Arokodare joins Osimhen, Dessers, Ndidi on scoresheet as Nigerians shine in Europe

Arokodare celebrates in Rashidi Yekini style

Nigerian players made their mark across Europe’s major club competitions, with Victor Osimhen, Cyriel Dessers, Wilfred Ndidi and Tolu Arokodare among the goalscorers, while Ademola Lookman contributed an assist.

From Osimhen’s goal in Galatasaray’s Champions League victory over Lille to Dessers’ brace for Panathinaikos and Arokodare’s decisive late contribution for Ajax, the Nigerian contingent enjoyed an eventful European night.

Osimhen scored his first UEFA Champions League goal of the season as Galatasaray defeated Lille 4-2 away from home to secure their first victory of the campaign.

The Super Eagles striker completed the scoring in the 61st minute, firing past Lille goalkeeper Berke Özer to cap a comeback by the Turkish side.

The goal carried added significance for Osimhen, who played for Lille during the 2019/2020 season and was named the French club’s Player of the Season.

The Nigerian declined to celebrate against his former club and later praised Lille’s supporters, describing their players as tough opponents. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

Meanwhile, Lookman provided an assist as Atlético Madrid drew 1-1 away to Stuttgart. The Nigerian forward came on at half-time and helped the Spanish side secure a point despite finishing the match with 10 men.

In the UEFA Europa League, Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi scored for Besiktas in their 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in Istanbul.

Ndidi’s goal proved insufficient to secure victory, as Palace fought back to earn a point following their heavy 5-0 domestic defeat to Brighton.

Another Nigerian, Yusuf Bamidele, also found the net, scoring his second Europa League goal of the season as Ferencváros cruised to a 4-1 home victory over Torreense.

Elsewhere, Bournemouth defeated 10-man AC Milan 3-0 to extend their winning start to three matches in their maiden European campaign. Justin Kluivert, Marcus Tavernier and Amine Adli scored for the English side.

Dessers continued his impressive scoring form with a brace as Panathinaikos thrashed Kairat Almaty 5-1 in the UEFA Conference League.

The striker converted a first-half penalty before completing his double after the break with a powerful finish into the top corner.

The goals took Dessers’ Conference League tally to three in two appearances, while his overall return stood at eight goals in 13 appearances across competitions this season. His form could strengthen his case for a Super Eagles recall ahead of Nigeria’s November engagements.

Arokodare also made a decisive impact off the bench, scoring and providing an assist as Ajax defeated Atalanta 2-0.

Introduced in the 66th minute, the Nigerian helped Ajax secure the victory with a late contribution. He set up Abdellah Ouazane for the second goal in the 93rd minute, sealing the result after the hosts had taken the lead earlier in the match.

Elsewhere, Trabzonspor defeated Hearts 2-0, although Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu missed the encounter through injury.

The performances offered a timely boost for Nigerian football, with the country’s internationals making important contributions across all three European competitions.