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Lookman, Sadiq, or Ndidi? Which Nigerian players will light up the weekend?

As another action-packed weekend of European football approaches, several Nigerian stars are set to take centre stage across the Premier League, Serie A, and LaLiga.

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From Wilfred Ndidi’s relegation battle with Leicester City to Ademola Lookman’s uncertain situation at Atalanta, these players have plenty to prove on the pitch.

With clubs fighting for league positions, European spots, and survival, these Super Eagles stars will play crucial roles for their teams. Here’s a look at five Nigerian players to keep an eye on as they gear up for their respective league encounters.

Wilfred Ndidi — Leicester City vs Brentford

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has another chance to impress in the Premier League for Leicester City when they take on Brentford.

With clubs like Atletico Madrid and Real Betis monitoring the Nigerian enforcer for a possible summer move, Ndidi will be hoping to impress suitors with as many top performances until the end of the season.

Leicester City have a major relegation fight on their hands after falling to 19th on the table and will also need Ndidi to be on his A-game if they are to escape the drop.

Umar Sadiq — Valencia vs Atletico Madrid

After finally breaking his LaLiga duck for Valencia on the fourth try, Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq faces a stern test this weekend with Los Che.

As Valencia welcome title-hopefuls Atletico Madrid, Sadiq will get to prove his mettle against one of the best defences in the league and possibly get a second LaLiga goal this season.

With Eric Chelle still mulling his first Super Eagles squad, a quality performance against a side as big as Atletico Madrid could present the lanky striker with a potential spot in the Nigerian team for the March World Cup qualifier.

Calvin Bassey — Fulham v Crystal Palace

After his stunning winning goal against Nottingham Forest in the last Premier League game week, Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey will be the centre of attention when they take on Crystal Palace.

The London derby will see Bassey as well as Alex Iwobi try to move Fulham closer to the European places.

After scoring only his second goal in 56 appearances for Fulham last week, it is unlikely that Bassey will add to his tally again so soon, but the former Ajax defender is certainly going to do his best to ensure his side end the game with a clean sheet.

Ola Aina — Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest

Dubbed the best right back in the Premier League this season by former Super Eagles star Ifeanyi Udeze, Ola Aina will be out to prove his compatriot right when Nottingham Forest travel to Newcastle.

Aina has been crucial to Nottingham Forest’s unprecedented success this season and despite recent blips in form, the Tricky Tees will be hoping to get back to their best form after losing two of their last five games in the league.

Nottingham Forest will bank on Aina to combat Newcatle’s potent frontmen, who have pillaged the eighth most goals in the Premier League this season.

Ademola Lookman — Empoli vs Atalanta

After the drama that followed Atalanta’s Champions League exit, the world will be watching whether or not Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman will be in the starting lineup for La Dea in Serie A.

The public fallout between Lookman and Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has left many wondering what future the Nigerian has at the Italian club and whether or not he starts against Empoli will be a huge pointer to the Italian boss’ mindset.

With 10 goals and five assists in 19 Serie A appearances this season, Lookman has been crucial to Atalanta’s push for the league title and it will be interesting to see if Gasperini will punish his star player for what he claims was disobedience.