Europe watch: Lookman, Awoniyi shine as Paris FC relegates Moses Simon to left-back

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By Enitan Abdultawab

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Nigerian footballers were once again in the spotlight across European leagues last weekend, as clubs played the last round of matches before the international break that would feature friendlies in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Although the Super Eagles of Nigeria will not feature in the tournament, they will look forward to squaring off against Iran and Jordan in Antalya, Turkey, and are expected to start travelling today.

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Below is how the Super Eagles have fared over the weekend:

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In Spain, Ademola Lookman continued his fine form as he recorded a goal for Atlético Madrid when they visited Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. His goal, however, was not enough for Diego Simeone’s side as they fell to a late 3-2 loss.

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Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke featured for Sevilla at home as they lost to fellow Nigerian Sadiq Umar’s Valencia. While Adams featured from the bench, Ejuke was an unused substitute. Umar, on the other hand, came off the bench to seal off the victory for the away side.

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Elsewhere in Levante, Kareem Tunde helped his team to put four goals past Real Oviedo who responded with two goals.

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In England, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi featured with stellar performances throughout the 3-1 home victory versus Burnley. Samuel Chukwueze came off the bench for the home side and helped see the game out.

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Ola Aina came off the bench to help Nottingham Forest annihilate Tottenham Hotspur by three goals to zero. He scored the third goal of the match. Ola Aina, on the other hand, played the full minutes for the Forest who are still battling relegation.

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Also, Bright-Osayi Samuel came back and was ready for Birmingham FC but was an unused substitute as they lost to Derby County by a goal to one.

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Joe Aribo did not start Leicester City’s away 0-0 draw at Watford but came off the bench in the second half.

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In France, Simon Moses started for Paris FC from left-back at home versus Le Havre. He was, however, substituted in the second half of the game.

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In Italy, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru played throughout the minutes from Lazio’s 0-2 win away at Bologna. For Pisa, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro featured for Pisa in their 5-0 away loss to Cesc Fabregas’ Como.

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In Belgium, Raphael Onyedika played the entire match for Club Brugge in their 4-1 home win versus Mechelen.

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In Portugal, Zaidu Sanusi played the entire minutes for league leaders Porto as they secured a 1-2 away victory versus Braga.

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In Greece, Bruno Onyemaechi was in action for Olympiacos in the Greek club’s 0-0 home match versus AEL Larissa.

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