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Victor Osimhen is still banished by Napoli, while Victor Boniface is suspended in Germany, but there are still several Nigerian stars to keep an eye on this weekend across the major leagues
With a whole weekend of exciting football action on the horizon, you might be wondering what Nigeria’s best will be up to and which of the Super Eagles’ current and potential stars you should be paying attention to.
Here is our list of five Nigerian football stars that should grab your attention this weekend across the Premier League, LaLiga, and Serie A.
Chrisantus Uche — Getafe vs Rayo Vallecano
Nigerian youngster Chrisantus Uche already showed his pedigree in his debut for Getafe, starting and scoring in the Azulones’ 1-1 draw against Athletic Club in their first LaLiga game of the new season.
Having made the huge step up from the Spanish third division to LaLiga, Uche is clearly out to prove himself in the big leagues and will have a chance to add to his bright start when Getafe take on Rayo Vallecano in the first Madrid derby of the 2024/25 season.
The athletic forward, who is already becoming a favourite with Getafe manager Jose Bordalas, is expected to start on Saturday in the derby and will be worth keeping an eye on for fans and also for whoever ends up as the Super Eagles gaffer.
Ademola Lookman — Torino vs Atalanta
Amidst transfer rumours linking him with a move away from the club, Ademola Lookman sat out Atalanta’s 4-0 demolition of Lecce in the first game week of the new Serie A season, but the Nigerian forward should be back in the squad for La Dea’s second match of the season.
Atalanta travel to Torino this weekend with Lookman expected to make his Serie A debut for the season after talks with Paris Saint-Germain all but ended over the expected transfer fee for the Super Eagles star.
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Lookman will have a lot to prove to the Atalanta faithful, who will certainly be doubting his loyalty at the moment, but the match against Torino could also be an audition for Premier League giants Arsenal, who have reportedly taken a late interest in the forward.
Either way, expect to see Lookman at his electrifying best against Torino with a lot presently at stake for the attacker.
Akor Adams — Paris Saint-Germain vs Montpellier
After a blistering start to the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season, 24-year-old Akor Adams went through a torrid time in the latter parts of the season, enduring a 19-game drought and netting only once in the last 25 matches of the season.
With a fresh slate in front of him in the new season, Adams will be hoping to revive his early season form from the last campaign and already started on the right foot, winning a penalty for his in Montpellier’s opening game against Strasbourg.
This Friday, Akor will come up against the might of Paris Saint-Germain and will be hoping to make an impression against the reigning champions to keep up his impressive start to the new campaign.
Moses Simon — Nantes vs Auxerre
Also in Ligue 1, Nigerian winger Moses Simon will make his first home appearance of the season with Nantes when they take on newly promoted Auxerre.
Simon scored two goals in five pre-season games for Nantes and is expected to be one of the most important players this campaign for the Canaries after the club warded off interest from Marseille for the Super Eagles star over the summer.
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Nantes will be looking to Simon to repay their faith with important performances this season, and there will scarcely be a better opportunity for Simon to dominate than against a newly promoted side at home, making his fixture against Auxerre a must-watch.
Alex Iwobi — Fulham vs Leicester City
Among the plethora of Nigerian talents in the Premier League, Alex Iwobi stands out as perhaps the best of the lot.
Iwobi will get the chance to prove this when three Nigerian brothers clash in Fulham’s game week two fixture against Leicester City.
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Iwobi and Calvin Bassey will be on the Fulham divide facing compatriot Wilfred Ndidi, who impressed for the Foxes on the opening day of the season against Tottenham.
After a disappointing game week one for Iwobi and Fulham against Manchester United, the Nigerian midfielder will be looking to bounce back with a strong performance against Leicester.
Just in case Iwobi does not live up to the billing, you still have two Nigerians to look out for in the fixture between Fulham and Leicester City as a perk.
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