Boniface Chukwueze Okoye Shine Ahead of New Season

Several Nigerian players in Europe have started the 2026/27 season in impressive form, with Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Moses Usor, Rafiu Durosinmi and Akor Adams among those who caught the eye at the weekend.

Chukwueze stars for AC Milan

Samuel Chukwueze produced an excellent performance as AC Milan beat Manchester United 4-2 in a pre-season friendly.

The Nigerian winger played the full match, scoring once and providing two assists.

Chukwueze cancelled out Harry Maguire’s early goal with a calm finish after a pass from Goncalo Ramos.

He then set up Alphadjo Cisse for Milan’s equaliser after Patrick Dorgu had restored United’s lead. Chukwueze later assisted Ramos again as Milan moved ahead before Ruben Loftus-Cheek completed the scoring.

The performance will give Chukwueze confidence as he looks to build on his successful loan spell at Fulham last season.

Boniface scores late winner

Victor Boniface was also on target as Bayer Leverkusen defeated Newcastle United 2-1 at St James’ Park.

Ibrahim Maza gave Leverkusen an early lead before Malick Thiaw equalised for Newcastle.

Boniface then scored the winning goal in the 82nd minute with a fine finish.

The striker is hoping to return to his best after two difficult seasons. His loan spell at Werder Bremen was badly affected by a serious knee injury that required surgery in January.

Leverkusen coach Carles Martinez believes Boniface is improving.

“He knows what he has to do. I’m pushing him as well. It’s getting better. His quality is obvious,” Martinez said.

Boniface also thanked the fans for supporting him during his difficult period.

Okoye returns with clean sheet

Maduka Okoye made a positive return for Udinese, keeping a clean sheet as they beat Padova 1-0 in the Coppa Italia.

The goalkeeper had been out with a shoulder injury picked up during pre-season but returned to full training before the match.

His return is a boost for both Udinese and Nigeria.

Usor continues strong form

Moses Usor was another Nigerian who impressed, helping LASK beat Austria Wien 4-1 in the Austrian Bundesliga.

The winger provided an assist before scoring to put LASK ahead. He then helped Samuel Adeniran score again before providing another assist for Christoph Lang.

Usor has now scored two goals and provided two assists in three competitive matches this season.

His strong start could increase his chances of earning a place in the Super Eagles squad for the next international window.

Durosinmi keeps scoring

Rafiu Durosinmi also continued his good start to the season by scoring a penalty for Genk.

The striker now has two goals in two matches and is hoping to challenge for the Belgian league’s top-scorer award this season.

Adams scores twice on Venezia debut

Akor Adams enjoyed an excellent competitive debut for Venezia, scoring twice and providing an assist as the newly promoted Serie A club beat Modena 3-2 in the Coppa Italia.

Adams scored his first goal in the 26th minute to bring Venezia level after Modena had taken an early lead.

He later assisted Venezia’s second goal before scoring again two minutes later to complete the comeback.

The strong performances from several Nigerian players provide an encouraging start to the new European season and will give Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle plenty to consider ahead of Nigeria’s next international matches.