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Verona Today
By the People, for the People
Top Nigerian Players Shine Abroad: Sadiq Scores, Iwobi Hits Milestone
Nigerian footballers made an impact across Europe over the weekend, with several standout performances.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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Nigerian players were in the spotlight in Europe this past weekend, with several Super Eagles stars finding the net or reaching personal milestones for their clubs. In Spain, Umar Sadiq scored for Valencia CF in their 2-0 win over Levante UD. In England, Alex Iwobi made his 100th appearance for Fulham FC in their FA Cup victory over Stoke City. Other Nigerians like Tolu Arokodare, Raphael Onyedika, Maduka Okoye, and Gift Orban also featured for their respective clubs across the continent.
Why it matters
The strong performances by Nigerian players abroad highlight the growing influence and talent of Super Eagles stars on the global stage. Their success helps raise the profile of Nigerian football and could lead to more opportunities for young Nigerian players to showcase their skills at the highest levels of the game.
The details
In Spain, Umar Sadiq scored Valencia's second goal in their 2-0 win over Levante UD, showing impressive strength to win an aerial duel and fire past the goalkeeper. The goal was Sadiq's second in three matches since rejoining Valencia in January. In England, Alex Iwobi reached a personal milestone by making his 100th appearance for Fulham FC in their 2-1 FA Cup win over Stoke City. Iwobi has been a key figure for Fulham since joining from Everton in 2023. Elsewhere, Tolu Arokodare led the line for Wolverhampton Wanderers in their 1-0 FA Cup victory over Grimsby Town, while Raphael Onyedika played the full match as Club Brugge edged Cercle Brugge 2-1 in Belgium. However, Maduka Okoye endured a difficult afternoon as Udinese Calcio fell 2-1 at home to US Sassuolo in Italy, and Gift Orban saw red just 11 minutes into Hellas Verona's defeat at Parma.
- Sadiq scored his goal in the 84th minute of Valencia's match against Levante UD on February 12, 2026.
- Iwobi made his 100th appearance for Fulham FC in their FA Cup match against Stoke City on February 11, 2026.
The players
Umar Sadiq
A Nigerian striker who plays for Valencia CF in Spain's La Liga.
Alex Iwobi
A Nigerian midfielder who plays for Fulham FC in the English Premier League.
Tolu Arokodare
A Nigerian striker who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English FA Cup.
Raphael Onyedika
A Nigerian midfielder who plays for Club Brugge in the Belgian Pro League.
Maduka Okoye
A Nigerian goalkeeper who plays for Udinese Calcio in Italy's Serie A.
Gift Orban
A Nigerian striker who plays for Hellas Verona in Italy's Serie A.
The takeaway
The strong performances by Nigerian players abroad showcase the growing talent and influence of Super Eagles stars on the global stage, raising the profile of Nigerian football and creating more opportunities for young Nigerian players to showcase their skills at the highest levels of the game.
