Several Super Eagles players ended their club commitments on a high note on Sunday, scoring important goals in their final matches before reporting to Nigeria’s camp ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
It was a productive day for a number of the invited players, with goals across Europe providing a timely confidence boost before international duty.
Adams and Ejuke shine for Sevilla
Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke were both on target as Sevilla thrashed Real Oviedo 4–0 at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.
Adams opened the scoring in the fourth minute after being sent through by a perfectly weighted chip from Alexis Sánchez near the halfway line. The Nigerian striker showed composure as he ran through on goal and finished calmly past goalkeeper Aarón Escandell.
Ejuke wrapped up the scoring in the 89th minute with a fine solo effort. Collecting the ball on the left flank, he dribbled past three defenders before slotting the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs to complete a dominant win for Sevilla.
Dessers ends goal drought in Greece
Cyriel Dessers also found the net, scoring his first goal in three months for Panathinaikos.The striker, who joined the Greek giants from Rangers in the summer, suffered an early injury setback and had been limited to substitute appearances since returning to fitness.
Sunday marked his first start since September, and he made an immediate impact by scoring five minutes into the match.Dessers’ goal proved decisive in a closely contested 2–1 victory for Panathinaikos.
Fago scores in fog-hit Croatian clash
New Super Eagles invitee Salim Fago Lawal was also on the scoresheet for Istra in their Croatian top-flight fixture against Rijeka.
Lawal struck in the fifth minute, reacting quickest to a rebound inside the box before rounding the goalkeeper and poking the ball home. However, Rijeka equalised through Luka Menalo four minutes later.
The match was suspended after just 18 minutes due to heavy fog and has since been rescheduled for January 2026.
Attacking confidence on the rise
Following their club engagements, the invited Super Eagles players are expected to travel to camp in Egypt to link up with the rest of the squad ahead of their friendly against the Pharaohs.
While several of those who featured on Sunday may not be involved in that match, head coach Eric Chelle will be encouraged by the strong form shown by his attacking options.
Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen were also involved in goals for their clubs on Saturday, further boosting morale ahead of the tournament.
Nigeria will begin their AFCON campaign next Tuesday with an opening group game against Tanzania.
