Super Eagles abroad weekend round-up: Lookman, Moffi score as Moses returns

After their international double-header against Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria’s Super Eagles returned to their various clubs for the resumption of the 2022-23 season, while some others who were not part of the squad also featured.

Ademola Lookman ended his goal drought for Atalanta in their 3-1 win away to Cremonese. The winger scored his side’s third goal in added time following his introduction in place of Luis Muriel at half-time, taking his tally for the club to 15 goals this season across all competitions. Compatriot Cyriel Dessers came off the bench for the home side, while David Okereke was not with the squad.

Terem Moffi continued his fine goalscoring form for OGC Nice, making it three goals in three appearances for the Eaglets. He opened the scoring for his side against Angers, but they were pegged back and the match ended 1-1. The striker has scored 17 times in Ligue 1 this season.

Villarreal hotshot Samuel Chukwueze delivered another dazzling performance for the Yellow Submarine in their 2-0 win over Real Sociedad. The winger won the penalty that saw his side take the lead in the game and was a constant menace to the Real Sociedad players.

Alex Iwobi was thrown right into the mix for Everton as they battled to a 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur. The Toffees remain in 15th place and the Super Eagles midfielder will hope to help them avoid the drop. He lasted the entirety of the match that saw both teams finish with ten men.

Veteran striker Odion Ighalo scored a brace to take his tally in the Saudi Pro League  to 14 this season. The former Manchester United star scored both goals to give Al-Hilal a 2-0 win over Al-Khaleej.

Nottingham Forest held Wolverhampton Wanderers to a 1-1 draw and Emmanuel Dennis started the game for the Reds, lasting 67 minutes before going off for Joe Worrall. Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi was introduced in place of Danilo in the 87th minute, making his first appearance since picking up an injury on January 4th against Southampton.

Wilfred Ndidi started and finished Leicester City’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace which saw Brendan Rodgers agree to leave the club. Kelechi Iheanacho was introduced off the bench in the 72nd minute, replacing Patson Daka.

After taking a nasty boot to the head against Guinea-Bissau in Abuja, Kevin Akpoguma returned for Hoffenheim as they defeated Werder Bremen 2-1.

Elsewhere, 2013 AFCON winner Victor Moses made his first appearance in seven months for Lokomotiv Moscow when they faced Akhmat Grozny at the weekend. The 32-year-old winger had been out injured since rupturing his Achilles in August 2022. He came on in the 62nd minute for Mikhail Ignatov in the game.

Impressive Super Eagles right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel featured for Fenerbahce as they lost 4-2 at home to rivals Besiktas. The defender played for 63 minutes before being replaced by Miha Zajc.

Young midfielder Raphael Onyedika featured for Club Brugge as they strolled to a 3-0 win away from home against Mechelen in the Belgian Pro League.

Paul Onuachu came off the bench for Southampton in their 1-0 defeat to West Ham, with Joe Aribo once again an unused substitute for the Saints despite featuring for the Super Eagles last week.

Honorary mention: Sensational striker Gift Orban scored his 11th goal in his last six games for KAA Gent in their 5-0 thrashing of RFC Seraing in the Belgian Pro League. The 20-year-old bagged two goals and an assist in the game to take his tally for the club to 14 in all competitions in only 11 appearances.