Uche leads Getafe to Sociedad win; Dessers, Chukwueze on target for Rangers, AC Milan

Christantus Uche, Cyriel Dessers, and Samuel Chukwueze produced headline-grabbing performances on Sunday, January 26, 2025, as Nigerian players left their mark on the European football stage, Soccernet.football reports.

Christantus Uche stole the spotlight in Getafe’s impressive 3-0 La Liga victory over Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium.

Deployed again in an unconventional center-forward role by José Bordalás, the 21-year-old Nigerian midfielder showed his adaptability and flair, delivering a goal and an assist.

Uche’s strike in the 72nd minute—his first since August—was a clinical finish from the center of the box following relentless pressure from his side. The former Nigeria U23 star wasn’t done there. Thirteen minutes later, he turned provider with a perfectly weighted pass to Carles Pérez, who sealed the win for Getafe.

It is Uche’s 16th league appearance in attack this season, where he has thrived, taking his tally to two goals and two assists.

In Scotland, Cyriel Dessers maintained his red-hot form by netting his sixth goal in four matches during Rangers’ 3-1 comeback victory over Dundee United at Tannadice.

The Nigerian forward sealed the win in the 86th minute with a composed finish from Zak Lovelace’s assist, cementing his role as a pivotal figure for the Light Blues.

Dessers’ goal capped off a spirited performance by Rangers, who had earlier rallied through Mohamed Diomande and Robin Propper after falling behind to Sam Dalby’s opener.

At the San Siro, Samuel Chukwueze turned despair into ecstasy for AC Milan fans with a dramatic stoppage-time winner in a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Parma.

With Milan trailing 2-1 heading into added time, Tijjani Reijnders drew the hosts level before Chukwueze bundled home the decisive goal to spark wild celebrations.

The Nigerian forward’s strike propelled Milan to sixth in Serie A, reigniting their hopes for a top-four finish.

The victory comes at a crucial time as Sergio Conceição’s side prepares for a decisive Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb and a high-stakes derby against Inter Milan.