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Two Nigerians, Victor Olatunji of Real Salt Lake and Osaze Urhoghide of FC Dallas, have earned spots alongside Lionel Messi in the Major League Soccer Team of the Matchday, following standout performances on the league’s Decision Day weekend, footynaija.com reports.
For Olatunji, it was a defining moment in his debut MLS campaign.
The 25-year-old striker struck twice in Real Salt Lake’s thrilling 2-2 draw at St. Louis City SC, sealing his club’s playoff berth. His first came from a sharp run to the near post to finish off teenage winger Zavier Gozo’s cross, before adding a second after a blistering 60-yard sprint onto Diogo Gonçalves’ through ball.
Calm, clinical, and composed, the Nigerian forward showed the kind of instincts that made him a star at Sparta Prague before moving to the United States.
The brace was his first in MLS and lifted his tally to four goals in eight matches for RSL, proof that he’s quickly adapting to life in America’s top flight.
Urhoghide also made headlines, scoring FC Dallas’ opener in their 2-1 win at Vancouver.
The 25-year-old defender, who came through Sheffield Wednesday’s ranks before a spell at Celtic, displayed his aerial strength and composure to end Vancouver’s six-match home unbeaten run.
His goal helped secure Dallas a playoff berth, and his assured defensive performance capped off a season of quiet consistency that’s earned praise across the league.
While the Nigerians grabbed well-deserved attention, Lionel Messi once again stole the spotlight.
The Argentine legend sealed his first MLS Golden Boot with a hat-trick and an assist in Inter Miami’s 5-2 win over Nashville, taking his total to 48 goal contributions for the season, just one shy of Carlos Vela’s all-time record.
