Top 10 Nigerian Players of the Weekend: Durosinmi & Ex-Liverpool Star Impress
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Top 10 Nigerian Performers of the Weekend
The March international break brought mixed fortunes for Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their World Cup qualifiers. They battled to a hard-fought win over Rwanda but were later held to a frustrating home draw by Zimbabwe, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
With club football resuming, Nigerian stars delivered standout performances across Europe and beyond.
10. Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre) – Defensive Rock Despite being overlooked for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers, Osho showcased his quality with a commanding display in Auxerre’s 1-0 win over Montpellier. The defender was rock-solid, winning all his ground duels, making four tackles, and completing 96% of his passes. No Montpellier attacker got past him as Auxerre secured their third clean sheet in five games, moving up to tenth in Ligue 1.
9. Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough) – Breaking the Goal Drought Iheanacho netted his first league goal since October 2023, helping Middlesbrough come from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Oxford United in the Championship.
Iheanacho’s goal ended a drought dating back to his Leicester City days, marking his first league strike since October 2023. He nearly added to his tally but was denied by the woodwork and Oxford’s resilient defense.
8. Cyriel Dessers (Rangers) – Last-Minute Heroics
Dessers played the hero in Rangers’ thrilling 4-3 comeback win over Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.
Despite trailing 2-0 and later 3-1, Rangers mounted a stunning late rally, with Dessers sealing the victory in the dying moments. His season tally now stands at an impressive 23 goals and seven assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.
Iheanacho’s goal ended a drought dating back to his Leicester City days, marking his first league strike since October 2023. He nearly added to his tally but was denied by the woodwork and Oxford’s resilient defense.
8. Cyriel Dessers (Rangers) – Last-Minute Heroics
Dessers played the hero in Rangers’ thrilling 4-3 comeback win over Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.
Despite trailing 2-0 and later 3-1, Rangers mounted a stunning late rally, with Dessers sealing the victory in the dying moments. His season tally now stands at an impressive 23 goals and seven assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.
7. Moses Simon (Nantes) – Nantes’ Most Productive Player
Nigeria Super Eagles and Nantes forward Moses Simon. Photo Credit X
Fresh from international duty, Moses Simon found the net in Nantes’ 3-2 loss to Le Havre, bringing his Ligue 1 tally to seven goals and eight assists.
No player in the Nantes squad has been more influential this season, and Simon’s contributions have now surpassed his best-ever campaign in France.
6. Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk) – Keeping the Title Dream Alive
After earning his Nigeria debut during the international break, Tolu Arokodare returned to club action in style, scoring in Genk’s dominant 4-0 victory over Gent.
The striker won a penalty, had a goal ruled out by VAR, and even missed a spot-kick before finally doubling Genk’s lead. His tally now stands at 18 league goals and 20 in all competitions, keeping Genk firmly in the title race.
5. Orji Okonkwo (Cittadella) – Star Performer in Serie B Thriller
Fresh off his Nigeria debut, Tolu Arokodare made an emphatic return to club football, scoring in Genk’s commanding 4-0 victory over Gent.
The striker was heavily involved, winning a penalty, having a goal disallowed by VAR, and missing a spot-kick before eventually finding the net. His impressive season tally now stands at 18 league goals and 20 across all competitions, keeping Genk in the title hunt.
4. Orji Okonkwo (Cittadella) – Standout Performer in Serie B Battle
Former Golden Eaglets star Orji Okonkwo shined in Cittadella’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Cremonese, delivering a goal and an assist in a man-of-the-match display.
Okonkwo’s contributions helped Cittadella race into a 2-0 lead before a late comeback from Cremonese saw the spoils shared.
3. Rinsola Babajide (UD Tenerife) – Leading Tenerife’s attack
Barcelona, Spain, November 24th 2024: Omorinsola Babajide 7 UD Tenerife in action during the Liga F football match between FC Barcelona, Barca and UD Tenerife at the Johan Cruyff Stadium in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by IMAGO
With Gift Monday departing for the U.S., Rinsola Babajide has emerged as Tenerife’s primary attacking force.
The former Liverpool forward played a pivotal role in a 4-1 victory over Espanyol, scoring once and providing an assist. She now boasts nine goals and four assists in 21 games this season, surpassing last year’s tally.
2. Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar) – Russian League Standout
Olakunle Olusegun was the star of the show as Krasnodar stormed to a dominant 5-0 win over Fakel in the Russian Premier League.
The 22-year-old forward netted twice within five minutes to cap off the emphatic victory, scoring his first goals of the season after 13 appearances. The result keeps Krasnodar three points clear at the top of the table ahead of Zenit.
1. Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen) – Masterclass Against Sparta Prague
Rafiu Durosinmi, Viktoria Plzen. Photo by IMAGO
Durosinmi delivered a flawless attacking performance in Viktoria Plzen’s crucial clash against Sparta Prague, further solidifying his growing reputation.
