Nigerian Stars Shine Bright in Europe for New Season

Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Victor Osimhen, and Maduka Okoye all stood out for their clubs over the weekend. They set a good tone for Nigerian players in Europe as the 2026/27 season approaches, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Chukwueze scored one goal and assisted two more as AC Milan beat Manchester United 4-2 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

The Super Eagles winger played the whole match. He equalized for Milan after Harry Maguire scored early. Chukwueze finished calmly after receiving a pass from Goncalo Ramos, making it 1-1 after just two minutes.

After Patrick Dorgu restored United’s lead six minutes into the second half, Chukwueze set up Alphadjo Cisse to make it 2-2. He then assisted Ramos, who headed in Milan’s third goal. Ruben Loftus-Cheek added another to seal the win for the Italian club.

Chukwueze aims to keep this good form going. He wants to show manager Ruben Amorim that he deserves the trust after a successful loan at Fulham last season.

In Newcastle, Boniface scored a fantastic late winner as Bayer Leverkusen defeated the English side 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at St. James’ Park. This game was part of the VisitMalta Weekender.

Ibrahim Maza put Leverkusen ahead with a remarkable 25-yard strike just one minute into the match. Malick Thiaw equalized for Newcastle in the 44th minute. Boniface then secured the win with a great finish in the 82nd minute.

The 25-year-old is trying to find his best form again after a tough 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons. His loan at Werder Bremen was cut short by a serious knee injury that needed surgery in January. He managed only 11 Bundesliga matches without scoring.

Leverkusen head coach Carles Martinez said the striker is improving. "He knows what he has to do. I’m pushing him as well. It’s getting better. His quality is obvious,” Martinez said.

Boniface expressed gratitude to fans for their support during his struggles. "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.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye kept a clean sheet as Udinese won 1-0 against Padova in their Coppa Italia opener. Earlier, coach Kosta Runjaic confirmed he was fit for the match.

The 26-year-old had missed out due to a shoulder injury he got during Udinese’s pre-season training in Lienz, Austria. This training camp ran from July 22 to early August. He returned to full training just in time for the game.