Nigerians abroad: Lookman, Osimhen stumble with Atalanta, Napoli; Okoronkwo, Olayinka, Osuji outstanding

Soccernet.ng highlights some of the standout performances from Nigerian footballers outside the shores of the country on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

Albania: Mustapha is a bright spark even in defeat

In a fiercely contested match, Mustapha Gbolahan managed to shine, scoring a consolation goal, during Kukësi’s 4-3 loss to Partizani Tirana.

France: Adams wins with Montpellier

Akor Adams played a pivotal role as Montpellier secured a convincing 4-2 victory over Clermont Foot. Although not on the scoresheet, Adams contributed significantly to his team’s success.

Japan: Mikel Agu resurfaces

In the J3 League, Kenneth Otabor was instrumental in Iwate Grulla Morioka’s 4-1 win against Matsumoto Yamaga, netting their second goal.

Oriola Sunday’s equaliser for Vanraure Hachinohe earned them a 1-1 draw with Nagano Parceiro.

However, Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Agu made his eighth appearance of the season but he could not prevent Giravanz Kitakyushu from falling to a slim 0-1 home defeat to Kataller Toyama.

Belgium: No joy for some

Raphael Onyedika returned from injury for Club Brugge but could not halt his side’s descent into a 2-1 loss to Standard Liège.

Gift Orban, Tolu Arokodare, and Yira Sor made second-half appearances in Gent’s 1-1 draw with Genk. 

Finland: Peter delivers man-of-the-match display

Peter Michael emerged as the hero for VPS, scoring twice, including a 94th-minute winner, and providing an assist in their impressive 3-2 win over HJK.

Canada: Sunusi shines bright

Ibrahim Sunusi displayed a masterclass, scoring and providing an assist, leading Montréal to a morale-boosting 4-1 victory over Portland Timbers.

Czech Republic: Durosinmi decisive

Rafiu Durosinmi’s brilliant performance and assist powered Viktoria Plzen to a 3-2 win over Jablonec.

Ahmad Ghali assisted Slovan Liberec’s second goal, but they suffered a 3-2 away loss to Slavia Prague.

Victor Olatunji received a red card in Sparta Prague’s 3-1 win at Hradec Králové.

In the FNL, Solomon Osaghae scored for Varnsdorf in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Vysočina Jihlava, with Marvis Ogiomade netting a late equaliser for the visitors. 

Cyprus: Ekpolo on target

Godswill Ekpolo scored for Apollon in their commanding 4-0 win over Doxa in the 1.Division.

Germany: Boniface cannot be caged

Victor Boniface sealed the deal for Bayer Leverkusen with a goal in their 3-0 victory over FC Cologne, taking his Bundesliga goal tally to seven in as many games.

Italy: Lookman, Osimhen’s night ended in disappointment 

Ademola Lookman featured for Atalanta in a 3-2 loss to Lazio.

Victor Osimhen scored Napoli’s only goal from a penalty in a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Fiorentina.

David Okereke made an impact with a goal as Cremonese triumphed 3-1 over Como in Serie B.

Russia: Okoronkwo outstanding

Jonathan Okoronkwo’s hat-trick led Arsenal Tula to a thrilling 3-0 victory over Sokol Saratov in the Russia First League.

Serbia: Olayinka excellent 

Peter Olayinka’s brilliant brace propelled Red Star Belgrade to a 3-4 away triumph over Radnički Kragujevac. Geoffrey Charles Chinedu scored for the home side.

Slovakia: Sanusi on target 

Ridwan Sanusi scored a consolation goal for Podbrezová in their 3-2 loss to DAC 1904.

Slovenia: Osuji with brilliant brace 

Bede Osuji’s two goals powered Koper to a stunning 4-1 win at home against Aluminij.

Spain: contrasting fortunes for Oshoala, Sadiq

Asisat Oshoala saw action in the last ten minutes as Barcelona secured a convincing 3-0 victory against Real Sociedad in the Primera División Femenina.

In La Liga, Umar Sadiq made a late appearance, but Real Sociedad suffered a slender 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Switzerland: Kalu back to form

Super Eagles winger, Samuel Kalu assisted Lausanne-Sport’s equaliser in their 3-1 win over Luzern, overturning an early deficit.

Turkey: Fisayo influential 

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru played a vital role in Hatayspor’s impressive 3-1 victory over Konyaspor, contributing to their midfield dominance.