Nigerian defender Franklin Uchenna has thrust himself back into international conversation after emerging as the highest-rated performer across this week’s UEFA Europa League fixtures, Footynaija reports.
The centre-back delivered the defining moment of Red Star Belgrade’s narrow 1-0 victory over Lille OSC in their knockout play-off first leg, scoring the decisive goal just before half-time.
Reacting sharply after a crowded corner situation inside the penalty area, he fired low into the net to secure a crucial European advantage for the Serbian champions.
Europa League Team of the Week | Play offs first leg 🇪🇺 ✨ pic.twitter.com/iMKvJCxzwZ
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) February 20, 2026
Analysts across Europe took notice. Statistical platform WhoScored awarded Uchenna a match rating of 8.78 — the highest among all players selected in its Europa League Team of the Week. His performance combined defensive authority with attacking contribution, a balance rarely achieved by central defenders at this level.
The weekly selection also featured strong contributions from players representing Nottingham Forest, while standout attacking displays from Panathinaikos FC and KRC Genk players completed a competitive line-up drawn from across the continent.
For Uchenna, however, the wider significance may lie beyond club football.
The 26-year-old has not appeared for the Super Eagles since his debut against Mexico in 2021. However, the former Nasarawa United star’s steady development in Serbia has turned him into one of Red Star’s most dependable figures. Comfortable playing out from the back, dominant in aerial duels and increasingly decisive in key moments, he now looks a far more complete defender.
With coach Eric Chelle preparing to name squads for upcoming international friendlies, Uchenna’s timely European heroics may yet reopen the door to a long-awaited Super Eagles return.
