Afrik-Foot kept track of Nigeria players abroad, monitoring their performances over the course of the previous week.
These are Nigeria players abroad who have represented the Super Eagles, are on the fringes of the Nigeria national team, or are still eligible for the same.
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Nigeria Players Abroad: Top Performers
Calvin Bassey
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey played a decisive role in Fulham’s 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage on Saturday, heading home the winner in a commanding display.
Bassey’s first goal of the season not only secured Fulham's first home win of 2025 but also helped them overcome third-placed Forest. The Nigerian centre-back rose above Ola Aina at the far post, directing his header back across goal and beyond the reach of Matz Sels.
The 25-year-old has been a key figure for the Cottagers this season, starting all but one of their Premier League matches. His goal moves him into fourth place among Nigeria’s highest-scoring defenders in Premier League history, trailing only Joseph Yobo (8), Celestine Babayaro (5), and Ola Aina (5).
Beyond his goal, Bassey put in a solid defensive performance, making three clearances and one interception. He won two of his four ground duels and one of his two aerial battles, showing his physical presence when it mattered.
Rafiu Durosinmi
Nigerian forward Rafiu Durosinmi marked his first start since returning from injury with a goal in Viktoria Plzeň’s 2-0 away win over Teplice.
The 21-year-old had been sidelined for months due to a ligament injury that not only cut short his season but also halted a move to Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2024. Having played just 68 minutes across three games since his return, Durosinmi was finally handed a place in the starting XI and made an instant impact.
Durosinmi was on the pitch for 59 minutes before being replaced by Matěj Vydra. He scored both goals for his side, converting two of his three shots on target. He had 20 touches and completed four of his six attempted passes (67%). He also provided two key passes, though he did not attempt any successful dribbles, crosses, or long balls.
The Nigerian won one of his two ground duels and two of his six aerial contests, showing a presence despite limited involvement in duels.
George Ilenikhena
Lagos-born Ilenikhena returned from injury in spectacular fashion, scoring twice in AS Monaco’s 7-1 demolition of FC Nantes in Ligue 1.
The 18-year-old, who had been out with a groin injury, came off the bench in the 61st minute and wasted no time in making an impact. He found the net in the 81st minute before adding his second deep into stoppage time, sealing a comprehensive victory over Moses Simon’s Nantes.
Ilenikhena has now scored three goals in 17 league appearances since arriving from Belgian side Antwerp last summer.
The young forward had 14 touches in his 29 minutes on the pitch, finishing with a perfect 8/8 passing accuracy. He registered three shots on target and had an expected goals (xG) value of 0.83. Despite not providing any key passes or attempting dribbles, he was efficient with his movement.
He contested three ground duels but failed to win any, while also losing his only aerial duel. Ilenikhena lost possession twice but made sure his impact on the game was felt where it mattered most—on the scoresheet.
Christantus Uche
Super Eagles hopeful Christantus Uche continued his fine form for Getafe, scoring in their 2-1 away win at Girona in La Liga.
The 21-year-old has been deployed in multiple positions this season but started up front alongside Juanmi Jiménez on Friday. The tactical shift paid off immediately as Uche opened the scoring in the third minute, giving Getafe an early advantage.
Uche, who was substituted in the 90th minute for Bertuğ Yıldırım, registered 35 touches in the game and managed one key pass. He completed 15 of his 24 attempted passes, finishing with a 64% accuracy rate. His only long ball attempt was unsuccessful.
He struggled in duels, winning just three of his six aerial contests and two of his eight ground battles. His only dribble attempt was unsuccessful, but his goal made the difference for his team.
Nigeria Players Abroad: Underperformers
Wilfred Ndidi
Wilfred Ndidi was in action for Leicester City in their 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal, playing 85 minutes before being replaced by Patson Daka.
In a tightly contested first half, Leicester managed to frustrate the title chasers, with Ndidi coming closest to breaking the deadlock. The midfielder met a well-delivered deep cross from the left but saw his glancing header drift just wide of the far post.
At halftime, former Liverpool striker Michael Owen criticized Ndidi’s finishing on Premier League Productions, saying, “Good chance. Definitely, he should have done better. Gabriel actually gets drawn to the near post and leaves a huge gap. He (Ndidi) makes a late run.”
The Nigerian international last contributed to a Premier League goal in September against Arsenal at the Emirates.
Ndidi had 36 touches and completed 13 of his 23 passes (57%). He failed to deliver any key passes but attempted one unsuccessful cross and two long balls that did not find their target.
His shooting stats reflected his missed opportunity—one shot on target, one off target, and none blocked. He also missed a big chance.
Defensively, he made three clearances but was ineffective in duels, winning just one of four ground battles and two of three aerial contests. He lost possession 12 times and did not commit or suffer any fouls.
Dapo Afolayan
Oladapo Afolayan’s goalless run extended to 12 games as he came off the bench in St. Pauli’s 1-0 home defeat to Freiburg.
Introduced in the 62nd minute for Elias Saad, Afolayan was unable to influence the game despite his 28 minutes on the pitch.
He had 21 touches and completed 9 of his 13 passes (69%), but he failed to provide a key pass. While he succeeded in both of his dribble attempts, he did not register a shot on target, off target, or blocked.
Cyriel Dessers
Forgotten Super Eagles star, Cyriel Dessers endured another frustrating outing for Rangers, failing to find the net in their 3-1 away win at Hearts of Midlothian.
The Nigerian striker, who started from the bench, was given 19 minutes but was unable to add to his goal tally, extending his barren run to four matches.
Dessers managed 12 touches and completed all four of his passes. He was unsuccessful in his key passes, shots, and dribbles.
He attempted three dribbles but only completed one, and he did not register a single shot.
