Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Maduka Okoye and several other Nigerian players impressed for their respective clubs at the weekend, providing an encouraging early signal ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Chukwueze was the standout performer as AC Milan defeated Manchester United 4-2 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, scoring once and providing two assists.

The Super Eagles winger played the full match and responded to Harry Maguire’s early opener by calmly finishing from Goncalo Ramos’ lay-off.

Manchester United regained the lead six minutes into the second half through Patrick Dorgu, but Chukwueze soon made his mark again, setting up Alphadjo Cisse for Milan’s equaliser.

He then provided another assist for Ramos, who headed in Milan’s third, before Ruben Loftus-Cheek completed the scoring for the Italian side.

Chukwueze will now hope to build on the impressive performance and justify the confidence shown in him by manager Ruben Amorim following his successful loan spell at Fulham last season.

Boniface Strikes Late

In England, Victor Boniface scored a late winner as Bayer Leverkusen defeated Newcastle United 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at St. James’ Park during the VisitMalta Weekender.

Ibrahim Maza put Leverkusen ahead with a 25-yard strike inside the opening minute, but Newcastle levelled through Malick Thiaw in the 44th minute.

Boniface then settled the contest in the 82nd minute with a fine finish.

The 25-year-old striker is hoping to regain his best form after difficult 2024/25 and 2025/26 campaigns. His loan spell at Werder Bremen was disrupted by a serious knee injury that required surgery in January, limiting him to 11 Bundesliga appearances without a goal.

Leverkusen head coach Carles Martinez said the Nigerian striker was continuing to make progress.

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

Boniface, meanwhile, thanked supporters for continuing to stand by him during his difficult period.

“The fans supported me in good times and bad times, and I really appreciate that. We players need their support. I’m really very happy and thank every single one of them,” he said.

Okoye Returns With Clean Sheet

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye also enjoyed a positive outing, keeping a clean sheet as Udinese defeated Padova 1-0 in their Coppa Italia opener.

The 26-year-old had recently returned to full training after recovering from a shoulder injury suffered during Udinese’s pre-season camp in Lienz, Austria.

Coach Kosta Runjaic had earlier confirmed that Okoye was fit for the fixture.

Usor Continues Impressive Run

Moses Usor was another Nigerian who caught the eye, producing an outstanding performance as LASK defeated Austria Wien 4-1 in the Austrian Bundesliga.

The 24-year-old winger set up Samuel Adeniran for LASK’s equaliser before scoring himself to put his side ahead.

He later combined with Adeniran again to create LASK’s third goal before providing another assist for Christoph Lang.

Usor was substituted after 63 minutes and has now recorded two goals and two assists in three competitive appearances this season.

His early-season form has increased calls for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to consider him for the squad ahead of the next international window.

Durosinmi Scores Again

Rafiu Durosinmi also maintained his impressive start to the campaign by converting a penalty for Genk on Saturday.

The goal took his tally to two in as many matches.

The 25-year-old has set his sights on winning the Belgian Pro League’s Golden Boot this season and hopes to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Paul Onuachu and Tolu Arokodare, who have previously finished as the league’s top scorers.

Arokodare scored 21 league goals for Genk in the 2024/25 season to claim the honour.

Adams Makes Dream Venezia Debut

Akor Adams also made an immediate impact on his competitive debut for Venezia, scoring twice and providing an assist as the newly promoted Serie A side came from behind to defeat Modena 3-2 in the first round of the Coppa Italia on Saturday.

The Super Eagles striker, who completed a record-breaking move from Sevilla in July, scored his first goal of the campaign in the 26th minute to level the game after Modena had taken an early lead.

Adams later turned provider for Venezia’s second goal late in the second half before scoring again two minutes later to complete the comeback.

With several Nigerians already producing strong performances across Europe, the weekend offered an encouraging early glimpse of what could be a productive 2026/27 campaign for the country’s players abroad.