Osimhen, Dessers and Arokodare score as Nigerians shine in Europe
Six Nigerians scored or assisted across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League this week.
Taiwo Banjoko
Lagos — It was a big midweek for Nigerian players in European club competition, Premium Times reports.
The scoresheet
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Champions League): scored in the 61st minute to complete a 4-2 comeback win away to Lille, his former club, and was named player of the match. It was his first Champions League goal of the season.
- Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Conference League): two goals, a first-half penalty and a strike into the top corner, in a 5-1 win over Kairat Almaty.
- Tolu Arokodare (Ajax, Conference League): came off the bench in the 66th minute, scored, and set up the second goal in stoppage time in a 2-0 win over Atalanta.
- Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Europa League): scored in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in Istanbul.
- Yusuf Bamidele (Ferencváros, Europa League): his second Europa League goal of the season in a 4-1 home win over Torreense.
- Ademola Lookman (Atlético Madrid, Champions League): came on at half-time and provided the assist in a 1-1 draw away to Stuttgart.
Paul Onuachu missed Trabzonspor's 2-0 win over Hearts through injury.
Source: Premium Times, 23 October 2026.
