•Victor Boniface
The football leagues returned across Europe last weekend after the international break and the African contingents are back showing what they are made up of.
Here is highlighting some of the Africans who starred in the major European leagues, reports Daily Trust.
ENGLAND: YOANE WISSA (Brentford)
Yoane Wissa scored after just 22 seconds for Brentford in the Premier League at the weekend, but his goal was in vain as defending champions Manchester City recovered to win 2-1 at home.
Wissa maintained his hot streak, scoring for the third time this season.
The 28-year-old winger had returned to England after helping the Democratic Republic of Congo secure 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victories over Guinea and Ethiopia.
MARIO LEMINA (Wolves)
The Gabon midfielder swept Wolves into a first-half lead at the end of a counter-attack.
However, Newcastle United’s greater quality proved decisive after the break and a couple of late goals condemned the home side to a 2-1 loss.
SPAIN: ABDE EZZALZOULI (Real Betis)
The former Barcelona winger got off the mark for the season in La Liga with a smart near-post finish to send Betis ahead in their 2-0 win over Leganes.
The Morocco international had netted twice for the Andalusian side against Ukrainian club Kryvbas in Europa Conference League qualification.
INAKI WILLIAMS (Athletic Bilbao)
Ghana international Williams played an impressive supporting role as Athletic edged to a 3-2 win at Las Palmas, conjuring a hat-trick of assists.
The veteran forward put a ball in from the right for Oihan Sancet’s opener before teeing up his brother Nico for Athletic’s second.
Inaki also set up the Basques’ third with a clever slide to knock the ball back for Aitor Paredes to convert.
GERMANY: VICTOR BONIFACE (Bayer Leverkusen)
Boniface scored in each half has Leverkusen won 4-1 at Hoffenheim.
He showed his physicality for both goals, holding off some desperate defending before blasting home.
“He’s really loved by all his teammates. He creates a great atmosphere,” coach Xabi Alonso said of the Nigerian.
OMAR MARMOUSH (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Eintracht winger Marmoush scored a brace in a 2-1 win over Wolfsburg, sinking the dagger into his old side.
The ball was chipped to the Egyptian in a counter-attack and he opened the scoring to a chorus of boos from supporters of his former club.
With eight minutes remaining and the match locked at 1-1, Marmoush stepped up to the spot and converted a penalty.
ITALY: ADEMOLA LOOKMAN (Atalanta)
Nigerian international Ademola Lookman was the star of the show on Sunday, delivering a match-winning performance as Atalanta secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fiorentina in an explosive Serie A encounter at the Gewiss Stadium.
Lookman not only scored the decisive goal but also provided a crucial assist that helped Atalanta draw level earlier in the match.
