Nigerian Stars Shine Bright in Europe as New Season Begins

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Nigerian players in Europe made a strong impression over the weekend. Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Maduka Okoye, Moses Usor, and Rafiu Durosinmi all had great performances for their clubs as the 2026/27 season kicks off.

From scoring goals and providing assists to returning from injuries, the weekend was full of hope for Nigeria’s international stars. They also showed what they can do to impress coach Eric Chelle for a spot in the Super Eagles.

Adams Makes a Big Splash for Venezia

Akor Adams had a dream debut for Venezia, scoring two goals and assisting another in a 3-2 comeback win against Modena in the Coppa Italia on Saturday night.

The Nigerian striker, who moved to Venezia from Sevilla this summer, proved his worth by being involved in all three goals. Modena took the lead first with a goal from Giuseppe Ambrosino, but Adams leveled the game with a calm finish in the first half.

After Modena went ahead again with another goal from Ambrosino, Adams stepped up once more. With seven minutes left, he assisted John Yeboah to equalize. Just two minutes later, Adams scored a stunning goal to make it 3-2 and send Venezia through to the next round.

This strong debut puts Adams in a good position to become a key player for Venezia this season.

Chukwueze Shines Against Manchester United

Samuel Chukwueze also had a standout performance, scoring once and providing two assists as AC Milan beat Manchester United 4-2 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

The Super Eagles winger played the full match and bounced back well after United took an early lead through Harry Maguire. Chukwueze equalized by calmly finishing a lay-off from Goncalo Ramos.

United regained the lead with a goal from Patrick Dorgu, but Chukwueze was not done. He set up Alphadjo Cisse to level the score again, then assisted Ramos for Milan’s third goal. Ruben Loftus-Cheek added the final goal for Milan.

This strong showing is a big boost for Chukwueze, who aims to keep improving after his successful loan at Fulham last season.

Boniface Secures Win for Leverkusen

Victor Boniface also found the net, scoring a late winner as Bayer Leverkusen defeated Newcastle United 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at St James’ Park.

Leverkusen quickly took the lead with a stunning 25-yard strike from Ibrahim Maza. Malick Thiaw equalized for Newcastle just before half-time, but Boniface sealed the win with a goal eight minutes before the end.

This goal is a positive sign for the 25-year-old, who wants to return to his best after tough seasons in 2024/25 and 2025/26. He had a frustrating loan at Werder Bremen that saw him miss many games due to a knee injury.

Leverkusen coach Carles Martinez believes Boniface is on the right track. “He knows what he has to do. I’m pushing him as well. It’s getting better. His quality is obvious,” Martinez said.

Boniface thanked Leverkusen fans for their support during tough times. “The fans supported me in good times and bad times, and I really appreciate that. We, players, need their support. I’m really very happy and thank every single one of them,” he said.

Okoye Returns with Clean Sheet

Maduka Okoye also made a strong return, keeping a clean sheet as Udinese beat Padova 1-0 in their Coppa Italia opener.

Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic had confirmed Okoye was fit for the match. He had missed time due to a shoulder injury from pre-season training in Lienz, Austria.

His return to full training allowed the 26-year-old to step back into goal for the new season with a clean performance.

Usor Impresses for LASK

Moses Usor also stood out with a great performance in LASK’s 4-1 win over Austria Wien in the Austrian Bundesliga.

The 24-year-old winger was key in many positive plays for his team. Usor assisted Samuel Adeniran for LASK’s equalizer before scoring to give his team the lead.

He teamed up with Adeniran again to create the striker’s second goal before assisting Christoph Lang for the fourth goal. Usor was subbed off after 63 minutes, but his impact was already felt.

With two goals and two assists in three competitive matches this season, Usor is strengthening calls for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to give him a chance in the next international window.

Durosinmi Continues Scoring Streak

Rafiu Durosinmi also kept up his good form, scoring from the penalty spot for Genk on Saturday.

This goal means the 25-year-old has scored twice in his first two matches of the season. Durosinmi wants to win the Belgian Pro League Golden Boot this year, following in the footsteps of Nigerians Paul Onuachu and Tolu Arokodare.

Both have been top scorers in the Belgian league, with Arokodare winning it after netting 21 league goals for Genk in the 2024/25 season.

With the 2026/27 season just starting, things are looking good for Nigeria’s players in Europe.