Four Nigerian players enjoyed standout performances across Europe on Saturday, with Semi Ajayi, Nathan Tella, Arthur Okonkwo and Chidera Ejuke all making their mark, Footynaija reports.
Ajayi entered the record books after he scored as Hull City stunned Manchester United 2-0 in the Premier League. The defender opened the scoring in the 17th minute when he reacted quickly to a rebound from a corner.
The goal ended a five-year wait for his next Premier League goal. It also helped Hull claim their first Premier League win over United.
Ajayi also played a key role in Hull’s defence as they kept a clean sheet. However, his afternoon ended early when he was replaced in the 63rd minute after appearing to suffer an injury.
In Germany, Tella came off the bench to score in Bayer Leverkusen’s 4-0 win at SV Wehen Wiesbaden in the DFB-Pokal.
The Nigerian winger was introduced in the 65th minute and needed only four minutes to find the net. His goal made it 3-0 and gave him his first competitive goal of the 2026-27 season.
Okonkwo also had a debut to remember as Charlton Athletic beat West Ham United 2-1 in the Championship.
The goalkeeper joined Charlton on loan from Wrexham only two days before the game. He then started and played the full match.
Okonkwo made eight saves to deny West Ham and help Charlton secure an important away win. His display earned him the Man of the Match award.
Ejuke completed a strong day for Nigeria’s players with a goal in Sevilla’s 3-1 win away to Athletic Club.
The winger started on the bench but came on at half-time. Five minutes after the restart, he collected a pass from Isaac Romero, drove into the box and chipped Unai Simón to make it 2-0.
It was Ejuke’s first LaLiga goal of the new season and a strong response after an uncertain summer over his future at Sevilla.
Together, the four performances gave Nigerian fans plenty to celebrate across England, Germany and Spain.
