Seven Matches Involving Nigerian Players This Weekend Super Eagles Fans Cannot Afford To Miss

There were cup games across Europe in the past week while some leagues were also on breaks but league actions resume this weekend in Europe.

All Nigeria Soccer's Izuchukwu Okosi presents the matches involving Nigerian players not to be missed.

1. West Ham United vs Arsenal

The duo of Alex Iwobi and Bukayo Saka are most likely going to be dressed on Saturday by Arsenal at the London Stadium as Unai Emery's side visit West Ham United.

The game which kicks off at 1.30pm Nigerian time is a London derby and one that will be interesting to see as the fifth placed Gunners seek to overtake Chelsea in fourth place in the EPL table.

Iwobi has scored thrice for Arsenal in the Premier League so far and with Henrikh Mkhitaryan still out injured the Nigerian will most certainly be deployed on the left side of the Arsenal attack while Saka could come off the bench.

2. Villarreal vs Getafe

Arguably the most promising young Nigerian player in Europe at the moment, Samuel Chukwueze is expected to be in action on Saturday when Villarreal host Getafe.

Chukwueze's performances for the Yellow Submarine has attracted interests from some big clubs in Europe and all eyes will be on the Super Eagle, who has named in the top 50 most promising young footballers in European football.

Villarreal are currently placed 19th in the La Liga  table while their visitors are 7th and a good show by the winger could lift his club out of the relegation zone. And what more, the January transfer window is still open.

3. Leicester vs Southampton

The hot debate since Tuesday's CAF Awards has been Wilfred Ndidi's shocking and surprising omission from CAF's Best XI for the calendar year 2018 in favour of Atletico Madrid and Ghana's Thomas Partey as well as not winning the Young Player of the Year won by Achraf Hakimi.

Ndidi would definitely must have heard the feedback back home and will be buoyed to prove his doubters wrong in this game against the Saints at 4pm Nigerian time.

The Super Eagles defensive midfielder has been one of the best tacklers in European football and he will surely be angling to prove his mettle when they play Southampton.

Kelechi Iheanacho has not been in fantastic form when given his chances so more more attention will be paid to Ndidi especially after he was shunned in both categories of awards.

4. Brighton vs Liverpool

It is unknown whether manager Chris Houghton will hand an opportunity to Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun when Brighton host Liverpool at the Amex Stadium but should the Nigerian get his chance to impress it is one that he must grab gleefully and make the most of.

Balogun played in successive games during the festive period when Shane Duffy was out due to a three game ban with mixed performances.

Injuries to key players seems to be the only hope the former Mainz centre back has to impress on Saturday.

5. Nice vs Bordeaux

Super Eagles winger Samuel Kalu is expected to play a significant role for French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux when they play away to OG Nice 8pm Nigerian time on Saturday.

Kalu has scored twice in 13 league games for Bordeaux this season and his rather low goals return is due to injury which inadvertently saw him miss some games.

The talk of a possible return to the national team of Victor Moses could propel Kalu's improved performances for club and country.

6.  Crystal Palace vs Watford

Selhurst  Park will witness a good game in prospect as Crystal Palace welcome Watford that parades Super Eagles striker Isaac Success.


The match which kicks off 4pm Nigerian time is expected to be a physical battle between both sides which the former youth international will relish.

 7. Atletico Madrid vs Levante

It is unclear whether Moses Simon will be in action on Sunday when 10th placed Levante visit the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium to face second in the table Atletico Madrid.

Back to fitness, Simon  has played just five league games thus far mainly from the bench with a grand total of 61 minutes played only.

The Nigerian winger missed the 2018 World Cup due to injury and as the preparations for the 2019 AFCON continue with the upcoming dead rubber against Seychelles and top friendly with Egypt in March, 'Daddy' will be out to impress.

Izuchukwu Okosi