By Our Correspondent
Nigerian footballers made headlines across Europe on Sunday as Akor Adams and Salim Fago ended their scoring droughts, while Fulham stars Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze faced FA Cup disappointment. Geoffrey Chinedu also impressed with a brace in Russia.
England – Fulham FA Cup Exit
Nigeria internationals Iwobi, Bassey, and Chukwueze were on the losing side as Fulham fell 1-0 to Championship side Southampton at Craven Cottage in the FA Cup round of 16.
Controversial officiating and missed opportunities marred the match. Iwobi, an FA Cup winner with Arsenal in 2017, remains the only Nigerian with prior success in the competition.
Fulham now redirect focus to their Premier League campaign, currently sitting 10th with nine matches remaining.
Spain – Adams Shines for Sevilla
Striker Akor Adams ended a five-match goal drought in Sevilla’s La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano, scoring his seventh league goal of the season.
Since returning from AFCON, Adams has netted four goals and provided two assists in eight appearances.
His contributions included 24 touches, eight carries, and three aerial duels won, reinforcing Sevilla’s reliance on him for a late push towards European qualification.
Fellow Nigerian Chidera Ejuke appeared as a substitute but had limited impact.
Belgium – Onyedika’s Mixed Day
Raphael Onyedika faced challenges for Club Brugge, conceding an early goal to Anderlecht but recovering with key defensive interventions.
He completed 54 of 59 passes (92% accuracy), won three ground duels, and seven ball recoveries, showing his midfield influence despite initial errors.
Czechia – Fago Breaks Scoring Drought
Salim Fago scored for Viktoria Plzeň in a 3-0 win over FC Hradec Králové, marking his second goal in six matches since joining from NK Istra 1961.
His pace and clinical finish set the tone for a dominant Plzeň performance.
Italy, Turkey, Portugal & Russia
Gift Orban and Daniel Oyegoke played pivotal roles in Hellas Verona’s 2-1 victory, while Ibrahim Olawoyin orchestrated Çaykur Rizespor’s 1-0 Süper Lig win.
Bright Godwin assisted the match-winner for Vizela in Portugal, and Geoffrey Chinedu scored twice for Krylia Sovetov Samara, extending his goal streak.
