Nigerians abroad: VAR denies Orban, Durosinmi misses penalty, Nnadozie shines in WSL

It was a busy Sunday across Europe for Nigerian footballers, with decisive contributions, painful defeats and near misses punctuating a dramatic weekend of action, Soccernet.ng reports.

From Spain to Turkey, England to France, Nigerian professionals and dual-eligible players were at the heart of several key fixtures.

Premier League struggles for Fulham pair

At Villa Park, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey both started for Fulham but endured a tough afternoon as Aston Villa powered to a 3-1 win.

Iwobi, playing in midfield, worked tirelessly but found little joy against Unai Emery’s high-pressing side, while Bassey struggled to contain Villa’s slick movement in wide areas.

Elsewhere, Newcastle United’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal featured two Nigeria-eligible players.

Jacob Murphy started the encounter, injecting pace on the right, while exciting forward William Osula was also handed minutes as the Magpies fought in vain against Mikel Arteta’s well-drilled Gunners.

Adams delivers for Sevilla

The standout moment of the day belonged to Akor Adams.

The 24-year-old forward, who joined Sevilla from Montpellier in January, came off the bench to score the decisive goal in a 1-0 away victory at Rayo Vallecano. It was Adams’ first strike of the season, and one that lifted Sevilla into mid-table after a sluggish start.

Umar Sadiq, meanwhile, made a late appearance for Real Sociedad at Camp Nou. His introduction couldn’t rescue his side, who slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat to Barcelona.

Mixed fortunes in Germany

In the Bundesliga, Freiburg’s 1-1 draw with Hoffenheim featured two Nigerian connections.

Young goalkeeper Noah Atuboku started in goal, showing composure beyond his years, while Junior Adamu, born in Kano but capped by Austria, provided the assist for Freiburg’s opener.

Super Eagles defender Kevin Akpoguma was an unused substitute for Hoffenheim.

Orban denied by VAR

In the Italian Serie A, Gift Orban thought he had grabbed a late lifeline for Hellas Verona at Roma, only for VAR to rule out his stoppage-time effort.

Nigeria and Verona star Gift Orban. Photo by IMAGO

Verona, beaten 2-0, left the capital empty-handed despite Orban’s tireless display after his breakthrough goal against Juventus last weekend.

Elsewhere in the division, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro played the full match in Pisa’s goalless draw with Fiorentina.

France: Simon vs Moffi

In Ligue 1, Moses Simon impressed for Paris FC in their 1-1 draw away at OGC Nice, where Terem Moffi led the line for the hosts.

Simon’s dribbling and work rate troubled Nice, though Moffi remained relatively quiet in a cagey affair.

Turkey: Dele-Bashiru shows promise

Tom Dele-Bashiru was lively for nine-man Gençlerbirliği in their 1-1 draw at Kayserispor, making his second appearance since moving to Turkey.

Henry Onyekuru was introduced late on, helping the side cling to a valuable point, their fourth of the campaign.

Nnadozie stands tall in WSL

In England’s Women’s Super League, Chiamaka Nnadozie produced a superb performance in goal for Brighton, pulling off several key saves in a 1-0 victory over Everton.

Fresh from being ranked the fourth-best goalkeeper in the world, the 23-year-old’s commanding display proved the difference.

Fellow Super Falcons star Toni Payne came on for Everton late in the game but could not prevent defeat.