Kelechi Iheanacho made an instant impact off the bench as he inspired Middlesbrough to a crucial 1-0 victory over Derby County in the English Championship. Introduced in the 72nd minute, the Sevilla loanee brought urgency to Michael Carrick’s side, and his presence proved decisive. In the 80th minute, his overhead kick attempt was blocked, but Finn Azaz pounced on the rebound to secure all three points. The win lifts Boro to eighth place, just two points off the playoff spots.

Meanwhile, in Italy’s Serie B, Orji Okwonkwo opened his season’s goal tally in style, netting the only goal as Cittadella edged Juve Stabia 1-0. The 27-year-old finished off a swift counterattack in the 38th minute with a powerful strike off the post.

Elsewhere in Europe, Nathan Tella continued his fine form for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring the opener in their dominant 4-1 Bundesliga win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The Super Eagles winger showcased his skill on the edge of the box before curling home his second league goal of the season. His teammate Victor Boniface made a second-half appearance but couldn’t add to his tally of eight Bundesliga goals.

In France, Super Falcons star Ifeoma Onumonu was the standout performer as Montpellier triumphed 4-2 at Stade de Reims. The forward assisted her team’s second goal before scoring the third in a devastating eight-minute stretch. Onumonu now boasts seven goals in 14 league appearances, marking her best season since her time with Gotham FC in the NWSL.

Chiamaka Nnadozie also shone in France, keeping a clean sheet in Paris FC’s goalless draw against Nantes, while Jennifer Echegini put in a solid display as PSG edged Dijon 1-0.

Across the Atlantic, young Nigerian talent Shola Ogundana dazzled in Brazil, bagging two goals and an assist as Flamengo U20 thrashed Olimpia U20 6-1 in their CONMEBOL Libertadores U20 opener. The former Beyond Limits academy star played a crucial role in Flamengo’s emphatic start, propelling them to the top of Group A.

With Nigerian stars making waves across leagues, it was a weekend to remember for the Super Eagles and Super Falcons faithful.