From the high-stakes battles in the Premier League to captivating encounters in Spain and Italy, Super Eagles stars are set to take center stage across Europe this weekend.
With several Nigerian internationals playing pivotal roles for their respective clubs, there are burning questions about their form, impact, and what they might bring to the table.
Here, we take a look at five of the biggest talking points surrounding these Super Eagles stars as they gear up for another big weekend of football.
Is Ndidi’s metamorphosis into a creative powerhouse set to continue?
Wilfred Ndidi has long been associated with defensive excellence. Upon joining Leicester City from Genk in January 2017, the Nigerian midfielder was quickly hailed as a natural successor to N’Golo Kanté. Ndidi's strength in tackles became his calling card, and over the years, he cemented his reputation as one of the Premier League’s best ball-winners.
In the second half of the 2016-17 campaign, Ndidi averaged an impressive 4.02 tackles per 90 minutes—second only to Idrissa Gueye (4.56 per 90) in the league among players with at least 1,000 minutes. He led the league in tackles for three consecutive seasons between 2017 and 2020, recording 138, 142, and 129 tackles, respectively.
However, injuries and Leicester's relegation to the Championship threatened to derail Ndidi’s trajectory. Despite this, he remains unmatched in terms of defensive contribution since his Premier League debut, having racked up 704 tackles, 152 more than Arsenal’s Declan Rice. Ndidi has also made the most interceptions (393) and won possession in the middle third (838 times) more than any other player.
Yet, this season has marked a shift in Ndidi's game. His tackle numbers have dropped to 2.61 per 90 minutes, and his interceptions have halved. Why? A tactical shift from Leicester’s coaching staff has seen Ndidi moved into an attacking midfield role—a position that has surprisingly unlocked his creative side.
In Leicester’s last two matches, Ndidi has tallied five chances created and three assists, matching his tally for the entire 2020-21 season. He now plays as a central cog in a 4-2-3-1 formation, pressing high up the pitch and using his energy to disrupt opponents in advanced areas. Against Crystal Palace, Ndidi was instrumental in creating two goals, delivering a beautiful pass to Jamie Vardy for one and unselfishly laying the ball off for Stephy Mavididi for the other.
With six chances created in just four games this season, the question is no longer whether Ndidi can press but if he can continue to evolve into Leicester's creative lynchpin.
Can Osimhen make Mourinho regret ‘Diver' comments?
Victor Osimhen is gearing up for his second appearance for Galatasaray this weekend, with one intriguing subplot looming large: his showdown with José Mourinho. The highly anticipated fixture against Fenerbahce in the Intercontinental derby comes on the back of Mourinho’s comments labelling Osimhen a “diver.” But with the Nigerian striker set to return to the starting XI after missing the previous game, all eyes will be on whether he can silence those criticisms.
Fenerbahce and Galatasaray will lock horns in the season’s first installment of the Turkish Super Lig's biggest rivalry at the Ulker Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. This marks the 401st meeting between the two clubs, with Fenerbahce holding 149 victories to Galatasaray's 128 wins, and 55 matches ending in a draw. Both teams sit near the top of the table, with Galatasaray in first and Fenerbahce trailing by just two points.
Ahead of the match, Mourinho spoke to HR Spor and commented on his relationship with Osimhen, whom he had faced while managing Roma in Serie A. “I don’t have problems with Victor,” Mourinho stated. “In fact, we have a very good relationship. But every time I play against him, I speak with him because I don’t like the way he behaves. He dives too much.”
For Osimhen, returning to form after his loan move from Napoli to Galatasaray, this fixture offers an ideal opportunity to make Mourinho eat his words. After missing the last match due to registration issues, the 24-year-old will be hungry for his first goal in Turkey, eager to prove that his impact comes from his ability to find the net—not embellish fouls.
Can Kevin Schade step Into the Wissa gap for Brentford?
Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is set to miss the next couple of months due to an ankle injury, leaving a gap in the Bees' attack. However, Thomas Frank believes he has the ideal replacement in Kevin Schade, a German-born forward of Nigerian descent, who is getting back to full fitness after an injury-laden spell last season.
Schade, 21, has accumulated 211 minutes in four league appearances so far this campaign, and Frank insists that his performances are getting better. “Kevin is in a good place,” said the Brentford manager. “He’s getting into good positions and has been a little bit unlucky. He’s doing a lot of good stuff for us, and I think he can do more, but I’m pleased with his progress.”
Frank’s faith in Schade was rewarded when the forward played the full 90 minutes in Brentford's 3-1 victory over Leyton Orient in midweek. His next challenge? Stepping up to fill Wissa’s boots in Brentford’s upcoming Premier League fixtures.
When will Arteta finally trust Ethan Nwaneri?
Ethan Nwaneri’s potential is undeniable. The Arsenal teenager has been touted as one of the most exciting talents to come through the Gunners' youth academy in recent years. Yet, despite the buzz surrounding him, Mikel Arteta seems hesitant to give the 17-year-old a bigger role in the first team.
Arsenal’s recent 0-0 draw with Atalanta in the Champions League highlighted the absence of Martin Ødegaard, who is out with an ankle injury. Without their creative playmaker, the Gunners lacked inspiration in the final third, prompting many to wonder why Nwaneri wasn’t given an opportunity, especially after the club sold Emile Smith Rowe and loaned out Fabio Vieira over the summer.
With Arsenal facing Manchester City next, Arteta will need to address the creativity deficit in his squad. However, it remains to be seen whether Nwaneri will get a chance to shine at the Etihad.
Will Southampton continue to ignore Onuachu as they struggle in front of goal?
Paul Onuachu’s transfer saga took an unexpected twist when the Nigerian striker was reinstated into Southampton's squad after pushing for a return to Trabzonspor over the summer. With the transfer window closed, Onuachu remains a Southampton player, but whether he will feature for the Saints remains uncertain.
Southampton's poor form this season—four losses, one goal scored, and eight conceded—suggests that a change is needed, and Onuachu could be the answer. The 6’7” striker has proven himself across European leagues, and given Southampton’s scoring woes, playing to his strengths might offer the club a way out of their current predicament.
With no recognised top scorer in the squad, it may be time for Southampton to give Onuachu a chance to show what he can do.
