Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Maduka Okoye and several other Nigerian stars delivered standout performances for their European clubs at the weekend, providing early signs of an exciting 2026/27 campaign.
Chukwueze was particularly influential as AC Milan secured a 4-2 victory over Manchester United in Saturday’s pre-season encounter, contributing a goal and two assists.
The winger played the full 90 minutes and responded to United’s early opener from Harry Maguire by finishing calmly from Goncalo Ramos’ lay-off to restore parity.
Manchester United regained the advantage six minutes after the restart through Patrick Dorgu, but Chukwueze quickly made his mark again, setting up Alphadjo Cisse for Milan’s equaliser.
He then supplied another assist for Ramos, who headed Milan into the lead before Ruben Loftus-Cheek completed the scoring for the Italian giants.
Chukwueze will now look to carry his impressive pre-season form into the new campaign and justify the confidence placed in him following his successful loan spell at Fulham last season.
In England, Boniface also made headlines after scoring a late winner to give Bayer Leverkusen a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park in the VisitMalta Weekender.
Ibrahim Maza opened the scoring for Leverkusen with a 25-yard effort inside the first minute, while Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw levelled the contest in the 44th minute.
Boniface eventually settled the encounter in the 82nd minute with a composed finish, offering encouragement as he attempts to return to his best after a difficult spell.
The 25-year-old endured a challenging 2024/25 and 2025/26 period, including an interrupted loan spell at Werder Bremen following a serious knee injury that required surgery in January.
He managed only 11 Bundesliga appearances without scoring.
Leverkusen head coach Carles Martinez, however, believes the striker is making steady progress.
“He knows what he has to do. I’m pushing him as well. It’s getting better. His quality is obvious,” Martinez said.
Boniface also expressed his gratitude to supporters who continued to back him during his difficult period.
“The fans supported me in good times and bad times, and I really appreciate that. We players need their support. I’m really very happy and thank every single one of them.”
Meanwhile, Okoye marked his return from injury by keeping a clean sheet as Udinese defeated Padova 1-0 in their Coppa Italia opener.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper had missed part of Udinese’s pre-season after suffering a shoulder injury during the club’s training camp in Lienz, Austria, but returned to full training in time for the fixture after being declared fit by coach Kosta Runjaic.
Another Nigerian who caught the eye was Moses Usor, who played a key role in LASK’s 4-1 triumph over Austria Wien in the Austrian Bundesliga.
Usor assisted Samuel Adeniran for LASK’s equaliser before putting his side ahead himself.
He then combined with Adeniran again to create another goal before providing a fourth assist for Christoph Lang.
The 24-year-old was substituted after 63 minutes and has now registered two goals and two assists in three competitive matches this season, strengthening the case for his inclusion in the Super Eagles squad ahead of the next international window.
Rafiu Durosinmi also maintained his strong start to the campaign, converting a penalty for Genk to make it two goals in as many matches.
The 25-year-old has set his sights on winning the Belgian Pro League Golden Boot and will hope to emulate compatriots Paul Onuachu and Tolu Arokodare, who have previously finished as the division’s leading scorers.
Arokodare claimed the award in the 2024/25 season after scoring 21 league goals for Genk.
Akor Adams was another Nigerian striker to make a strong impression, scoring twice and providing an assist on his competitive debut for Venezia.
The newly promoted Serie A club came from behind to defeat Modena 3-2 in the Coppa Italia first round at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on Saturday.
Adams equalised in the 26th minute after Modena had taken an early lead, before setting up Venezia’s second goal late in the second half.
He completed his impressive debut by scoring again two minutes later to seal the comeback.
The performance offered an encouraging start for the striker following his record-breaking move from Sevilla in July.
