Nigerian players will take center stage across major European and local leagues today (Sunday), as seven high-stakes fixtures unfold. 

With title dreams, European ambitions, and survival hopes hanging in the balance, these stars are poised to play decisive roles in shaping the outcomes of their clubs’ seasons.

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)

Rivers United vs Remo Stars

The Nigeria Premier Football League title race could reach a critical turning point this weekend, as second-placed Rivers United welcome table-toppers Remo Stars to Port Harcourt in a high-stakes showdown.

With only seven matches left after this round, Remo Stars sit firmly in the driver’s seat—boasting an eight-point lead and a game in hand over their nearest rivals. The pressure is mounting for Rivers United, who know that anything less than a win could effectively hand the title to the visitors.

Captain Temple Emekayi has rallied his side ahead of the clash, calling on his teammates to shake off recent setbacks and rise to the occasion in what could be their last chance to keep their title hopes alive.

Rivers United aim to bounce back from back-to-back losses—falling 1-0 to Bayelsa United in the league and suffering a 2-1 cup upset to Beyond Limits FA. Victory would trim Remo Stars’ lead to five points and reignite the title race, but defeat could all but crown the Ikenne giants champions.

ENGLAND

Fulham vs Liverpool (Iwobi, Bassey)

Alex Iwobi has more than Fulham pride on the line when Liverpool visit Craven Cottage on Sunday. The Nigerian midfielder, along with compatriot Calvin Bassey, will be crucial as Fulham aim to stall the league leaders—and possibly hand Iwobi’s former club Arsenal a lifeline in the title race.

Liverpool sit atop the Premier League with 73 points from 30 games, eyeing a first title since 2020. Iwobi, Fulham’s creative engine with seven goals and three assists this season, could play spoiler. He leads Europe’s top five leagues in progressive carries into the final third and has had a hand in 28% of Fulham’s goals.

Bassey, rested midweek, is expected to return at the back as Fulham gear up for one of their toughest tests of the season.

Tottenham vs Southampton (Aribo, Onuachu)

Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu could be involved in a must-win clash that may seal Southampton’s Premier League relegation at Tottenham on Saturday.

Rooted to the bottom with just 10 points, the Saints will go down if they lose and Wolves beat Ipswich. Aribo is tipped to start as the club fights to delay the drop, while Onuachu—four goals in 20 games—may come off the bench.

For Spurs, it’s a chance to bounce back from their loss to Chelsea, with rotation expected ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final.

SPAIN

Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid (Ejuke, Adams)

Nigerian duo Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams will aim to leave their mark as Sevilla take on Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Ramon.

Adams, recently back from injury, is still chasing his first goal for the club after just two appearances, while Ejuke—two goals and an assist in 19 outings—remains a key attacking threat.

Sevilla, sitting 11th in La Liga, are desperate to snap a two-game losing streak. Atletico, winless since early March, need all three points to stay in the Champions League race as their title hopes fade.

ITALY

Atalanta vs Lazio (Lookman vs Dele-Bashiru)

Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta host Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s Lazio in a key Serie A clash on Sunday, with both Nigerians battling to revive their Champions League hopes.

Neither team has won in their last two matches—Atalanta are scoreless in their last two, while Lazio have just one win from their last six. In their previous meeting, Dele-Bashiru scored a stunning goal and Lookman assisted Atalanta’s equalizer in a 1-1 draw.

Lazio’s Marco Baroni has urged Dele-Bashiru to sharpen his play in the final third, while Lookman will be keen to end his goal drought after a strong start to the season.

PORTUGAL

Porto vs Benfica (Zaidu Sanusi)

Zaidu Sanusi could play a part in Portugal’s biggest derby as Porto host title-chasing Benfica at the Estadio do Dragao on Sunday.

The Super Eagles left-back has seen limited action this season, recovering from a serious ACL injury. Porto, third in the Primeira Liga, are nine points behind Benfica, who are locked in a tight title race with Sporting Lisbon. A win would boost Porto’s Champions League hopes and reignite their title challenge.

Porto were thrashed 4-1 in their last meeting with Benfica but will be buoyed by their 5-0 victory over them at home earlier this season.

TURKEY

Fenerbahce vs Trabzonspor (Bright Osayi-Samuel)

Bright Osayi-Samuel could start as Fenerbahce take on Trabzonspor in one of Turkish football’s fiercest rivalries.

The Nigerian defender, whose contract expires this season, has been linked with a return to England, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest reportedly interested. Fenerbahce, six points behind Galatasaray, will need a win to keep their title hopes alive.

Osayi-Samuel has been a standout for Fenerbahce, following a controversial incident last March with Trabzonspor, which saw him involved in a post-match altercation. The Turkish FA cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Trabzonspor, under new manager Fatih Tekke, are aiming to extend their strong form after a win and a draw in his first two matches.