Two Nigerian stars, Victor Olatunji and Osaze Urhoghide, have been named in Major League Soccer’s Team of the Matchday alongside global icon Lionel Messi, Soccernet.ng reports.
The inclusion of Olatunji and Urhoghide in the league’s elite eleven caps off a dramatic end to the 2025 regular season.
Both players were rewarded for decisive performances that helped their clubs, Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas, seal vital postseason places.
It was a night that confirmed Olatunji’s growing reputation in North America.
The 25-year-old striker scored twice in Real Salt Lake’s 2-2 draw away at St. Louis CITY SC, a result that secured the Utah club’s fifth consecutive playoff appearance.
His brace, the first of his MLS career, came in quick succession, both inside the opening half-hour, as he demonstrated his pace, composure, and intelligent movement.
Olatunji, who joined RSL earlier this season, has now scored four goals in eight appearances, quickly becoming a fan favourite.
His first goal came from a perfectly timed run to meet Zavier Gozo’s assist, while his second followed a blistering 60-yard sprint onto a Diogo Gonçalves through ball, with the finish calm, clinical, and full of confidence. It was a display that spoke of a player ready for the big stage as RSL head into the playoffs against Portland Timbers.
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Urhoghide’s defensive brilliance completes the Nigerian double
At the other end of the pitch, Osaze Urhoghide also made his mark, scoring the opening goal in FC Dallas’ 2-1 away win over Vancouver Whitecaps.
His thumping header not only ended Vancouver’s six-match home unbeaten run but also sealed a postseason berth for Dallas in head coach Eric Quill’s debut season.
It was Urhoghide’s first inclusion in the Team of the Matchday, a reward for his consistency and growing influence since joining from Sheffield Wednesday in 2024.
Urhoghide’s commanding presence in defence has been pivotal for Dallas this season. He has been strong in the air, composed in possession, and unafraid to step into attacking spaces when needed. His goal against Vancouver typified that confidence and rounded off a fine campaign for the 25-year-old defender, who has vowed to play for the Super Eagles.
Lionel Messi, for his part, secured his first MLS Golden Boot with a hat trick and assist in Inter Miami’s 5-2 win over Nashville.
The former Barcelona man finished with 48 goal contributions for the season, just one short of the all-time record held by ex-Arsenal forward Carlos Vela.