Eagles Watch: Arokodare extends scoring streak as Iheanacho reaches 17 league goals

Nigerian footballers made their mark across European leagues over the weekend, with Tolu Arokodare and Kelechi Iheanacho leading the way through their goalscoring contributions for Ajax and Bursaspor.

Arokodare extended his scoring run to five consecutive matches in the Netherlands, while Iheanacho returned to the scoresheet in Turkey to take his league tally to 17 goals. Gift Orban, Yira Sor, Dapo Afolayan and other Nigerian players also contributed for their respective clubs between November 6 and 8.

Arokodare extends scoring streak in the Netherlands

Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive scoring form for Ajax, finding the net in their 2–2 draw against FC Twente at De Grolsch Veste on Sunday.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring just three minutes into the encounter, rising above his marker to meet Oscar Gloukh’s delivery with a powerful header.

The goal extended his scoring streak to five consecutive matches and took his Eredivisie tally to seven goals. He now has 13 goals and four assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.

Ajax appeared on course for victory after Rayane Bounida doubled their advantage in the 66th minute. However, an own goal by Dies Janse two minutes later gave Twente a route back into the contest before Wout Weghorst converted a stoppage-time penalty to secure a point for the hosts.

Iheanacho returns to scoring as Bursaspor stay top

In Turkey, Kelechi Iheanacho ended his recent spell without a goal by scoring in Bursaspor’s 1–1 draw against Antalyaspor in the TFF First League on Friday.

The Super Eagles forward put Bursaspor ahead in the 26th minute, finishing inside the penalty area after receiving a delivery from Amine Boutrah.

Iheanacho had opportunities to increase his side’s lead, including an effort that was ruled out for offside. However, Bursaspor failed to preserve their advantage, with Toral Bayramov’s own goal restoring parity before half-time.

Neither side found a winner after the break, leaving the teams to share the points.

The strike took Iheanacho’s league tally to 17 goals in 14 appearances, alongside four assists. His previous run of scoring in 12 consecutive league matches had ended against Bandirmaspor.

Bursaspor remained top of the standings with 32 points.

Orban and Sor score in seven-goal thriller

Gift Orban and Yira Sor were both on target as Amedspor lost 4–3 to Galatasaray in a seven-goal encounter in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday.

Orban reduced the deficit in the 65th minute with a header after Amedspor had fallen three goals behind. The goal took his league return to 10 goals and four assists in 11 appearances.

Sor also found the net in stoppage time, scoring in the 92nd minute on his return from a two-month injury absence. Their efforts, however, were not enough to prevent Amedspor from suffering defeat.

Afolayan scores against former club

Dapo Afolayan scored as Blackburn Rovers secured a 2–1 victory over West Ham United at Ewood Park.

The Nigerian forward, who previously played for West Ham, doubled Blackburn’s advantage in the 71st minute with a low finish into the bottom-right corner.

West Ham pulled a goal back, but Blackburn held on to claim all three points.

Akere provides two assists in Poland

Samuel Akere registered two assists for Wisła Płock in their 3–2 defeat to Motor Lublin in Poland.

The Nigerian winger set up Afonso Rodrigues Silva and Olaf Kobacki in the 30th and 32nd minutes, helping Wisła Płock recover from an early setback and take a 2–1 lead.

Motor Lublin eventually claimed victory with a late goal after Wisła Płock had been reduced to 10 men.

More Nigerians make contributions across Europe

Elsewhere, Ehije Ukaki opened his scoring account for the season with a goal for Botev Plovdiv in their 1–1 draw against Dunav Ruse in Bulgaria.

In Turkey, Ibrahim Olawoyin provided an assist as Çaykur Rizespor defeated Erzurumspor 2–1, while Paul Onuachu and Chibuike Nwaiwu each registered an assist in Trabzonspor‘s 2–0 win over Alanyaspor.

In England, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey featured for Fulham in their 1–1 draw against Newcastle United. Iwobi completed 90 per cent of his passes, while Bassey recorded seven clearances and four recoveries.

Semi Ajayi also featured for Hull City against Arsenal, winning seven of his eight duels before being forced off through injury.

The weekend’s performances highlighted the contributions of Nigerian players across several European competitions, with goals, assists and defensive displays from established internationals and other players continuing to draw attention as the international break approaches.

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