SUPER EAGLES EURO ROUND-UP: IHEANACHO EXTENDS SCORING STREAK

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho continued his remarkable goalscoring form over the weekend, finding the net for the 12th consecutive league match as Bursaspor defeated Keçiörengücü 4-2 in Turkey’s second division.

The Nigerian forward scored in the 50th minute to restore Bursaspor’s lead after both sides had scored twice in an entertaining first half. Lincoln later added the fourth goal to seal the victory and secure three important points for the visitors.

Iheanacho has now recorded 16 goals and three assists in 12 appearances for Bursaspor this season, establishing himself as one of the most prolific Nigerian forwards playing abroad. His consistent performances have also strengthened calls for his return to the Super Eagles squad ahead of upcoming international fixtures.

Another Nigerian who impressed was Chidozie Awaziem, who scored twice to inspire Konyaspor to a 2-0 victory over Gençlerbirliği in the Turkish Super Lig. The defender opened the scoring shortly before half-time before doubling his side’s advantage early in the second half, helping Konyaspor end their three-match winless run.

Tolu Arokodare also made his mark in the Netherlands, scoring the decisive goal as Ajax defeated Sparta Rotterdam 2-1 in the Eredivisie. The Nigerian striker struck in first-half stoppage time to secure victory for Ajax after the hosts had fought back to level the score.

In Greece, Cyriel Dessers continued his impressive run in front of goal by scoring the winner in Panathinaikos’ 1-0 victory over Volos. Dessers found the net shortly after the restart, extending his scoring streak to four consecutive matches and helping his team maintain their position at the top of the Greek Super League.

Gift Orban also returned to the scoresheet, contributing a goal and an assist as Amedspor secured a 2-1 away victory over Samsunspor in Turkey. His performance provided a timely boost after going two matches without scoring.

In England, Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi and defender Calvin Bassey featured for Fulham as they defeated Coventry City 1-0 in the Premier League. Bassey helped the London club keep a clean sheet, while Iwobi contributed in midfield before being substituted late in the match. Oscar Bobb scored the decisive goal in the 80th minute.

Nigerian duo Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi featured as second-half substitutes for Coventry but could not prevent their team from suffering defeat. Meanwhile, Ola Aina remained on the bench as Nottingham Forest shared the points with Ipswich Town.

In Germany, Raphael Onyedika featured for Eintracht Frankfurt in their defeat to Borussia Dortmund, while Nathan Tella started for Bayer Leverkusen in their loss to Hoffenheim. Victor Boniface, meanwhile, continued to struggle for playing time, remaining on the bench for another league match.

Despite the mixed fortunes of Nigerian players across Europe, Iheanacho’s extraordinary scoring streak remained the weekend’s biggest talking point. With 16 goals already recorded this season, the forward will be looking to maintain his form and strengthen his case for a return to the national team.