Super Eagles Stars Shine in Europe as Chukwueze Assists, Orban Nets Brace and Dessers Sees Red

Nigeria’s Super Eagles stars produced contrasting moments across Europe over the weekend, with Samuel Chukwueze and Gift Orban making decisive attacking contributions while Cyriel Dessers endured a frustrating outing.

Chukwueze continued his impressive start to the Serie A campaign with another assist for AC Milan, while Orban stole the spotlight in Turkey with a stunning brace that inspired Amedspor to fight back from two goals down.

Dessers, meanwhile, saw his promising scoring run interrupted by a straight red card in Greece.

Chukwueze delivers again for AC Milan

Samuel Chukwueze needed only seven minutes after coming off the bench to make his mark as AC Milan drew 1-1 with Juventus at the Allianz Stadium.

The Nigerian winger was introduced shortly after the hour mark and immediately injected pace and directness into Milan’s attack.

His decisive moment arrived during a counterattack when Chukwueze collected possession around midfield, drove forward and created space before sending a perfectly weighted ball into the Juventus penalty area.

Alphadjo Cissè capitalised on the opportunity, battling past two defenders before firing into the net to give Milan the lead.

The assist was Chukwueze’s second in Serie A this season, highlighting his growing influence under manager Rúben Amorim.

The 27-year-old has adapted to a different role, operating as a wing-back while retaining the freedom to contribute in the final third.

He had already registered an assist in Milan’s 2-1 victory over Torino and impressed again during the 2-0 win against Venezia.

However, Milan could not hold on for victory. Federico Gatti scored a stoppage-time equaliser to earn Juventus a point.

Despite the late setback, Chukwueze’s form remains a major positive for both Milan and Nigeria.

Orban produces stunning comeback

In Turkey, Gift Orban delivered arguably the weekend’s biggest individual performance among the Nigerian forwards, scoring twice to rescue Amedspor from a 2-0 deficit against Kasimpasa.

Kasimpasa appeared to be cruising after goals from Güven Yalcin and Adrian Benedyczak put the hosts two goals ahead.

Orban was introduced immediately after half-time and needed just 13 minutes to change the game.

The 24-year-old reduced the deficit before the hour mark after receiving the ball inside the box and calmly rounding the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

With seven minutes of normal time remaining, Orban struck again.

Mohamed Kahlil released him on a counterattack down the right, and although the Nigerian initially appeared to have lost possession, a poor defensive clearance presented him with another opportunity.

Orban quickly noticed the goalkeeper off his line and produced an excellent lob that found the back of the net, completing Amedspor’s remarkable comeback.

The brace earned him the man-of-the-match award and continued an encouraging run of form.

Orban has now scored in consecutive matches and has recorded four goal contributions — three goals and one assist — across his last four appearances.

Dessers sees red in Greece

While Chukwueze and Orban enjoyed productive evenings, Cyriel Dessers suffered a major setback during Panathinaikos’ 3-1 victory over PAOK Thessaloniki.

Dessers entered the match shortly after the hour mark with Panathinaikos already leading 3-0.

The Nigerian striker had been enjoying an excellent run of form, scoring four goals in four appearances since returning from a lengthy injury layoff.

However, his latest appearance ended just eight minutes after his introduction.

Following a VAR review, Dessers was shown a straight red card, putting his recent scoring momentum on hold and leaving him facing a suspension.

The dismissal came after PAOK had already been reduced to 10 men earlier in the match when Aritz Elustondo was sent off.

Mixed weekend for Nigeria’s forwards

It was ultimately a weekend of contrasting fortunes for Nigeria’s international forwards.

Chukwueze continued to establish himself as an important attacking outlet for AC Milan, Orban produced a match-winning display to rescue Amedspor from defeat, while Dessers saw his impressive comeback campaign interrupted by a red card.

With Nigeria’s next international assignments approaching, the performances provide plenty for the Super Eagles coaching staff to monitor as the country’s key attackers continue their respective campaigns across Europe.