Kelechi Iheanacho scored for Celtic FC for the third straight game, giving them a crucial victory as they pursued the Scottish Premiership title. Other Nigerian players fueled their teams’ aspirations around Europe. ABIODUN ADEWALE writes
Scotland
IHEANACHO KELECHI
Iheanacho scored his fourth goal in six games since making a comeback from injury as Celtic struggled to take advantage of Hibernian FC’s fourth red card in three games before winning 2-1 to tie the top spot with Heart of Midlothian.
After just 21 minutes, Jamie McGrath became the most recent Hibs player to be sent off after lunging at Alistair Johnston.
Soon after, Daizen Maeda scored his fourth goal in three games, giving the defending champs the appearance of an easy victory.
But right before halftime, Joe Newell scored a contentious equalizer, seemingly controlling the ball with his hand. Iheanacho then scored the game-winning goal from close range, increasing his league total to four goals in ten games and seven goals in eighteen appearances overall.
As a result, Celtic is now only behind Hearts on goal differential. The leaders will play Rangers FC, who are four points behind in third.
In the race for European qualifying, Hibernian is only two points ahead of Falkirk FC and six points behind fourth-place Motherwell FC.
France
Paris FC’s Moses Simon
On Sunday, Moses Simon played the entire ninety minutes as Paris FC defeated Stade Brestois 4-0. Nevertheless, the Nigerian winger’s scoreless streak now stands at 17 games since he was neither on the scoreboard nor among the assists.
His final goal for the team was a pivotal goal in a 1-0 victory over AS Monaco on the road in November 2025.
Simon has continued to have an impact despite the drought as Paris FC stabilized their campaign following a rocky beginning. The team was boosted by his early-season efforts, which included three goals and two assists. After returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in January, he added another goal.
Since then, the team has improved to 11th place with 41 points from 32 games.
Italy
GIFT ORBAN (HELLAS VERONA)
Due to an incident involving a supporter two weeks ago, Gift Orban is still not playing for Hellas Verona. Despite being the team’s leading scorer this season, the 23-year-old has not been included in the last two matchday lineups.
The forward is anticipated to depart at the conclusion of his loan stint from TSG Hoffenheim, and his absence has coincided with Verona’s confirmed relegation. The Italian team has decided not to make the change long-term.
Belgium
CLUB BRUGGE’S RAPHAEL ONYEDIKA
Club Brugge defeated RSC Anderlecht 3-1 on Sunday in the Belgian Pro League Championship playoffs, with Raphael Onyedika starting off the bench once more.
According to rumors, the midfield player’s starting status may have been impacted by a move he was connected to before to the summer transfer window.
This season, he has made 29 appearances in the league, scoring once. In the UEFA Champions League, he has contributed two goals and two assists.
In the fight for the championship, Club Brugge currently leads Union Saint-Gilloise by one point.
CYPRUS
OLAYINKA, Peter (APOEL)
As APOEL FC maintained their title challenge in the Cypriot First Division, Peter Olayinka played 67 minutes.
This season, the forward has scored one goal in the domestic cup tournament and two goals in eleven league appearances. He recently took home the April Goal of the Month honor.
Greece
OLYMPIACOS’ BRUNO ONYEMAECHI
For Olympiacos FC, Bruno Onyemaechi has missed two weeks in a row. The team lost against PAOK FC 3-1 in his absence, hurting their chances of catching up to leaders AEK Athens.
This season, the left-back, who joined halfway through the previous campaign, has made 15 league appearances.
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