Nigerian forwards Taofeek Ismaheel, Bamidele Yusuf, and Franklin Tebo delivered key performances in their respective European playoff fixtures this week, helping their teams secure crucial positions ahead of second-leg clashes.
Each player played a decisive role, either scoring or influencing the outcome in tightly contested matches.
Taofeek Ismaheel Secures Away Victory for Lech Poznań
Taofeek Ismaheel was in top form as Lech Poznań overcame 10-man KuPS with a 2–0 win in the UEFA Europa Conference League playoff first leg.
Antoni Kozubal opened the scoring in the ninth minute, and Ismaheel doubled the lead just before halftime, taking full advantage of the hosts being reduced to 10 men after Joslyn Luyeye-Lutumba’s red card.
The 25-year-old winger contributed significantly beyond scoring, recording four tackles and providing an attacking threat that Lech capitalised on.
On loan from Górnik Zabrze, Ismaheel has now scored three goals in the competition and assisted two more.
Yusuf’s Effort Not Enough for Ferencvárosi
Bamidele Yusuf found the back of the net to give Ferencvárosi a temporary boost in their UEFA Europa League playoff tie against Ludogorets.
The 24-year-old forward scored three minutes before the half-hour mark to level the match after Kwadwo Duah’s early strike had put the hosts ahead.
Despite Yusuf’s third goal of the Europa League season, Ferencvárosi ultimately fell 2–1, with Son restoring Ludogorets’ lead in the second half.
Yusuf played 86 minutes before being substituted by Zsombor Gruber as the Hungarian side prepare for the return leg next Thursday.
Tebo Delivers Crucial Winner for Crvena Zvezda
Defender-turned-scorer Franklin Tebo netted the lone goal in Crvena Zvezda’s hard-fought 1–0 victory over LOSC Lille in their UEFA Europa League playoff first leg.
The 26-year-old, who had limited minutes in previous league games, emerged as Man of the Match with his decisive strike following a scrappy corner shortly after the restart.
Tebo’s goal marked his second of the season and provided a significant morale boost for both him and his team.
Lille struggled to create meaningful chances, highlighting the visitors’ dominance and setting up a challenging return leg in Belgrade.
Each of these Nigerian players has shown they can rise to the occasion on European nights, providing their teams with vital contributions as the playoff rounds continue.