Boniface marks Leverkusen return with goal, Orban also on target

· Boniface marks Leverkusen return with goal, Orban also on target

· Monday, Babajide power Tenerife past Sevilla

ABIODUN ADEWALE writes as Nigerian stars made the difference for their clubs abroad during the weekend

GERMANY

BONIFACE, TELLA (LEVERKUSEN)

After a failed move to Al Nassr and missing 14 games due to a thigh injury, Boniface made a statement on his Bayer Leverkusen return, netting the opening goal in their 3-1 win over Hoffenheim. The striker has been sidelined since November 2024 and only returned to training last week amid reports of a huge money move to Saudi Arabia which eventually fell through. He reclaimed his spot in the starting lineup from Patrick Schick who has been in delirious form for Xabi Alonso’s men and the 24-year-old will hope to continue his scoring streak for the club, at least until a real move materialises.

AKPOGUMA, ORBAN (HOFFENHEIM)

Kevin Akpoguma captained Hoffenheim against Leverkusen but despite coming from the bench to score last week, Gift Orban wasn’t deemed fit for a place in the starting lineup. The Nigerian however came off the bench again to score the consolation goal in the 3-1 defeat against the champions.

SPAIN

MONDAY, BABAJIDE (TENERIFE WOMEN)

Super Falcons duo Gift Monday and Rinsola continued to power Tenerife up in the 2024/25 Liga F, scoring both goals in their 2-0 win over Sevilla Women on Sunday. Babajide opened the scoring for the visitors in the ninth minute of the game while she also provided the second for Monday in the second half. It was the club’s seventh win of the season and they sit seventh in the table with 26 points.

Babajide has six goals and three assists in 14 games this season while Monday has nine goals and three assists as well.

RASHEEDAT AJIBADE (ATLETICO WOMEN)

Super Falcons striker Ajibade made her 13th appearance of the season as a starter as Atletico faced Granada on Sunday.

SADIQ UMAR (VALENCIA)

After missing their last game due to a knee injury, Sadiq returned to his new club Valencia as a second-half substitute in their 2-1 win over Celta Vigo.

TURKEY

OLAWOYIN, AKINTOLA (RIZESPOR)

Nigerian midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin bagged an assist for Turkish side Caykur Rizespor on Sunday but he was sent off after a second bookable offence in their nervy 3-2 defeat at Fenerbache. Olawoyin assisted Gambian striker Ali Sowe for Rizespor’s first goal while his compatriot David Akintola set up Sowe for the second inside the first 13 minutes of the game but Rizespor capitulated in the second half after Olawoyin was sent off before halftime.

ENGLAND

TONI PAYNE (EVERTON)

Everton Women recorded a big 4-1 win over Leicester City Women on Sunday but Falcons midfielder Toni Payne wasn’t involved in the goals despite playing for 82 minutes. She however recorded her first goal contribution – an assist against Tottenham Women in the FA Cup on Wednesday – but she is yet to show that in 13 league games.

MICHAEL KAYODE (BRENTFORD)

Italy youth international of Nigerian descent, Michael Kayode made his EPL debut for Brentford during their 2-0 defeat at home against Tottenham on Sunday, featuring for 15 minutes. The 20-year-old joined the Bees on loan in January from Serie A side Fiorentina. Born in Italy, Kayode has played for Italy at the youth level, winning the UEFA European U-19 Championship in 2023 but he is yet to get a senior team cap.

SCOTLAND

CYRIEL DESSERS (RANGERS)

Dessers’ incredible scoring run which saw him produce six goals and two assists in Rangers’ last five games across all competitions was halted on Sunday as he fired blanks in their 4-0 win over Ross County despite playing the entire duration of the game.

BELGIUM

RAPHAEL ONYEDIKA (CLUB BRUGGE)

Fresh from scoring in the UEFA Champions League last midweek, Onyedika returned to domestic action for reigning Belgian league champions Club Brugge but they slumped to a 2-1 defeat to 2023 champions Antwerp. The defeat left them six points behind leaders Genk in the regular season. The midfielder has one league goal and one assist to his name this season.

CYPRUS

ADEBAYO ADELEYE (PARALIMNI)

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Adeleye kept a clean sheet and made six saves to help his Cypriot Club Paralimni to a 1-0 away win over Achnas on Sunday. The Nigerian goalkeeper has featured for the 12th-placed team this season.

INDIA

STEPHEN EZE (JAMSHEDPUR)

Former Super Eagles B defender Eze was instrumental in the heart of midfield as his India Super League side Jamshedpur secured a 3-1 win over Goa to keep their place in the league’s playoffs. Eze has scored two goals in 16 games this season.

FRANCE

MOSES SIMON (NANTES)

After influencing their 1-1 draw against Lyon last week, Simon played a key part again as Nantes secured a crucial 2-1 away win over Reims on Sunday. The win lifted them three points above the relegation zone. Simon is currently on five goals and six assists in the Ligue 1 this season.

ITALY

SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE (AC MILAN)

Despite his heroics against Parma last week, Chukwueze was named on the bench in AC Milan’s 1-1 draw with Inter in the Milan derby. The forward is still subject to transfer before the end of the January transfer window.