Super Eagles watch: Osimhen, Nwaiwu – rating the best Nigerian stars in Europe from the weekend

Europe’s top leagues returned to action over the weekend, and most of them delivered another weekend of thrilling action, and some Super Eagles stars were able to leave their mark on the pitch.

From decisive goals to standout defensive displays, some Super Eagles stars contributed to their teams’ success, while others struggled to deliver.

In this weekend roundup, we rate and review the performances from Nigerian players who were in action last weekend.

1. Friday Etim – 9/10

Etim Junior can’t stop scoring for FC Midtjylland, can he? https://t.co/Mw2D2X2FPA

— Naija Ballers (@9ja_Ballers) October 11, 2026

Etim produced the one of the weekend’s best performances, scoring once and assisting another goal in Midtjylland’s victory over Copenhagen.

The Nigerian forward opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a header from Philip Billing’s free-kick. After Copenhagen equalised from the penalty spot, Etim turned provider, setting up Denil Castillo’s 61st-minute winner.

His contribution was key in this game as Midtjylland won despite having only 35 per cent possession. Etim has now registered five goals and three assists in ten league appearances this season.

2. Chibuike Nwaiwu – 9/10

Nwaiwu delivered at both ends as Trabzonspor secured a comfortable 2-1 away victory against Samsunspor in the Turkish Süper Lig.

The Super Eagles centre-back doubled his team’s lead in the 38th minute, reacting quickly after goalkeeper Okan Kocuk failed to hold Ernest Muçi’s effort. Franculino Djú added a third before half-time.

Nwaiwu’s contribution was not just the goal. He completed the full 90 minutes and recorded four tackles, four interceptions and four clearances, helping Trabzonspor keep a clean sheet. He also completed 85 per cent of his passes.

3. Kelechi Iheanacho – 8.5/10

Bursaspor’un golcü ismi Kelechi Iheanacho, dakika 80’de Mardin’e karşı attığı gol ile skoru 1-1’e getirdi. https://t.co/1YHI4fOjIQ

— Trivela Spor (@spor_trivela) October 11, 2026

Iheanacho continued his prolific start to life at Bursaspor, scoring in a 2-1 defeat at Mardin 1969.

The Nigerian forward struck in the 81st minute to give Bursaspor hope of salvaging a point. However, Zdravko Dimitrov scored in stoppage time to secure victory for Mardin.

The defeat did little to diminish Iheanacho’s individual achievement. His goal took him to 12 goals and two assists in nine Turkish 1. Lig appearances. He has found the net in every league match he has played for Bursaspor.

4. Paul Mukairu – 8/10

Mukairu played a decisive role in Pogoń Szczecin’s 2-0 victory over Korona Kielce contributing to both goals.

He helped create Maciej Wojciechowski’s opener in first-half stoppage time before scoring himself in the 86th minute to seal the three points.

The performance extended Pogoń’s winning run to three league matches.

5. Terem Moffi – 8/10

Moffi made his mark in the Bundesliga with a crucial equalizer that helped Hamburg complete a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Hoffenheim.

He was introduced in the 76th minute, then he headed home Miro Muheim’s cross in the 83rd minute to make it 2-2. Muheim then scored in stoppage time to give Hamburg a 3-2 win.

The goal was important for Moffi personally, too. After a slow start, he finally opened his Bundesliga account and gave himself an opportunity to push for more playing time.

6. Victor Osimhen – 7.5/10

Osimhen’s return from injury lasted only 14 minutes, but he still helped Galatasaray finish strongly against Kasimpasa at Rams Park.

He was introduced in the 77th minute with the score at 1-1, the striker assisted Mario Lemina’s goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Galatasaray had already regained the lead through Barış Alper Yılmaz before Osimhen helped make the result safe.

His performance was impressive, as it came in his first appearance since suffering an injury on September 4.

7. Rafiu Durosinmi – 7.5/10

Super Eagles striker Rafiu Durosinmi continued his productive start in Belgium by scoring in Genk’s 3-0 comfortable victory over Kortrijk.

The striker played 75 minutes and put all three of his attempts on target, showing a willingness to test the goalkeeper rather than waste opportunities. His latest goal took him to six league goals in eight appearances.

His number is good for a forward who hoping to attract greater attention from Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle. If he continues like this, he could get a call-up soon.

8. Tolu Arokodare – 7/10

🎥 This is the moment Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare scored his 7th goal of the season for Ajax 🇳🇬🔥 https://t.co/9Y79uuHich

— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) October 10, 2026

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare scored early for Ajax, heading home Jorthy Mokio’s cross in the seventh minute to give his team the lead.

However, Ajax could not hold on for victory, with Tjaronn Chery equalising from the penalty spot in the 19th minute. Arokodare was substituted in the 73rd minute as the hosts settled for a draw.

The goal took the big Nigerian forward to four Eredivisie goals and one assist in seven league appearances. His numbers are proof that he has adjusted to life in the Eredivisie.