Nigerians abroad: Osimhen makes history; Yusuf tastes glory; Adams smash three

A whirlwind of thrilling encounters across various European and international football leagues left fans in awe this past weekend.

From Austria to the USA, young talents and seasoned veterans showcased their skills and made their mark on the pitch. Here is Soccernet.ng‘s recap of the major highlights.

In Austria’s 2 Liga, Reinhard Azubuike, a promising 21-year-old talent, proved instrumental as Admira recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over Vorwärts Steyr.

Azubuike notched an impressive assist, displaying his flair and vision to set up his teammates for success.

Meanwhile, in Belgium’s top flight, Alhassan Yusuf experienced a moment of glory as he played a pivotal role in Antwerp’s triumph.

The young midfielder, in just his second season with the club, witnessed a historic occasion unfold before his eyes.

Antwerp secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw against KRC Genk, earning them their first First Division A title in a staggering 66 years.

Tolu Arokodare drew first blood for Genk, fueling their hopes of claiming the championship.

However, former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld stepped up for Antwerp, netting a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer that sealed their long-awaited title victory.

Meanwhile, Victor Boniface provided a crucial assist for Union Saint-Gilloise, who suffered a 3-1 defeat against Club Brugge.

The result meant that Union SG missed out on the league title, with their hopes dashed by Antwerp’s heroics.

Over in Denmark, Stephen Odey continued his impressive goal-scoring form, finding the back of the net to help Randers secure a valuable 1-1 draw against FC Copenhagen on their travels.

In Italy, Victor Osimhen concluded his superb Serie A campaign on a high note, scoring a penalty in Napoli’s comfortable 2-0 victory over Sampdoria.

With this goal, Osimhen clinched the coveted topscorer award, becoming the first-ever African player to achieve this remarkable feat.

Elsewhere, Ademola Lookman displayed his playmaking abilities, contributing an assist in Atalanta’s resounding 5-2 triumph over Monza.

A captivating clash unfolded in Lithuania’s A Lyga, as Zalgiris fought back from a two-goal deficit to salvage a 2-2 draw against FA Šiauliai, with Mathias Oyewusi Kehinde leaving his mark on the scoresheet.

In Norway, Akor Adams shone brightly, registering an exceptional hat trick to propel Lillestrøm to a convincing 3-1 victory over Stabæk, while Ebiye Moses’ goal for Aalesund was not enough as Brann rallied in the second half to secure a 3-1 away win.

The action continued in Sweden’s Allsvenskan, where Abdussalam Mugashy scored a late equalizer for AIK in their 1-1 draw with visiting Kalmar.

Similarly, in the Ettan division, John Junior continued his impressive form, finding the net to help Sandviken clinch a valuable point in their 1-1 draw with Piteå.

Turning our attention to Spain’s La Liga, Samuel Chukwueze dazzled for Villarreal as they battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid on home turf.

In Uruguay’s Primera Division, Christian Ebere displayed his goal-scoring prowess, contributing to Plaza Colonia’s eventful 3-3 draw with Cerro Largo.

Over in the United States, Super Falcons star Michelle Alozie made a significant impact in the NWSL as she found the back of the net for Houston Dash.

Alozie’s goal helped propel her team to a well-deserved 2-0 triumph over Orlando Pride at the Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas.

In the USL Championship, Boluwatife Akinyode experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. He showcased his goal-scoring abilities by scoring Miami FC’s lone goal just before halftime in their [5-1] defeat against Memphis 901, but unfortunate circumstances followed.

Akinyode was shown a red card at the start of the second half, leaving his team with a numerical disadvantage. 

A similar narrative unfolded for Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi in San Antonio’s clash with San Diego Loyal.

Oluwaseyi made an immediate impact by scoring in the third minute, putting his team in a commanding three-goal lead within the opening twenty minutes.

However, his fortunes took a turn for the worse when he received a red card in the 20th minute, drastically changing the course of the game.

San Diego Loyal capitalized on their numerical advantage and staged an incredible comeback, scoring thrice in the final 15 minutes to salvage a remarkable 3-3 draw.