Naija Stars Abroad: Uche steals Osimhen’s thunder as another Super Eagles star debuts in Turkey

A surprising role reversal unfolded last weekend among Nigerian stars in Europe's top leagues, as rising Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche outshone Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen, highlighting the incredible depth of Naija Stars Abroad.

The major European leagues have resumed, featuring several Nigerians making key appearances, led by the established star Osimhen and rising talent Uche.

Osimhen made his second debut for Galatasaray following a record-breaking transfer from SSC Napoli. 

However, his return to Turkey did not start as hoped. Osimhen began the game on the bench and, upon entering as a substitute against Karagumuruk on Friday night, was unable to find the net during his cameo appearance. 

Despite this, Galatasaray secured a comfortable win, but Osimhen’s quiet outing was notable and still stole the show.

Just 48 hours after Osimhen’s subdued debut, another Super Eagles star, Wilfred Ndidi, impressed on his debut after moving from relegated Leicester City to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Besiktas. 

Ndidi started the match and played 70 minutes as Besiktas battled to a 2-1 victory over Eyupspor, showing solid midfield presence in a key win for the Black Eagles.

Meanwhile, Christantus Uche truly stole the spotlight elsewhere. In LaLiga, the 22-year-old was on fire as Getafe beat Celta Vigo 2-0 away from home. 

Uche was involved in both goals, providing the assist for the opener by Liso before netting his first goal of the season 18 minutes from time, making a stunning first impression in Spain’s top flight.

Elsewhere in LaLiga, Akor Adams provided an assist for Sevilla, but it was not enough to avoid a 3-2 defeat at Athletic Club. Another Nigerian, Chidera Ejuke, featured off the bench in that game.

In Germany, Victor Boniface was an unused substitute as Bayer Leverkusen cruised to a 4-0 victory over Sonnenhof in the German Cup. 

Meanwhile, Nathan Tella played the full match in that game. In Italy’s Coppa Italia, AC Milan secured a 2-0 win against Bari, with Samuel Chukwueze on the bench.

Over in France, Moses Simon experienced a tough start to the Ligue 1 season as Paris FC narrowly lost 1-0 at Angers.

Back in England, the battle of Nigerian stars saw Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi’s Nottingham Forest overpower Frank Onyeka’s Brentford 3-1 in the Premier League. 

Additionally, Fulham’s Nigerians Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey played as the Cottagers fought back to earn a draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.

This weekend’s contrasting performances underline not only the quality of Nigerian talent across Europe but also the growing influence of a new generation eager to make their mark on football’s biggest stages.