Osimhen, Boniface, and Key Nigerian Players to Watch As Club Football Action Returns

• Club football action returns following the final international break of the season
• A flurry of Nigerian players are back in action with their respective club sides
• Sports Brief examines key players to keep tabs on ahead of this weekend's event

The international break is over, and club actions are poised to herald the footballing scenes across the globe.

A host of Nigerian players are eager to continue their immense form as they look to ensure their respective clubs achieve their season ambitions.

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is back in training and looks ready to lead Francesco Calzona's side in the chase for a spot in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League.

Similarly, Terem Moffi and OGC Nice also harbour aspirations of competing in next season's UCL.

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In anticipation of the return of club football this weekend, Sports Brief highlights key Nigerian players to monitor closely as they take to the field.

Nigerian players to watch as club football resumes

Victor Boniface

The Bayer Leverkusen striker returns to action after being declared fit following a lengthy injury lay-off.

According to data courtesy of Fotmob, the Nigerian striker was involved in 16 goals and eight assists in 23 games before his injury while on national team duty. He is poised to make his 2024 debut against TSG Hoffenheim.

Boniface's return is well-timed, as it comes at a crucial stage in the season where Leverkusen aims to secure their first-ever Bundesliga title.

Victor Osimhen

The 25-year-old, who was sidelined from the international window due to a recurring injury, appears ready to make a comeback as Napoli prepares to host Atalanta.

The Nigerian striker has been slowly regaining his form after a relatively lacklustre start to the season, considering his high standards. According to data from Fotmob, Osimhen has contributed to six goals in his six appearances since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Napoli will be counting on the star forward to guide them to victory against Gian Piero Gasperini's team.

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Terem Moffi

OGC Nice are looking to finish in the Champions League, placing in the French Ligue 1 table for the first time in over a decade, and they are definitely looking to their target man—Moffi—to help them achieve this.

Francesco Farioli's side needed the Nigerian forward's brilliance to help them end their three-game winless streak in their final game away at Lens before the international window.

Looking to build on the victory recorded, Nice will hope their striker, who has been involved in over 11 goals this Ligue 1 season, will help them secure another much-needed win against relegation-threatened Nantes.

Ademola Lookman

Atalanta aims to halt their four-game winless streak in Serie A and pins their hopes on Nigerian forward Lookman to deliver when they face Napoli.

The 26-year-old, involved in 11 goals in 22 league appearances this season, enters this fixture after an impressive international window, scoring Nigeria's winning goal against Ghana.

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The talismanic forward has been highly dependable this season, and the Bergamo club looks forward to another stellar performance from the striker, to further boost their chances of securing a place in next season's UCL

Sunday Oliseh slams NFF

In a previous report, Sports Brief highlighted former Sunday Oliseh's criticism of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding the recruitment process of the next Super Eagles coach.

The 49-year-old compared the situation to Premier League club Liverpool and expressed his displeasure.