It was another big weekend for Africa’s top players in Europe’s elite leagues as two Nigerian stars helped their club to a rare victory at Manchester United.
CALVIN BASSEY (FULHAM & NIGERIA)
Fulham completed a famous win at Old Trafford with a 2-1 success, their first victory at the Theatre of Dreams since 2003 … and it was made in Nigeria. They got their opener through defender, who netted just a third goal of his entire career and a first for The Cottagers. He smashed the ball home from 10-yards after United failed to clear a corner to give the visitors the lead on 65 minutes, but he wasn’t the only Super Eagle to score …
ALEX IWOBI (FULHAM & NIGERIA)
Just when it looked as though Fulham would have to settle for a point at Manchester United, Iwobi popped up with a 97th minute winner. The attacking midfielder scored for Everton against United last season and seems to enjoy playing the Red Devils as he did it again, able to pick his spot in the bottom corner of the net after United were hit on the counterattack.
It was a composed finish and a fourth goal since his move to west London earlier this campaign, making it the best Premier League campaign of his decade-long career to date. At the age of 27, he should be just about reaching his peak as a player.
JORDAN AYEW (CRYSTAL PALACE & GHANA)
Ayew is going through something of a purple patch after netting twice in a week, first in a 1-1 draw at Everton last Monday, and then again in a 3-0 victory over struggling Burnley, which was a first game in charge for new coach. His goal at Goodison was a belter, while Saturday’s strike was more routine as he turned in the ball at the back post to double his side’s lead.
He now already has as many Premier League goals as last season, and the two years before that combined, so at the age of 32 is having one of his better campaigns in the English topflight. He has another six assists, so that is now 10 goal contributions in 23 starts this campaign.
VICTOR OSIMHEN (NAPOLI & NIGERIA)
Osimhen is back among the goals in Serie A in his first game since late December after a red card against Roma and then his exploits with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations finals. He netted an eighth of the season in a disappointing 1-1 draw at strugglers Cagliari, with one of the simplest finishes he will have this campaign. Giacomo Raspadori crossed and the unmarked striker just had to help the ball over the line at the back post. That is now 58 Serie A goals in 81 starts for Osimhen.
ZITO LUVUMBO (CAGLIARI & ANGOLA)
Napoli were denied the win by a late, late goal from Angolan youngster Luvumbo, who rescued a point for his team with a 96th minute equaliser. With virtually the last kick of the game, Luvumbo received a long ball in the box and as the Napoli defence allowed it to bounce, he turned and fired home into the top corner, much to the delight of his coach Claudio Ranieri. With four goals and three assists, this has been an excellent season far for the 21-year-old, who has had to play in a struggling side.