Naija Stars Abroad: Dessers, next Jay Jay Okocha, and unknown Eagle outshine Osimhen, Iwobi others

While the likes of Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey endured mixed fortunes across Europe's elite leagues, it was Cyriel Dessers, Chidera Ejuke, and an unknown Flying Eagles gem who stole the spotlight with their decisive contributions over the weekend.

Naija Stars Abroad runs the rule on the performances of these Nigerians at the weekend across the world of football.

The often-criticised Cyriel Dessers wrote his name into Rangers folklore, bagging a brace to propel the Gers into the Scottish Cup final.

Dessers, who scored for the Super Eagles in the last international break, is not the most popular player at the Scottish giants, but the 29-year-old appears to be in the form of his life.

His double sets up a famous clash against Celtic in what is the first Old Firm final in 22 years. Dessers' double took his tally to 19 goals across all competitions this season.

Dubbed the 'next Jay-Jay Okocha', Ejuke lived up to his billing with a sensational solo strike in the 66th minute, firing reigning Belgian champions Royal Antwerp to a crucial 1-0 victory over Cercle Brugge.

Ejuke’s sensational strike was his fourth for the club this season and helped to end Antwerp's five-match winless run to reignite what looks like a fading hope in the Jupiler Pro League title race.

Away from the spotlight, little-known Flying Eagles forward Umeh Emmanuel announced himself on the big stage, netting a brace as Botev Plovdiv cruised to an away victory in the Bulgarian Parva Liga.

Fresh from his exploits at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Ademola Lookman picked up where he left off, producing a masterclass for Atalanta in their 2-1 win over Monza.

The 26-year-old created five chances, three of which were dubbed 'big chances', while also registering two brilliant assists – taking his tally to six assists and eight goals this season.

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)

Joe Aribo (Southampton)

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hataspor)

Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid)

Toni Payne (Sevilla - assist)

Kanu Uchenna (NWSL)

Meanwhile, the likes of Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Alex Iwobi (Everton), and Calvin Bassey (Ajax) failed to impact proceedings as their respective sides suffered defeats.