Nigerian exports: Iwobi, Boniface see leads evaporate late; braces for Lookman, Ikwuemesi; Adebayo strikes

Allnigeriasoccer.com's round-up of the Nigeria-eligible players who scored for their respective clubs in matches across Europe on Saturday, October 26. 

In England, former Everton player Alex Iwobi made his final appearance at Goodison Park in a Premier League match, starting alongside fellow Nigeria international Calvin Bassey.

Everton's new stadium, currently under construction at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool, is set to replace Goodison Park for the 2025-2026 season.

The first half ended goalless, though Iwobi had a chance to score just before halftime but volleyed over after receiving a setup from Raul Jimenez.

In the 61st minute, Iwobi broke the deadlock with a well-placed shot into the bottom corner, following an excellent run from his former Arsenal teammate Emile Smith Rowe. Out of respect for his previous club, Iwobi chose not to celebrate.

Fulham manager Marco Silva opted to substitute Iwobi to protect the lead, bringing on central defender Jorge Cuenca in stoppage time.

Unfortunately for Fulham, they conceded an equalizer in the 94th minute when Beto scored a powerful header, leaving the match level at 1-1.

In the Championship, Luton Town's Elijah Adebayo was on the scoresheet during a 3-2 defeat against Coventry City.

Luton initially led 2-0 with goals from Charles Morris and Adebayo before Coventry mounted a comeback.

Charles Morris opened the scoring for Luton Town in the 15th minute, and Elijah Adebayo doubled the lead in the 37th minute, finishing off an assist from Tom KrauB as they headed into halftime.

Coventry City returned from the break with renewed energy, quickly narrowing the deficit with a goal from Ellis Simms in the 59th minute, finishing off an assist from Jack Rudoni.

In the 76th minute, Victor Torp equalized, scoring with an assist from Ben Sheaf.

Meanwhile, Haji Wright delivered the final blow for the away side, scoring an impressive goal just two minutes into stoppage time.

In Belgium's Pro League, Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi shone for OH Leuven, scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Charleroi.

Ikwuemesi opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper after a setup from William Balik Wisha.

He then doubled the lead just before halftime, converting an assist from Ezekiel Banzuzi.

With the win nearly assured, the former Flying Eagles striker was substituted in the 87th minute for Youssef Maziz.

Meanwhile, in Germany, Victor Boniface returned from injury to score for Bayer Leverkusen in a 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen.

In the 30th minute, a smart pass from Florian Wirtz reached Jeremie Frimpong, who delivered a cross that the Nigerian international converted, helping Bayer Leverkusen set a new club record.

His goal helped the team break a record for scoring in 21 consecutive away games.

Marvin Ducksch equalized for Werder Bremen in the 74th minute with a header, but the Black and Reds quickly regained their lead.

Just three minutes later, Frimpong pressured German-Nigerian right-back Felix Agu into an error, resulting in Agu inadvertently scoring an own goal past Werder goalkeeper Michael Zetterer.

Romano Schmid equalized for Bremen for the second time in the match in the 90th point, securing the four-time German champions their first home point since August 31.

Boniface was substituted in the 70th minute for Patrik Schick.

In Serie A, Ademola Lookman had a standout performance for Atalanta in a 6-1 rout of Hellas Verona, contributing two goals and two assists—his first game with four goal involvements.

Atalanta took the lead early in the sixth minute when Marten de Roon scored, assisted by Lookman.

Just three minutes later, Italian striker Mateo Retegui doubled the advantage, establishing a commanding presence for the home team.

Lookman further impacted the match by assisting Belgian midfielder Charles De Ketelaere for the third goal in the 14th minute.

With Atalanta firmly in control, Lookman then scored himself in the 29th minute, skillfully placing the ball past the goalkeeper.

The Nigerian forward wasn’t finished; in the 34th minute, he netted his second goal and Atalanta's fifth, finishing off an assist from De Ketelaere.

Just before halftime, Verona's Amin Sarr pulled one back with a goal assisted by Reda Belahyane, but the damage had already been done.

Atalanta maintained their dominance, scoring a sixth goal in the 58th minute when Retegui capitalized on another assist from De Ketelaere.

Lookman was substituted in the 56th minute for Samardžić after a standout performance, leaving a clear mark on the match.

Adeyemi Adewale

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