Nigerians abroad: Ezekiel scores, Ajibade stars, Babajide and Imade impress

Posted : 12 May 2025

In the Premier League, Nottingham Forest played to a dramatic 2-2 draw against Leicester City, with three Nigerians involved in the heated Midlands clash. Ola Aina featured for the full 90 minutes for Forest, picking up a yellow card in the 69th minute for a late challenge. Taiwo Awoniyi, coming off the bench, had an eventful match, missing a critical chance to secure the win in the 87th minute. Awoniyi, running onto a cross from Anthony Elanga, failed to convert his chance and collided with the goalpost, requiring medical attention. Unfortunately, Forest had already used all their substitutes, leaving them with ten men on the field, which led to a tense exchange between manager Nuno Espírito Santo and club owner Evangelos Marinakis. Despite the chaotic finish, Forest’s draw ensured their place in next season’s European competition.

For Leicester City, Wilfred Ndidi started the match, contributing in the midfield, while Nigeria-eligible Caleb Okoli came on as a substitute in the final moments of the game.

Over in Spain’s Primera División Femenina, 19-year-old Motunrayo Ezekiel delivered a standout performance for Valencia. Coming off the bench in the 82nd minute, Ezekiel scored her first senior goal for the club, netting the equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Levante Las Planas. Unfortunately, despite her goal, Valencia’s relegation was confirmed as they finished the season with just 22 points from 29 games.

In the same league, Rinsola Babajide continued her fine form for UD Tenerife, scoring her 10th goal of the season in a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid. Babajide’s remarkable strike marked a personal milestone, reaching double figures for the first time in her club career. The 26-year-old has previously played for Watford, Liverpool, Brighton, and Real Betis.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade was also in fine form, scoring for Atlético Madrid in their 2-0 victory over Eibar. Ajibade’s first-half goal put Atlético in the lead, and Fiamma Benítez added a second after the break. With her seventh goal of the season, Ajibade played a key role in Atlético securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Edna Imade continued her prolific run, scoring for Granada in their 4-2 loss to Real Sociedad. With 16 goals in the league, Imade has set a personal record and currently leads the Nigerian scoring chart in Spain, ahead of Babajide and Gift Monday, who both have 10 goals. Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor, with 23 goals, is leading the overall scoring chart, five ahead of Imade and teammate Alexia Putellas.

Ajibade, who was Nigeria’s top scorer in the Spanish league last season with 10 goals, is continuing to impress this campaign, contributing significantly to Atlético Madrid’s success.

Nigerians abroad: Ezekiel scores, Ajibade stars, Babajide and Imade impress

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