Adams, Iheanacho lift gloom for Nigerians abroad News

Navigation: Home / News / Euro Soccer Update / Adams, Iheanacho lift gloom for Nigerians abroad

Adams, Iheanacho lift gloom for Nigerians abroad

By Daily Sports Nigeria on October 6, 2025

As Nigeria prepares for crucial World Cup qualifiers later this month, several Super Eagles stars impressed for their clubs over the weekend. Olamide Abe reports on how they fared in their final outings before the international break

SUNDAY

SPAIN

Ejuke, Adams (Sevilla)

Barcelona’s unbeaten run in La Liga came to a dramatic end at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, where Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams combined to inspire Sevilla’s 4-1 demolition of the Catalan giants on Sunday.

The Nigerian duo, one of who have both been in the spotlight following recent Super Eagles call-ups, made sure to justify the hype as their chemistry produced a crucial moment that sealed the contest in emphatic fashion.

Adams had spoken confidently ahead of the clash, insisting he could score against Hansi Flick’s side if given the opportunity. “I think I have the ability to score in every game if I have the opportunities,” he said before the match and he proved just that.

Introduced just after the hour mark with Sevilla leading 2-1, Adams had a goal ruled out for offside in the 87th minute before Ejuke, who came on for Alexis Sánchez, set him up again in stoppage time for a composed close-range finish that stood.

The goal capped off a spirited performance for Adams, who has now scored in consecutive league games after a slow start to the season. His form is arriving at the perfect time, not just for Sevilla’s campaign in Andalusia but also as he looks to cement his place in the Super Eagles fold ahead of December’s AFCON and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers incoming days.

Ejuke, on his part, showcased why he remains one of Nigeria’s most technically gifted wingers, exploiting spaces on the counter and recording an assist that sealed Barça’s heaviest defeat of the season as he continues his redemption journey hoping to be called back to the Super Eagles

SCOTLAND

Iheanacho (Celtic), Said (Motherwell)

Two former Golden Eaglets stars went head-to-head as Celtic edged Motherwell 3–2 in a pulsating Scottish Premiership encounter at Celtic Park.

Kelechi Iheanacho started for Celtic and was instrumental in their win, scoring the opener from the penalty spot in the 28th minute. The Nigerian sent goalkeeper Calum Ward the wrong way, netting his third goal of the season in all competitions.

Motherwell’s Ibrahim Said, a member of Nigeria’s 2019 U-17 World Cup squad, had an eventful afternoon before limping off injured in the 80th minute.

After Celtic’s early lead, Motherwell rallied through Apostolos Stamatelopoulos’ brace, but Benjamin Nygren’s 69th-minute equaliser restored parity before Daizen Maeda’s stoppage-time strike completed the comeback for Brendan Rodgers’ men.

Iheanacho, who played 78 minutes before being replaced, continues to impress following his free transfer from Leicester City. With three goals and an assist in six games, the 29-year-old is fast becoming a fan favourite in Glasgow.

ENGLAND

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton)

Chiamaka Nnadozie was exceptional in goal despite Brighton’s 1–0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Women’s Super League.

The Nigerian goalkeeper, recently nominated for the Yaccine Trophy for Ballon d’Or, produced six crucial saves to keep her side in contention, but could do nothing to prevent Cathinka Tandberg’s first-half strike.

Nnadozie denied Tandberg, Bethany England, Eveliina Summanen, and Toko Koga on multiple occasions with a string of athletic stops that underlined her status as Africa’s best shot-stopper.

She completed 26 passes, made four accurate long balls, and produced three clearances in an all-action display that once again highlighted her consistency and leadership.

Tolu Arokodare (Wolves)

It was another frustrating day for Wolves and their Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare, who came on late in their 2–0 defeat. The striker had just two touches as his side remain winless and bottom of the Premier League table after seven matches.

Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace)

Christantus Uche endured a quiet cameo as Crystal Palace suffered their first league defeat of the season in dramatic fashion. The former Getafe man came off the bench in the 89th minute but could not influence proceedings as Jack Grealish’s stoppage-time penalty handed Everton a narrow 2–1 win.

Uche, still seeking his first goal contribution for Palace, will be hoping to rediscover the form that made him one of La Liga’s most exciting young attackers before his move to England.

Frank Onyeka (Brentford)

Frank Onyeka featured for 17 minutes in Brentford’s narrow 1–0 defeat to Manchester City.

Despite his side’s loss, Onyeka made a positive impression off the bench, completing all six of his passes, winning two duels, and recording one tackle in a midfield battle against Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden.

