Several Nigerian footballers concluded their European campaigns on a high note over the weekend, delivering goals, assists and title celebrations that highlighted the final stretch of the season.
Roma Women Secure Domestic Double
In Italy, Super Falcons duo Rinsola Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo contributed to AS Roma Women’s domestic double after a hard‑fought 1‑0 victory over Juventus Women in the Coppa Italia Women final at the Romeo Menti Stadium in Vicenza.
Manuela Giugliano netted the winner in the 80th minute, adding the cup to the Serie A Femminile title Roma had already clinched earlier this month.
Babajide remained on the bench for the final, while Oladipo started in defence and helped Roma protect their slim lead until the whistle. The Nigerian defender featured in 31 matches across all competitions, kept 11 clean sheets in her 18 league appearances, and recorded 70 clearances and 104 recoveries.
Babajide, who has since joined Tenerife on a two‑year deal, made 14 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing three assists.
Dele‑Bashiru Finishes Strong for Lazio
At the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Fisayo Dele‑Bashiru capped the season with a goal in Lazio’s comeback win after Stefano Moreo had given the visitors an early lead. Pedro Rodríguez later completed the turnaround, securing a victorious finish to the campaign.
Maduka Okoye Sets Clean‑Sheet Record
Despite Udinese’s narrow 1‑0 loss to Napoli, Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye impressed with five saves from six shots on target. He ended the season with 10 clean sheets, becoming the first Nigerian keeper to reach double figures in a major European league since Vincent Enyeama’s 17 for Lille in 2014/15.
Fulham Duo Iwobi and Bassey Close Season on a Win
In England, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey both featured as Fulham wrapped up their Premier League campaign with a 2‑0 victory over Newcastle. Fulham finished 11th with 52 points after a promising European push faded in the second half of the season.
Iwobi contributed four goals and three assists in 29 league outings, while Bassey found the net once in 30 appearances.
Awoniyi’s Impact for Nottingham Forest
Taiwo Awoniyi came off the bench for the final 29 minutes in Forest’s 1‑1 draw against Bournemouth. The striker ended the season with four goals and one assist in 17 appearances, including a brace against Chelsea earlier in the month.
Valencia’s Umar Sadiq Helps Avoid Relegation
In Spain, Umar Sadiq played a pivotal role in Valencia’s fight against relegation, scoring four goals and adding two assists in 20 league matches as the club climbed clear of danger during the run‑in.
Sevilla’s Forward Contributions
Akor Adams finished as Sevilla’s top scorer with 10 league goals and three assists in 32 appearances. compatriot Chidera Ejuke managed one goal and one assist in 27 league games, providing pace and dribbling off the bench during Sevilla’s survival battle, which saw them finish 13th with 43 points.
Belgium and Italy: Other Notable Performances
Raphael Onyedika remained an unused substitute as Club Brugge thrashed Gent 5‑0 to close their Belgian season.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro endured a tough outing for Pisa, being substituted at halftime after struggling to influence the game. He completed 87 % of his passes and made three recoveries before being withdrawn. The 21‑year‑old is expected to return to Inter Milan after his loan spell, with several clubs monitoring his situation ahead of the summer transfer window.
Call‑Up to the Super Eagles
Both Akinsanmiro and Dele‑Bashiru have already received invitations from Nigeria coach Eric Chelle for upcoming international fixtures later this year.
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