Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, president of the Nigeria Football Federation, has praised the Nigeria men’s and women’s internationals who have delivered league and cup success for their clubs in Europe, insisting their trophy wins reflect strong ability, discipline and steady performance.
Key takeaways
- Gusau said the NFF is delighted by Nigerian players winning trophies across Europe and believes it signals readiness for upcoming international fixtures.
- Victor Osimhen helped Galatasaray secure the Turkish Süper Lig with the title sealed one matchday early.
- Zaidu Sanusi won the Taça de Portugal with FC Porto, with Terem Moffi also finding success after joining Porto on loan from OGC Nice in January.
- Raphael Onyedika claimed the Belgian Pro League with Club Brugge, while Kelechi Iheanacho played a key role as Celtic completed a league and cup double in Scotland.
- Oluwasemilogo Ajayi celebrated promotion after Hull City’s Championship play-off final success.
- In the women’s game, Christy Ucheibe won a treble with SL Benfica, and Shukurat Oladipo earned Serie A Femminile best defender honours in her first Italian season with Roma.
NFF chief hails Europe’s trophy-winning Nigerians
Gusau described the federation’s reaction as one of genuine satisfaction, highlighting how rewarding it is to see Nigerian talent lifting silverware on the continent. He added that such accomplishments offer confidence that the players are in good form and able to perform when Nigeria’s national teams return to action for international matches or tournaments.
The NFF president also extended warm congratulations to the players and urged them to keep pushing forward rather than becoming complacent, calling for continued pursuit of higher honours at their respective clubs.
Men: league and cup success across Europe
Forward Victor Osimhen added another major title to his resume after helping Galatasaray win the Turkish Süper Lig. The striker was described as pivotal in the run that ended with the championship confirmed with one matchday remaining.
Defender Zaidu Sanusi also secured cup glory, with FC Porto winning the Taça de Portugal. Super Eagles teammate Terem Moffi joined the Porto group on loan from French side OGC Nice during the January transfer window, and he was also part of the medal-winning campaign.
Midfielder Raphael Onyedika lifted the Belgian Pro League trophy with Club Brugge. Up in Scotland, forward Kelechi Iheanacho played an influential role as Celtic FC achieved the league and cup double during his debut season in the country.
Defender Igoh Ogbu celebrated after Slavia Prague captured the Czech First League, while goalkeeper Francis Uzoho enjoyed title success as Omonia Nicosia won the Cypriot First Division.
Defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi shared the joy of promotion following Hull City’s victory in the English Championship play-off final. The result returned the Tigers to the Premier League.
Women: Benfica, Roma and more title-winning brilliance
Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe enjoyed an eye-catching haul while playing in Portugal. She won the Taça de Portugal Feminina, the Taça de Liga Feminina and the Super Taça Feminina with SL Benfica.
Falcons defender Shukurat Oladipo, who moved to AS Roma from FC Robo Queens of Lagos last year, was named the Serie A Femminile’s best defender. Her club also clinched the league title, making it a standout achievement for her first season in Italian football.
Forward Rinsola Babajide, who joined Roma from Spain’s UD Tenerife, contributed to the winning momentum as well, scoring twice in nine league appearances across the campaign.
