Over the Weekend: Osimhen, Umar, others shine in Europe
Many Nigerian players enjoyed an impressive weekend across Europe with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Sadiq Umar scoring important goals for their clubs over the weekend.
In this piece, First Daily Sports’ Taiwo Ibrahim takes a look at four of the Nigerian stars who scored important goals for their clubs last weekend.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Osimhen further established his importance to Galatasaray with a match-winning and a title-winning brace for the club in their 4-2 victory over Antalyaspor on Saturday.
The brace was enough to lead Galatasaray to their fourth Turkish Super League title.
It was Osimhen’s second League title for Galatasaray after leading them to a domestic double in his first season last year.
The Super Eagles forward had an eventful game, he was caught offside six times, had six shots off target and missed five big chances against Antalyaspor, all of which are the most of any player in a single Super Lig fixture this season.
He was also named the player of the match after scoring his 15th goal of the season.
Osimhen is set to miss Galatasaray’s last league game of the season against Kasimpasa on Sunday due to suspension.
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Sadiq Umar (Valencia)
Umar continued his impressive run of form for Valencia with his third goal in his last four matches for the club.
Umar’s goal was enough to lead Valencia to a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao to boost their relegation survival hopes.
He replaced Hugo Duro 20 minutes from time before finding the net two minutes later.
Umar has now scored four goals for Valencia since joining the club on loan from Real Sociedad in January.
The 29-year-old described the win as important in the club’s fight to retain their La Liga status this season.
Umar said: “These are three very important points for the team. We have to keep going like this.
“It was the first ball I touched, but the most important thing is the team, that we work together.
“Winning here is very important, in a difficult stadium. We all knew that. We are very happy.
“Now we’re going to play at the Mestalla Stadium. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but we always try to give our best.”
As a result of Umar’s goal, Valencia are now five points clear of the relegation zone to sir in the 12th position.
Umar has scored 14 goals for three Spanish clubs in the La Liga, scoring two goals Almería, four for Real Sociedad and eight for Valencia.
He made his Super Eagles debut in the 2022 Nations Cup against Sudan, he has scored one goal in 12 appearances for Nigeria.
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Akor Adams (Sevilla)
Akor Adams scored a vital goal for Sevilla to lead them to a 2-1 win over Espanyol to lift them off the relegation zone in La Liga.
He scored a late goal to hand Sevilla the maximum points which was vital in their battle against relegation.
He has now scored twice in his last four matches.
Adams has now scored nine goals and recorded three assists in 29 La Liga appearances.
The goal was enough to move Sevilla up to the 13th position on 40 points, three points clear of the relegation zone.
Sevilla coach, Luis Garcia Plaza was impressed with Adams’ performance in the encounter.
He said: “I really celebrated Akor’s goal. I’ve only been here six games, but I really empathize with the team. The bench came out to celebrate, and that’s very important. You can’t stop believing.
“The first half was poor, but then we were more clinical. The fans here are absolutely insane, the atmosphere they create is incredible.
“I think it’s difficult to lose at home, but with 40 points you’re not safe, we have to keep going. Let’s focus on Villarreal to continue this momentum, try to get some points, and if we win, even better.”
Adams made his debut for Nigeria against Lesotho in October 2025, scoring on his debut in a Nations Cup qualifier.
He has enjoyed an impressive start to life with the Super Eagles, scoring five goals in 13 appearances.
David Okereke (Cremonese)
David Okereke came off the bench to score his second goal of the season for Cremonese in a 3-0 win over Pisa.
Jamie Vardy and Federico Bonazzoli gave the hosts a 2-0 lead before Okereke made it 3-0 to end Cremonese’s five-match winless run.
The win boosted their relegation survival hopes, reducing their tally to one point behind Lecce with two games remaining in 18th.
Okereke is yet to make his debut for the Super Eagles but he scored once for the U-23 in 2019.
The 28-year-old was born in Lagos and he has spent most of his club career in Italy with the likes of Spezia, Cosenzia, Venezia, Torino, and Cremonese.
