•Iwobi
Nigerian footballers wrapped up their 2024/25 European football season with memorable performances across the continent, ranging from assist-making cameos to Iwobi’s record-setting feats and crucial contributions in tense final-day fixtures, reports The PUNCH.
SUNDAY
England
Alex Iwobi (Fulham)
Alex Iwobi made history at Craven Cottage despite Fulham’s 2–0 loss to Manchester City. The Nigerian midfielder became the first Nigerian player to appear in all 38 Premier League matches in a season on two separate occasions, having first done so in the 2022/23 campaign. Coming on in the 61st minute, Iwobi recorded 22 passes at a remarkable 92 per cent accuracy. He attempted three dribbles, completing two, and also made one interception and one tackle, displaying his usual industry even in a subdued outing.
Paul Onuachu (Southampton)
Paul Onuachu featured for 20 minutes as Southampton fell 2–1 to Arsenal on the final day of the Premier League season. The tall striker struggled to make an impact after coming on, failing to register a shot or key pass. He completed 67 per cent of his passes (4/6), won three aerial duels and one of four ground duels, but lost possession five times and was flagged offside once. It was a quiet end to the season for the Nigerian target man as the Saints bowed out with a narrow defeat.
Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
Ola Aina put in a battling shift despite Nottingham Forest’s narrow 1–0 home defeat to Chelsea. The full-back played full-time, making three clearances and one tackle while attempting six crosses, with two reaching their target. He also created one big chance and completed one successful dribble from three attempts. Aina ended his night with 77 per cent pass accuracy and engaged in six ground duels, winning two. Though his team could not avoid defeat, the Super Eagles defender was one of the livelier performers in Forest’s ranks as they sealed a continental slot.
Injured striker Taiwo Awoniyi was spotted in the stands at the City Ground, offering his support as he continues recovery.
Spain
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla)
Chidera Ejuke made a brief three-minute appearance off the bench in Sevilla’s 4–2 defeat to Villarreal. Despite his limited time, the winger was efficient, completing all three of his passes and creating a key pass. He also completed a long ball and maintained possession without any turnovers, offering a tidy cameo even in defeat.
SATURDAY
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan)
Samuel Chukwueze ended his second Serie A season on a high note, coming off the bench to register an assist in AC Milan’s 2–0 win over Monza. Introduced at the start of the second half, the winger was lively and effective, setting up the opener for Matteo Gabbia in a commanding display at San Siro. He also completed a tackle and attempted one shot to underline his impact in the final third. It was a timely reminder of his quality as Milan closed out their campaign to prepare for a major overhaul in which he is reportedly set to headline.
Spain
Christantus Uche (Getafe)
Christantus Uche was one of the bright spots for Getafe despite their 2–1 defeat to Celta Vigo. The versatile midfielder assisted the opening goal of the game and lasted 83 minutes. He won a tackle, completed several duels and drew one foul while also committing three, which reflects his active involvement at both ends of the pitch. Uche’s contribution capped an encouraging season marked by growth and increasing responsibility in the Getafe squad with 10 goal contributions in his debut season in Spanish top-flight.
Denmark
Ebube Duru (SønderjyskE)
Ebube Duru delivered a man-of-the-match performance for SønderjyskE in their dramatic 3–2 away loss to Vejle. The left-back scored a brilliant goal in the 77 minutes he played, also producing one shot on target and two crosses. Duru added two interceptions and completed a tackle without committing a single foul. The performance from the former Lobi Stars and Rivers United man was a testament to his attacking and defensive balance, rounding off a non-productive individual campaign in Denmark with his first goal in the final game.
Czech Republic
Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzeň)
Rafiu Durosinmi led the line for Viktoria Plzeň in their 4–1 home victory over Jablonec. The 22-year-old forward scored and dedicated his only goal to his sister, he made his presence felt with one shot on target, two crosses and one completed tackle. Durosinmi drew two fouls and completed 62 minutes in a match that highlighted his physicality and pressing ability as Plzeň ended their season on a high.
David Moses (Slavia Prague)
David Moses put in an impressive midfield display in Slavia Prague’s 3–0 win against Baník Ostrava. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder provided an assist and completed one cross while being heavily involved in ball recovery. He made four interceptions and drew four fouls for due to his excellent positioning and anticipation in midfield.
