Super Eagles Stars Deliver Drama as Osimhen Scores and Alebiosu Grabs Crucial Assist
If you have been keeping a close eye on Nigerian players across Europe, you already know the preseason and early-cup fixtures never lack high-stakes action.
Victor Osimhen is already locking into his lethal scoring rhythm ahead of the new campaign, even if his latest moment of brilliance couldn’t rescue Galatasaray from another frustrating outing.
The Nigerian international found the net for the second consecutive friendly, but the Turkish champions ultimately succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against La Liga outfit Villarreal at RAMS Park.
Galatasaray’s evening opened on shaky ground when Mario Lemina conceded an early penalty for handball inside two minutes, allowing Ayoze Pérez to coolly dispatch the opener for Villarreal.
The Lions didn’t have to wait long for a response, though. Just two minutes later, Osimhen displayer his elite aerial instincts, rising sharply to connect with Eren Elmali’s cross from the left and bulleting a header into the top-right corner.
That explosive header marked Osimhen’s second goal in as many games following his strike in the 3-3 draw against Rennes.
But as the match progressed, Galatasaray’s night unravelled. Head coach Okan Buruk received a second yellow card before the break, leaving his side adrift.
Shortly before halftime, Georges Mikautadze restored Villarreal’s advantage from inside the box off a setup from Nicolas Pépé.
Despite Osimhen’s relentless running, which eventually earned him a booking before his sub in the 66th minute, Galatasaray couldn’t find a second equaliser.
The result marks their fourth preseason loss, signaling plenty of tactical fine-tuning ahead—yet Osimhen’s sharp form remains a massive silver lining.
While Osimhen was battling in Istanbul, over in England, right-back Ryan Alebiosu produced pure magic to power Blackburn Rovers into the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Starting alongside fellow Nigerian international contender Dapo Afolayan in Tony Mowbray’s first competitive game back in charge, Alebiosu played a starring role in Rovers’ thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Burton Albion.
Burton grabbed an early lead in the 14th minute when Zac Scutt reacted fastest to a parried save.
Alebiosu nearly engineered an instant response in the 25th minute, whipping in a superb looping cross that Afolayan headed just wide of the top corner.
As the clock ticked down, Blackburn’s pressure finally paid off. Substitute Andri Gudjohnsen smashed home an 81st-minute equaliser following neat footwork from Todd Cantwell.
Then came the crowning moment in the 88th minute. Alebiosu drove forward with purpose and teed up Jayden Fevrier, who curled a stunning late finish past the Brewers goalkeeper to seal the win.
With Blackburn heading into their Championship opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday, Alebiosu’s match-winning contribution gives Rovers massive momentum at just the right time.
