From Seville to Leicester, Nigerian stars are set to light up the major European leagues this weekend
As the weekend approaches, football fans are gearing up for another thrilling round of action in Europe’s top leagues.
Nigerian players in these leagues are also set to showcase standout performances in key matchups, so here are five of the best ones to keep a close eye on this weekend as they look to light up the pitch.
Chidera Ejuke — Alaves vs Sevilla
The “new Jay Jay” is yet to live up to his nickname since his move to Sevilla, despite a few flashes of brilliance in LaLiga.
The winger is yet to register a goal or assist in an official game for Sevilla after three LaLiga starts, despite impressive performances that have seen him average more than a shot per game and 2.5 chances created per match.
Against Alaves, Ejuke has an opportunity to break his duck for Sevilla alongside compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho.
Ola Aina — Brighton vs Nottingham Forest
After an impressive performance in Nottingham Forest’s shock 1-0 win over Liverpool last week, Super Eagles full-back Ola Aina will be in action again this weekend, hoping to continue his recent fine form.
The Nigerian defender will be up against Brighton this time as Nottingham Forest hope to extend their unbeaten start to the Premier League season.
Umar Sadiq — Real Valladolid vs Real Sociedad
Former Roma and Almeria striker Umar Sadiq has recently come into heavy criticism for his strenuous relationship with the back of the net after failing to score for Real Sociedad since March this year.
Sadiq received the backing of Real Sociedad manager Imanol Algucil recently and will be hoping to repay his coach’s faith in him with a solid performance against Real Valladolid.
Real Valladolid have already conceded 13 goals in five LaLiga matches this season, and they could be the perfect team for Sadiq to find his scoring boots against.
Wilfred Ndidi — Leicester City vs Everton
Midfield linchpin Wilfred Ndidi will be spearheading Leicester City’s efforts to compound Everton’s woes in the Premier League this weekend.
After twice falling to defeats from comfortable winning positions, Everton look to be there for the taking for most Premier League teams, including Leicester City.
Ndidi has been one of Leicester City’s best players this season, starting all four of the Foxes’ four Premier League games, providing three assists in those games.
Frank Onyeka — Augsburg vs Mainz
Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka had the perfect start to his loan spell with Augsburg, providing an assist on his debut against St. Pauli.
Onyeka earned the praises of his manager for his performance against St. Pauli and will be hoping to prove Augsburg right by giving him a chance on loan from Brentford.
This weekend, Augsburg take on Mainz in the Bundesliga, and could win back-to-back official matches for the first time since early March.