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From Joe Aribo to Frank Onyeka, Nigerian stars are set to take on some of Europe's biggest sides this weekend
As Europe’s top leagues heat up, Nigerian stars are set to make headlines with pivotal performances this weekend in the Premier League, Serie A, and Bundesliga.
From creative midfield players to crucial attacking stars, these are the five Nigerian stars to watch closely in Europe’s biggest leagues.
Ola Aina — Leicester City vs Nottingham Forest
Ola Aina will be one of three Nigerians involved when Leicester City host Nottingham Forest, with the Super Eagles defender joined by Taiwo Awoniyi to face compatriot Wilfred Ndidi and his Foxes side.
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Aina has recently been the subject of transfer speculations involving Serie A sides AC Milan and AS Roma and will be keen to impress his suitors.
With Aina’s contract at Nottingham Forest expiring in the summer of 2025, the Nigerian full-back will know that every performance counts either in securing a new deal or getting a better club.
Ademola Lookman Atalanta vs Verona
Fresh from being named among the final nominees for the CAF African Player of the Year, Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman will be hoping to prove why he deserves the honour with a stellar performance against Hellas Verona.
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Lookman and his Atalanta side will host Verona this weekend as they vie for a place in the top four of the Serie A.
The Nigerian star, who also became the second Super Eagles star in a row to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or, will be looking to add to his three goals and three assists so far this weekend against the Serie A minnows.
Joe Aribo — Manchester City vs Southampton
Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo scored his first goal of the season in the last game week for Southampton with a well-placed finish against Leicester City.
Despite Aribo’s goal, Southampton were unable to pick up any points after throwing away a two-goal lead to lose to Leicester City.
Aribo and the Saints will be hoping to respond to that setback this weekend, but they will have to do so against the reigning champions, Manchester City.
Alex Iwobi — Everton vs Fulham
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi heads back to his old stomping ground this weekend as the Cottagers travel to Everton in the Premier League.
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Iwobi spent four years at Everton after leaving Arsenal and was even named the Toffees Player of the Season in his last campaign with the club before leaving to join Fulham.
The Super eagles star, who started the season with some superb performances will now have to face his former friends, hoping to compound the Toffees' stuttering start to the season.
Frank Onyeka — Augsburg vs Borussia Dortmund
Augsburg loan star Frank Onyeka has been one of the German club’s best players since his temporary move from Brentford.
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After an assist on his debut, Onyeka has put in a shift for Augsburg in midfield, and although he has not registered another goal contribution since he has been a key part of the Violets’ push for survival.
This weekend, Augsburg and Onyeka will have to put on a double shift against Borussia Dortmund, who are fresh off a gutting defeat in the Champions League against Real Madrid.
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