Umar Sadiq scores for Valencia to end LaLiga drought, Iwobi makes 100th Fulham appearance, while Orban sees red in Italy
Nigerian stars endured mixed fortunes across Europe over the weekend, with Umar Sadiq rediscovering his scoring touch in Spain while Ademola Lookman drew another blank in LaLiga.
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Spain
Sadiq sealed a 2–0 victory for Valencia CF against Levante UD, scoring in the 84th minute after showing strength to win a high ball before firing home.
It marked his first LaLiga goal since April 2025 and his second in three matches since returning to the club in January. The win lifted Valencia out of the relegation zone.
Lookman, meanwhile, was introduced as a 63rd-minute substitute as Atlético Madrid suffered a second consecutive league defeat.
The forward is yet to score in LaLiga, though he has registered two goals and two assists in the Copa del Rey since arriving from Atalanta.
Barcelona-born Kareem Tunde made his seventh LaLiga appearance for Levante in the defeat.
England
Midfielder Alex Iwobi reached a century of appearances for Fulham FC in their 2–1 FA Cup victory over Stoke City.
The 29-year-old played the full 90 minutes, becoming the 183rd player to hit the 100-game mark for the London club. Since joining from Everton in 2023, he has scored 16 goals and provided 10 assists.
Calvin Bassey was an unused substitute, while Samuel Chukwueze was not listed for the tie.
At Birmingham, Bright Osayi-Samuel featured for 83 minutes as they exited the FA Cup on penalties against Leeds United.
Striker Tolu Arokodare played the full match as Wolves edged Grimsby 1–0. He had three shots but failed to convert.
Italy
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye conceded twice as Udinese Calcio fell 2–1 to Sassuolo, marking consecutive home defeats.
It was a shorter outing for Gift Orban, who was shown a straight red card just 11 minutes into Hellas Verona FC’s loss at Parma for dissent.
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Belgium
Midfielder Raphael Onyedika completed 90 minutes as Club Brugge KV secured a 2–1 away win over Cercle Brugge.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
