Nigerian footballers continued to make headlines across Europe over the weekend as Tolu Arokodare, Emmanuel Ayaosi and Quadri Adediran all produced decisive contributions for their respective clubs.
From the Netherlands to the Czech Republic, the trio displayed their quality with two goals and an assist.
Tolu Arokodare wasted little time announcing himself at Ajax, scoring his first goal for the Dutch giants in a comfortable 3-1 pre-season victory over FC Volendam.
Ajax took control through Anton Gaaei’s stunning long-range effort before Marcos Leonardo doubled the lead from the penalty spot.
Although goalkeeper Joeri Heerkens’ unfortunate own goal briefly handed Volendam hope, the hosts’ comeback ambitions faded after Erik Schouten was sent off late in the contest.
Arokodare then capped an impressive afternoon in the 88th minute after replacing Leonardo.
The Nigerian striker capitalised on a goalkeeping mistake to calmly slot home his first goal in Ajax colours, restoring the two-goal cushion and wrapping up the victory.
The finish may have been straightforward, but its significance was much greater.
Opening his scoring account before the competitive campaign begins gives the Super Eagles forward an important confidence boost as he looks to establish himself in Amsterdam.
In the Czech Republic, Emmanuel Ayaosi continued his impressive start to life at Slavia Prague by scoring his first goal for the defending champions in their emphatic 4-0 away victory over Baník Ostrava.
Having already won a penalty on his competitive debut, the Nigerian winger once again made an immediate impact after replacing Danijel Sturm in the 63rd minute.
Deep into stoppage time, Ayaosi timed his run perfectly to meet Ivan Schranz’s through ball before calmly finishing in the 92nd minute to complete the rout.
Despite playing less than half an hour, the 21-year-old recorded six touches inside the opposition penalty area, joint-most among all Slavia players, highlighting the attacking threat he provided whenever his side moved forward.
Slavia had already built a commanding lead through Wiktor Nowak, David Zima and Michal Sadílek before Ayaosi added the final flourish to maintain the champions’ perfect start to the Czech Chance Liga season.
Fellow Nigerians Mubarak Suleiman and Samuel Isife also impressed, both completing the full 90 minutes in another dominant Slavia display.
Quadri Adediran also maintained his excellent early-season form by providing the decisive assist as SK Artis Brno fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against 1. FC Slovácko.
The newly promoted side appeared destined for defeat after Neil Glossoa’s unfortunate own goal handed the hosts the lead in the 80th minute.
However, Adediran once again stepped up when it mattered most.
The Nigerian striker showed great strength to win possession inside the penalty area before unselfishly laying the ball into the path of Issa Fomba, who converted in the 84th minute to rescue a valuable point.
It followed the striker’s historic brace on his Czech First League debut a week earlier, taking his tally to two goals and one assist in his first two league appearances for Artis Brno.
While the club is still searching for its first league victory of the campaign, Adediran’s performances have been a major source of encouragement.