Super Eagles power rankings: Where Osimhen finishes in weekend’s top 10 performers

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Many Nigerian and Super Eagles players were in action over the weekend, and some of them produced some noteworthy performances over the weekend.

Akor Adams and Alex Iwobi lead the conversation after scoring decisive goals for their clubs. Both Super Eagles stars scored in 1-0 wins for Venezia and Fulham, helping their clubs to their first wins of the campaign.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru also made his mark with a goal against Juventus, while Tochukwu Nnadi contributed an assist for Marseille. Victor Osimhen did not score or assist against Genclerbirligi on Friday, but he put up a decent showing for Galatasaray.

In this article, Afrik-Foot writes on the weekend’s top 10 Nigerian performers, ranked in descending order.

10. Victor Osimhen — Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray controls the ball vs Barcelona
Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray controls the ball. Copyright: ImagoxYagizxGurtugxxPsxImages

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen returned to action for Galatasaray when they took on Genclerbirligi on Friday. He did not get a goal or an assist in his 90 minutes of action, but his work rate was undisputable.

Osimhen was constantly pressing and pushing the defenders. The 27-year-old marksman registered seven goal attempts in the game, made two key passes, and won six of hid ten duels. Next up for him is a midweek fixture against Lille in the UEFA Champions League.

9. Eseosa Sule — St Mirren

Eseosa Sule scored his first league goal of the campaign for St Mirren, powering home a cross from Killian Phillips against Aberdeen.

Although St Mirren lost 3-1, the goal was a personal milestone for the Nigerian forward, as it was his first senior league goal. He will hope to build on the breakthrough and turn it into a more consistent run of contributions. Sule was born to Nigerian parents, but he is registered as a Scottish player. However, since he is yet to play for Scotland, he can switch allegiance.

8. Tai Sodje — Walsall

Omar Beckles of Gillingham (R) and Tai Sodje of Walsall (L) battle for the ball
Omar Beckles of Gillingham (R) and Tai Sodje of Walsall (L) battle for the ball Copyright: ImagoxMalcolmxFellx

Tai Sodje scored Walsall’s goal in their 1-1 draw against Swindon Town, reacting quickly to head home a rebound after goalkeeper Connor Ripley had saved Mason Hancock’s attempt.

It was the 23-year-old’s first goal of the League Two season after nine games. Sodje is eligible to play for Nigeria and England, but he has never played for any of the two countries. Tai is the nephew of former Super Eagles star Sam Sodje.

7. Fred Onyedinma — Wycombe Wanderers

Fred Onyedinma scored with a header in Wycombe’s 2-0 victory over Notts County. It was a brilliant showing from the midfielder, as he was one of the best players on the pitch with a 7.6 rating on Sofascore. His late contribution helped the team secure a more comfortable result.

Onyedinma was born in Lagos to Nigerian parents, but he has been living in England since he was a kid. He is already 29 years old.

6. Victor Olatunji — SK Beveren

Olatunji: Sparta Prague hitman talks national pride and role models
Victor Olatunji- Photo by IMAGO

Nigerian striker Victor Olatunji marked his spell at SK Beveren with a goal in their 3-0 Belgian Cup victory over RSC Habay-la-Neuve.

He scored in stoppage time to complete the win and help his team advance. It was an encouraging contribution, as he only just made his debut for the club last week. Olatunji is currently on loan from Real Salt Lake. He has previously had spells at Sparta Prague, AEK Larnaca.

5. Favour Fawunmi — Oldham Athletic

Fawunmi produced three direct goal contributions in Oldham’s 4-1 victory over Cheltenham on Saturday, scoring once and providing two assists.

His all-round attacking influence made him one of the weekend’s most productive Nigerian players. The 20-year-old striker is on loan from Stoke City, and he will be looking to continue stacking numbers in League Two before returning to his mother club.

Fawunmi was born to Nigerian parents in England, which makes him eligible to play for any of the two countries.

4. Tochukwu Nnadi — Marseille

Tochukwu Nnadi of Olympique Marseille and Super Eagles.
Tochukwu Nnadi of Olympique Marseille. Copyright: ImagoxBaptistexAutissierx

Nnadi helped Marseille secure a 5-2 away victory over Angers, providing an assist during the match.

The Nigerian midfielder’s contribution was encouraging as he looks to establish himself in a competitive midfield. The assist was a positive contribution, and what makes it sweeter is the fact that it was just his first start of the campaign. Definitely, Nnadi has made a point, and that performance should earn him more minutes in the coming weeks.

3. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru — Lazio

Dele-Bashiru scored Lazio’s third goal in their 3-0 victory over Juventus, capping an impressive away performance.

The Nigerian midfielder finished a late counter-attack in the 89th minute to put the result beyond doubt.

Scoring against one of Italy’s biggest clubs was an important moment for Dele-Bashiru. His ability to carry the ball forward and contribute goals gives Lazio a different dimension in midfield. This is only a second game after an injury that left him sidelined for a month. He has made a case to start games.

2. Alex Iwobi — Fulham

Alex Iwobi scored the only goal in Fulham’s victory over Hull City, producing the decisive moment in what was a very tight contest.

He got on the end of a cut-back from Sander Berge and fired home from inside the box.

His finish earned Fulham three valuable points, their first of the season. Iwobi also put in the work in the middle of the park. The Super Eagles star ran his socks off.

1. Akor Adams — Venezia

Akor Adams takes the top spot after scoring the winner in Venezia’s 1-0 victory over Napoli.

The Nigerian striker delivered the decisive moment in a result that gave Venezia a first win of the league season. His ability to hold off a defender and finish under pressure just showed his real quality.

That goal and the win will be a relief for Adams and his teammates, who were yet to pick a point from their first six games this season. His challenge now is to build on the performance and start scoring goals consistently to help his side climb out of the relegation zone.

<!-- Author Start -->Kelvin Omachonu<!-- Author End -->

Kelvin Omachonu

Sports Writer

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Kelvin Omachonu is a sports writer covering Nigeria, with 6 years in sports media and a Reuters Digital Journalism certification. A bettor for 7 years, he specialises in football and basketball odds and responsible gambling, and has used operators including Bet9ja, SportyBet, Betano and 1xBet.