Having returned from a loan spell in Germany, the Nigerian midfielder will hope his strong cameo earns him more minutes under new manager Keith Andrews.

ITALY

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa)

It was a tough outing for Ebenezer Akinsanmiro as Pisa suffered a heavy 4–0 defeat away to Bologna in Serie A.

The Inter Milan loanee, who has been one of Pisa’s few bright sparks this season, struggled to impose himself against Bologna’s relentless midfield press.

The 20-year-old completed none of his attempted dribbles, won just two of eight duels, and misplaced several key passes as his side remained rooted to the bottom of the table.

It was a learning experience for Akinsanmiro, who will need to bounce back quickly to maintain his development in Italy’s top flight.

USA

Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution)

Alhassan Yusuf came off the bench to provide a spark in New England Revolution’s 4–1 defeat to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. The Nigerian midfielder replaced Allan Oyirwoth at half-time and played a role in the build-up to his team’s consolation goal scored by Turgeman in the 59th minute.

Despite the result, Yusuf showed composure and energy in midfield, winning tackles and linking play efficiently. New England’s season, however, looks set to end in disappointment as they remain out of playoff contention, with one final game left against Chicago Fire.

SATURDAY

TURKEY

Osimhen (Galatasaray), Ndidi (Besiktas)

Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi went head-to-head in the Istanbul derby as Galatasaray were held to a 1–1 draw by Besiktas.

Ndidi’s side struck first through Tammy Abraham in the 12th minute, but after Davinson Sánchez’s red card, Galatasaray fought back through Ilkay Gündogan’s equaliser.

Osimhen and Ndidi both played 86 minutes before being substituted. The result ended Galatasaray’s perfect league record but kept them top of the table with 22 points from eight matches, while Besiktas sit fifth.

FRANCE

Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini (PSG)

Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini impressed as PSG claimed a hard-fought win over Dijon in the French women’s league.

Both Nigerians were active in attack, with Echegini creating several chances from midfield while Ajibade’s movement and pressing troubled the visitors’ backline. Their newly established partnership continues to strengthen PSG’s ambitions in the league.

GERMANY

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)

Ademola Lookman featured as Atalanta were held to a 1–1 draw by newly-promoted Como in Serie A. The Nigerian forward came on in the second half, adding pace and creativity down the flank but could not find the winner for Gian Piero Gasperini’s men.

FRANCE

Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes)

Chidozie Awaziem played a key role in Nantes’ 0–0 draw with Brest, delivering an assured defensive display that helped his side secure a clean sheet.

The Nigerian international was composed throughout, making three clearances, two interceptions, and completing 89 per cent of his passes as Nantes continued their steady start to the Ligue 1 campaign.

ENGLAND (LEAGUE ONE)

Nnamdi Ofoborh (Barnet FC)

Nnamdi Ofoborh was dominant in midfield as Barnet FC defeated Accrington Stanley at home. The midfielder’s energy and distribution were pivotal in controlling the tempo, as Barnet cruised to victory.

ENGLAND (CHAMPIONSHIP)

Akintola, Ajayi (Hull City)

David Akintola scored his first goal of the season to hand Hull City a 1–0 victory over Sheffield United at the MKM Stadium.

The Nigerian forward converted Lewie Coyle’s cross in the 30th minute before being substituted just past the hour mark.

Akintola’s performance, coupled with Semi Ajayi’s solid return from injury, helped Hull record their first clean sheet since the opening day of the campaign.

Femi Azeez (Millwall)

Femi Azeez was in superb form as Millwall defeated West Brom 3–0.

He set up Jake Cooper for the opener before scoring himself in the 56th minute to double the advantage. His dynamism and creativity earned him Man of the Match honours as Millwall cruised to victory.

ALGERIA

Sikiru Alimi (JS Saoura)

Alimi produced a match-winning performance for JS Saoura, netting a brace, including a stoppage-time winner, n their thrilling 3–2 win over Olympique Akbou.

He opened the scoring in the 14th minute, then sealed victory in the 92nd with a composed finish after Abd El Kader Boutiche had levelled from the spot earlier. The victory keeps JS Saoura in the title race and underscores Alimi’s importance to the side since joining earlier this year.

POLAND

Samuel Akere (Widzew Łódź)

Akere provided an assist in Widzew Łódź’s commanding 4–2 victory over KS Nieciecza.

The 22-year-old winger tormented defenders with his pace and trickery, creating four chances and completing four successful dribbles before being substituted in the 62nd minute.

Source Punch Ng

Posted October 6, 2025