In a thrilling weekend of football across Europe, African stars showcased their talent, leaving an indelible mark on the pitch. Let’s take a closer look at the standout performances from these football maestros in various top leagues.
Mario Lemina – Wolves & Gabon Gabonese midfielder Mario Lemina emerged as the hero for Wolverhampton Wanderers in a dramatic encounter against Tottenham Hotspur. Trailing 1-0 until the 91st minute, Wolves staged an unlikely comeback, with Lemina netting the late winner. This marked his second goal of the season, underlining his crucial role in the team. As he heads off to represent Gabon in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Burundi, Lemina’s form is a beacon of hope for his national side.
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool & Egypt Liverpool’s Egyptian maestro, Mohamed Salah, continued his goal-scoring spree with a brace against Brentford, securing a 3-0 victory. These goals elevated Salah’s tally to 200 in English football, affirming his status as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats. As he joins Egypt for World Cup qualifiers against Djibouti and Sierra Leone, Salah’s remarkable form remains a potent weapon for his national team.
Idrissa Gueye – Everton & Senegal Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye, known for his midfield prowess, delivered a vital goal for Everton in their thrilling 3-2 triumph over Crystal Palace. Gueye, coming off the bench, displayed his quality by converting Abdoulaye Doucoure’s precise pass into a late winner. This standout performance serves as a reminder of Gueye’s impact, and as he links up with Senegal for World Cup qualifiers, his presence will be crucial.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – Everton & Mali Everton’s box-to-box midfielder, Abdoulaye Doucoure, continued his excellent season with an influential display against Crystal Palace. Doucoure not only scored but also provided a crucial assist, showcasing his dynamic contributions. With four goals already this season, Doucoure’s decision to put his international career with Mali on hold reflects his commitment to Everton’s cause.
Simon Adingra – Brighton & Ivory Coast Ivory Coast attacker Simon Adingra continued to shine for Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring his second goal in as many games, following his UEFA Europa League success against Ajax Amsterdam. Adingra’s spectacular goal against Sheffield United, weaving past defenders and finishing with precision, adds to his growing reputation. As he prepares to represent Ivory Coast in World Cup qualifiers against Seychelles and The Gambia, Adingra’s form is a source of optimism.
Nicolas Jackson – Chelsea & Senegal Senegal’s forward, Nicolas Jackson, played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s unforgettable 4-4 draw with Manchester City. Jackson’s opportunistic goal, leveling the score at 3-3, showcased his knack for seizing crucial moments. Coming off a hattrick against Tottenham, Jackson’s impact highlights his emerging prominence. Joining Senegal for World Cup qualifiers, he aims to continue his goal-scoring form on the international stage.
Taiwo Awoniyi – Nottingham Forest & Nigeria Nigeria’s Taiwo Awoniyi ended his goal drought for Nottingham Forest, finding the net in a 3-2 defeat against West Ham United. Awoniyi’s goal, capitalizing on a rebound, demonstrated his poacher’s instinct. As he joins the Super Eagles for World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, Awoniyi aims to maintain his scoring form on the international stage.
Ola Aina – Nottingham Forest & Nigeria Joining Awoniyi in representing Nigeria, Ola Aina showcased his skill with an assist in Nottingham Forest’s victory over West Ham. Aina’s contribution in setting up Anthony Elanga’s goal highlighted his versatility and awareness on the field.
Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi – Salernitana & Nigeria Salernitana’s Ikwuemesi made a significant impact, scoring his first Serie A goal in a draw against Sassuolo. His goal, coupled with a previous strike in the Copa Italia, signals a promising run of form. Despite awaiting a call-up from Nigeria, Ikwuemesi’s goal-scoring prowess is gaining attention.
Boulaye Dia – Salernitana & Senegal Senegal’s Boulaye Dia added to Salernitana’s tally with a thunderous goal against Sassuolo. As he links up with Senegal for World Cup qualifiers against South Sudan and Togo, Dia aims to build on this goal and rediscover the form that saw him net 16 goals in Serie A last season.
Lameck Banda – Lecce & Zambia Zambia’s Lameck Banda played a crucial role in Lecce’s comeback, securing a 2-2 draw against AC Milan. Banda’s equalizer showcased his ability to seize opportunities, contributing his first goal of the season. As he joins Zambia for World Cup qualifiers against Congo and Niger, Banda looks to continue making an impact on the international stage.
Samuel Chukwueze – AC Milan & Nigeria Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze played a pivotal role in AC Milan’s match against Lecce, providing an assist for Tijjani Reijnders. Chukwueze’s contribution reflects his playmaking abilities, even though he is yet to score since joining Milan from Villarreal. Despite being left out of Nigeria’s squad for World Cup qualifiers, Chukwueze remains a key figure for Milan.
Tyronne Ebuehi – Empoli & Nigeria Ebuehi, despite being a surprise omission from Nigeria’s squad, showcased his skills with an assist for Viktor Kovalenko’s decisive goal in Empoli’s stunning 1-0 victory over Napoli. Ebuehi’s contribution adds to his season’s highlights, even as he focuses on club duties.
M’Bala Nzola – Fiorentina & Angola Fiorentina’s M’Bala Nzola played a crucial role in their 2-1 victory against Bologna, providing an assist for Giacomo Bonaventura’s goal. Nzola’s turn and pass under pressure demonstrated his playmaking abilities, contributing to Fiorentina’s success.
Jonathan Bamba – Celta Vigo & Ivory Coast Ivory Coast’s Jonathan Bamba showcased his goal-scoring prowess in Celta Vigo’s thrilling 4-3 defeat against Athletic Bilbao. Bamba’s volley from 25 yards displayed his skill and determination, marking his second goal of the LaLiga season. As he joins the Ivorian national side for World Cup qualifiers, Bamba aims to continue his scoring form.
In summary, African football stars delivered standout performances across European leagues, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their contributions on the international stage in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
