Osimhen powers Galatasaray past Fenerbahçe on injury return

Nigeria’s stars were on song across Europe at the weekend, with Victor Osimhen making a statement return in Turkey, while Frank Onyeka, Peter Olayinka and emerging names Hussein Ibrahim and Ede Oloko also delivered notable contributions. ABIODUN ADEWALE reports

Victor Osimhen lived up to expectations on Sunday, marking his return from injury in emphatic fashion as he inspired Galatasaray to a commanding 3-0 derby win over Fenerbahçe, strengthening their grip on the Turkish Super Lig title race.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring five minutes before half-time, reacting quickest to stab home with his knee and set the tone for a dominant display. Barış Alper Yılmaz later doubled the lead from the spot before Lucas Torreira sealed the emphatic victory.

Osimhen now has 13 goals and four assists in 20 league appearances this season, with Galatasaray maintaining a seven-point lead over their closest rivals with three matches remaining.

Frank Onyeka ended his season in style as Coventry City secured the Championship title with a 3-1 win over Wrexham, capping a memorable campaign under Frank Lampard.

The Sky Blues had already clinched the title before the final-day fixture and celebrated in front of their home fans after the final whistle. Onyeka, who was cautioned in the first half, later provided the assist for Ephron Mason-Clark’s stoppage-time goal to complete the victory.

The Nigerian midfielder, who joined in January, finishes the campaign with one goal and one assist from midfield and one game remaining against Watford.

Okonkwo was absent from Wrexham’s starting XI in the defeat at Coventry, having been named on the bench for a third consecutive game.

Wrexham now head into the final day of the season in a tense play-off race, level on 70 points with Hull City but edging ahead on goal difference. Derby County remain just one point behind, setting up a dramatic finish, with all three clubs playing at home on the final day.

ROFIAT IMURAN (LONDON CITY LIONESSES)

Super Falcons defender Rofiat Imuran made her return after 10 matches out, featuring for just one minute in London City Lionesses’ 5-1 win over Leicester City in the Women’s Super League.

It marked her 10th appearance of the season, with no goal contributions so far.

Moses Simon returned from injury but could not prevent Paris FC from falling to a 1-0 home defeat to Lille. The Nigerian winger played 69 minutes as his side suffered their first loss in nine matches.

Despite the setback, Paris FC remain 12th on the table with safety still intact after 31 matches.

Nantes’ struggles continued with another defeat, a 2-1 loss to Rennes, as they edge closer to relegation danger in Ligue 1.

Awaziem did not feature, having managed just 12 minutes across the club’s last four matches. Nantes have now won only once in their last 10 outings.

Victor Boniface returned to the matchday squad for the first time in months, making the bench in Werder Bremen’s 1-1 draw with Stuttgart after recovering from knee surgery.

The striker, currently on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, had not featured since December 7, 2025, as Bremen continue their fight to avoid relegation.

Felix Agu remains sidelined through injury, missing his second consecutive game.

Sevilla’s struggles deepened with back-to-back defeats as Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke were unable to prevent a 2-1 loss away to Osasuna.

Ejuke was an unused substitute, while Adams featured for just four minutes despite being Sevilla’s top scorer this season with eight goals and three assists in 28 league appearances.

The Andalusian club now sit 18th with 32 points, one point adrift of safety.

RAPHAEL ONYEDIKA (CLUB BRUGGE)

Raphael Onyedika returned from injury concerns to feature for 17 minutes in Club Brugge’s 2-0 win over Gent, helping the side maintain their push for the league title.

Emmanuel Fernandez played the full 90 minutes in Rangers’ 3-2 home defeat to Motherwell, a result that dents their title ambitions.

The Nigerian defender, who has scored five goals this season, was recently named in the league’s Team of the Season.

Peter Olayinka continued his fine form, scoring his second league goal for APOEL in a 3-3 draw with Pafos.

The Nigerian forward, who came off the bench in the second half, has now scored in consecutive matches, including a cup tie last week.

Uzoho remains sidelined from action, yet to feature since returning from a muscle injury, limiting him to just five appearances this season.

Terem Moffi featured for 30 minutes in Porto’s 2-1 win over Estrela but failed to score, taking his tally to one goal and one assist in nine league appearances.

Zaidu Sanusi remains out injured after missing the last two weeks.

HUSSEIN IBRAHIM (AUDA) & EDE OLOKO (TUKUMS 2000)

Hussein Ibrahim scored his fourth goal in eight games to help Auda secure a 2-1 win over Tukums 2000, continuing his impressive form.

In response, Ede Oloko also found the net for Tukums, scoring his fifth goal in seven games, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.