagles.

4. Kelechi Iheanacho, Middlesbrough

The Kelechi comeback continues. Iheanacho turned creator-in-chief for Middlesbrough, setting up both goals in a 2-0 away win at Blackburn Rovers.

Nigeria Super Eagles star Kelechi Iheanacho joins Middlesbrough from Sevilla on loan. Photo Credit X
Nigeria Super Eagles star Kelechi Iheanacho. Photo Credit X

His intelligent link-up play was evident from the first whistle.

Just two minutes in, he teed up Tommy Conway with a sublime through ball, before assisting Samuel Iling-Junior with another clever pass minutes later.

It’s been a rocky start to life at Boro, but the former Leicester man is now hitting his stride at the right time as they eye promotion.

5. Carney Chukwuemeka, Borussia Dortmund

Chukwuemeka’s loan spell at Dortmund is off and running. The Chelsea loanee made his first start and marked it with a fine goal in their 4-1 win over Freiburg.

The 20-year-old slotted into midfield with confidence, scoring from the edge of the box and registering two key passes.

He completed 20 of his 22 passes and won 6 duels in just 68 minutes of action. He even contested more duels (27) than any other player. A complete display from a player showing he’s ready for senior international football.

6. Moses Simon, Nantes

Simon’s season of renaissance rolled on as he registered his ninth assist in Nantes’ 2-1 win over Nice. He set up Douglas Augusto’s opener and worked tirelessly down the flank.

The Nigerian winger has now contributed to 16 of Nantes’ 33 league goals — that’s 48.5%.

Nigeria Super Eagles and Nantes forward Moses Simon.
Nigeria Super Eagles and Nantes forward Moses Simon. Photo Credit X

This is Simon’s best-ever campaign in Europe, both for goals (7) and assists (9). In short, he’s been the heartbeat of this struggling Nantes side and continues to make a compelling case to remain one of the Super Eagles’ key men.

7. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Lazio

All eyes were on Africa Football of the Year Ademola Lookman to lead Atalanta to another home win on Saturday but it was compatriot Fisayo Dele-Bashiru who won the battle of the Super Eagles stars.

The midfielder’s engine, ball-carrying, and ability to beat the press were on display once again and he crowned his display with the assist to the only goal of the game.

A surprise inclusion in the starting eleven, made two key passes, created one big chance and had one shot on target as Lazio claimed a memorable 1-0 win in Bergamo.

8. Maduka Okoye, Udinese

Even in defeat, Okoye stood tall. The Nigerian goalkeeper was Udinese’s best player in their narrow 1-0 loss at Genoa.

He made six saves — five of them from inside the box — and kept the scoreline respectable.

Nigeria and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Photo by IMAGO
Nigeria and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Photo by IMAGO

Rated 8.0 on Sofascore, his performance was a masterclass in positioning and reflexes. With consistency like this, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle may be convinced to consider Okoye as his undisputed No.1 heading into the next round of internationals.

9. Saviour Godwin, Al Okhdood

Saviour Godwin once again proved his worth in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, scoring the match-winner for Al Okhdood in a gritty 1-0 win over Al Orubah.

Nigeria’s Saviour Godwin.
Nigeria’s Saviour Godwin. Photo Credit Instagram

Now on five league goals this season, Godwin’s sharpness and finishing instincts have helped his side secure four crucial away victories. He’s building a reputation as a clutch performer in tight games.

10. Chibuike Ohizu, Sekhukhune United

In South Africa, Ohizu stole the show in Sekhukhune United’s 2-1 away win at Cape Town City. He assisted the opener and scored the match-winner in a lively first-half display.

Nigeria’s Chibuike Ohizu.
Nigeria’s Chibuike Ohizu. Photo Credit Instagram

The 28-year-old forward showed sharp movement, intelligent link-up, and composure in front of goal. Performances like this may soon earn him a look from Super Eagles scouts.

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