Ahmad Ghali delivered a standout performance in the UEFA Conference League, firing a decisive brace that handed Sigma Olomouc a 2-1 victory over NK Celje and halted the Slovenians’ flawless run in the group stage.

The Nigerian forward struck early in icy conditions at the Andruv Stadion, reacting quickest after Žan-Luk Leban spilt a long-range drive from Štěpán Langer, allowing him to tap home from close range, Footballrover reports.

Ahmad Ghali drives Sigma’s Europa momentum

His sharp instincts set the tone, but Celje fought back, equalising through Ivica Vidović after Jan Koutný had parried Danijel Šturm’s effort into his path.

The visitors almost completed the turnaround moments later, only for Koutný to redeem himself with a stunning save from Franko Kovačević.

That intervention proved crucial, as Ghali punished Leban again just before half-time.

This time, Jáchym Šíp’s driven cross drew another shaky response from the Celje goalkeeper, and the forward lunged in to head home his second, marking a memorable milestone as he became the 20th Nigerian to score in the competition.

Any hopes of a hat-trick ended soon after the restart when Ghali was forced off with a back issue, leaving the second half to unfold without the same attacking spark.

Celje came closest to levelling when Artemijus Tutyškinas volleyed against the upright, but Sigma defended with growing assurance and even threatened a third through substitute Artūr Dolžnikov.

Ultimately, Ghali’s clinical first-half display proved enough to secure a vital win and elevate Sigma into the provisional top ten, while Celje’s impressive unbeaten run came to an end.

With his brace, Ahmad Ghali became the 20th Nigerian to score in the UEFA Conference League, delivering it in real style.

Tough outing for Terem Moffi as OGC Nice fall to a heavy Europa League defeat against FC Porto.

Super Eagles full-back Zaidu Sanusi watched from the bench, while Terem Moffi endured a frustrating night on the pitch as FC Porto swept aside OGC Nice 3–0 on matchday five of the UEFA Europa League.

Moffi started the game but struggled to make an impact against Porto’s commanding back line, eventually making way in the 68th minute. By then, the damage had long been done.

Porto struck almost instantly through Gabri Veiga, who needed just a minute to break the deadlock with a sharp finish.

The midfielder doubled his tally before the break, firing home again in the 33rd minute to put the hosts firmly in control.

Nice’s hopes of a second-half comeback were completely snuffed out when Samuel Aghahowa converted from the spot in the 61st minute, sealing a dominant victory for the Portuguese side.

Taofeek Ismaheel, Philip Otele shine across Europa battles

Elsewhere, Kelechi Iheanacho was completely left on the bench as Celtic earned an impressive 3–1 away win over Feyenoord.

In Germany, Rafiu Durosinmi featured for 90 minutes for Viktoria Plzen in a tight 0–0 draw with Freiburg.

Over in Hungary, Bamidele Yusuf was involved for Ferencváros but could not find the net as his side were held by Fenerbahçe.

Supersub Taofeek Ismaheel came off the bench to score one and set up the other, guiding Lech Poznań to a vital 2–0 Europa Conference League win over Lausanne-Sport.

Philip Otele found the back of the net for FC Basel with a tidy finish, but Yira Sor’s Genk edged the Europa League thriller 2–1.

Francis Uzoho stole the spotlight, making four sharp saves and keeping a clean sheet in Omonia Nicosia’s 2–0 win over Dynamo Kyiv.

His growing confidence and command show real progress, strengthening his case for Nigeria’s No. 1 shirt ahead of AFCON and adding pressure to the Super Eagles’ selection battle.

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Last Updated on November 28, 2025 7:58 am by footballrover