Game Changers of the Week
African players continue to light up pitches across Europe, delivering match-winning performances and clutch moments. From players leading title-chasing teams to relegation battlers fighting for survival, here are the game-changers from the past week.
Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)
Manchester City’s January signing Omar Marmoush has officially announced his arrival in the Premier League. After a quiet start following his big-money move from Eintracht Frankfurt, the Egyptian forward stole the show with a first-half hat-trick against Newcastle United. Three well-taken goals showcased his finishing prowess and gave City fans a glimpse of what he brings to Pep Guardiola’s side. With City’s other January signings (Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Victor Reis) still settling in, Marmoush is already making his mark.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Victor Osimhen continues to do what he does best — score goals. The Nigerian striker came up clutch against Rizespor, scoring two headers: one to open the scoring in the 47th minute and the other to secure a dramatic 86th-minute winner for the Turkish Super League table toppers.
With 14 league goals in 17 appearances this season, the Nigerian is leading Galatasaray’s title charge as they currently sit 6 points clear of second-placed Fenerbahce
Calvin Bassey (Fulham)
Calvin Bassey proved to be the difference for Fulham as they secured a hard-fought win against high-flying Nottingham Forest. The Nigerian defender rose highest to head in a Raul Jimenez flick from a corner, sealing a 2-1 victory and completing a league double over Forest. Bassey was rock-solid alongside Joachim Andersen, limiting the visitors to just two shots on target.
Chuba Akpom (Lille)
Chuba Akpom is settling in nicely at Lille, scoring his second goal in as many league appearances in their 2-0 win over Rennes. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. The striker missed a penalty in the 44th minute and saw a goal disallowed in the 68th. But he showed resilience, slotting home with his right foot in the 86th minute to seal the win.
Umar Sadiq (Valencia)
Valencia’s survival hopes received a boost thanks to Umar Sadiq’s heroics off the bench. The Nigerian striker came on and headed home a crucial equalizer in their 1-1 draw with Villarreal, his first goal for Los Ches since joining on loan from Real Sociedad. With Valencia locked in a relegation scrap, Sadiq’s contributions could prove vital.
