Naija Stars Abroad: Osimhen missing, Boniface and Iheanacho resurrect as Okoronkwo steals show

Nigerian Stars Abroad lit up the weekend with standout performances across Europe and North America, highlighted by remarkable comebacks and dazzling displays, even as Victor Osimhen remained sidelined due to injury.

Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho both resurrected their campaigns this weekend after recent setbacks that forced them to swap clubs in the summer.

Boniface made a powerful impact off the bench in his Werder Bremen debut, delivering an assist that helped his side secure a dominant away league win.

Meanwhile, senior man Iheanacho showed nerves of steel for Celtic, coming off the bench to score a late winning penalty, reminding fans of his composure in crucial moments after his unceremonious exit from Sevilla.

Nigerian fans will be keenly following Osimhen’s recovery after he missed Galatasaray’s latest win due to an ankle ligament sprain sustained during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.

Despite the setback, Galatasaray’s medical team is optimistic about his return, aiming for him to lead their attack in upcoming Champions League fixtures.

Esther Okoronkwo stole the show once again, scoring twice and assisting as AFC Toronto ran riot in a 7-0 thrashing of Vancouver Rise in the Northern Super League.

Her early-season brilliance continues to turn heads, reinforcing her status as one of Nigeria’s brightest talents.

In the Premier League, new debutants Tolu Arokodare for Wolves and Christantus Uche for Crystal Palace both took their first steps, signaling a fresh Nigerian presence in England’s top flight.

Fulham’s Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi were instrumental in a late victory over Leeds, showing resilience and quality.

Rinsola Babajide netted her first goal for Roma in the Serie A Women’s Cup, while Moses Simon contributed strongly to Paris FC’s away league win.

Rafiu Durosinmi also shone like a star, scoring the decisive goal as Viktoria Plzen edged past SK Sigma.

Overall, it was a weekend showing Nigerian talent rising, adapting, and making their mark across leagues and continents, with bright signs of promise for the weeks ahead.