Game Changers of the Week

It’s another week of the Game Changers of the Week series, spotlighting African players making an impact in Europe’s major leagues. From goals to assists and standout attacking performances, we’ve got you covered on the continent’s finest.

Serhou Guirassy (Guinea) – Borussia Dortmund 4-0 Mainz

The Guinean striker continued his resurgence with a brace, both headers from Julian Ryerson’s deliveries, as Dortmund demolished Mainz. Ryerson’s free-kick found Guirassy in the 10th minute for the opener, before another pinpoint corner delivery allowed the striker to power home his second just before halftime. After enduring a difficult patch that saw him benched for two consecutive matches, Guirassy has now netted five times in his last three Bundesliga appearances. The 29-year-old has reached 11 goals in 20 Bundesliga appearances this season, rediscovering the form that made him one of Europe’s most feared strikers.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – Liverpool 3-0 Brighton

The Egyptian delivered his strongest performance in weeks during Liverpool’s FA Cup fourth round victory, providing an exquisite assist for Dominik Szoboszlai before converting from the penalty spot. Salah’s sublime first-touch pass released Szoboszlai, who hammered home Liverpool’s second goal in the 56th minute. Ten minutes later, he won a penalty with a powerful run into the box and coolly converted to seal the victory. Manager Arne Slot highlighted an important shift in Salah’s game since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, noting his increased defensive contributions alongside his attacking output.

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Galatasaray 5-1 Eyüpspor

Victor Osimhen achieved a career milestone, providing two assists in a single league match for the first time in his professional career. Inside the opening two minutes, his precise delivery from the left found Yunus Akgün, who headed home to give Galatasaray the lead. Three minutes into the second half, Osimhen turned provider again, setting up Mauro Icardi for his second goal of the evening. The Nigerian’s creative display helped Galatasaray maintain their six-point cushion at the top of the Super Lig table, showcasing his versatility beyond just scoring goals.

Paul Onuachu (Nigeria) – Trabzonspor 2-3 Fenerbahçe

Onuachu extended his remarkable scoring streak to five consecutive league matches, taking his season tally to 16 goals in just 19 appearances to lead the Turkish Super Lig scoring charts. In the 43rd minute, the towering striker rose powerfully to meet Mathias Fjørtoft Løvik’s cross, heading home to level the match at 2-2. Despite the defeat, Onuachu is now closing in on a historic achievement – if he wins the Golden Boot, he’ll become only the second Nigerian, after Victor Osimhen, to claim Turkey’s top scorer award.

Umar Sadiq (Nigeria) – Valencia 2-0 Levante

Sadiq broke his ten-month La Liga goal drought, coming off the bench in the 58th minute to seal a crucial derby victory that lifted Valencia out of the relegation zone. In the 84th minute, the striker demonstrated his physical prowess by outmuscling a Levante defender to latch onto Javier Guerra’s long pass before coolly finishing past the goalkeeper. The victory moved Valencia to 14th place, creating a two-point cushion above the relegation zone. Sadiq celebrated by recreating Dutch winger Arnaut Danjuma’s signature cobra celebration, a departure from his usual corner flag prayer. With the pressure of his goal drought finally lifted, Valencia will hope their Nigerian striker can build momentum in their fight for survival.