African footballers across Europe made the headlines ahead of this month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the race to the United States Canada and Mexico.
- Mustapha Bundu (Plymouth Argyle, England)
Sierra Leone’s Mustapha Bundu scored, but his team lost 3-2 to Derby County in the English Championship. Marcus Harness netted two goals for Derby, aiding their survival hopes against bottom-placed Plymouth Argyle. He is expected to join the Sierra Leone squad for crucial matches against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt.
- Juma Bah on loan to Lens in France
The Sierra Leone-born player has made vital contributions since starting in the Lens first team. This past weekend, he was a standout performer as they defeated Stade Rennais. In his first start for Lens the previous weekend, he helped the French side overcome Marseille with a 7.2 rating overall.
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Nigeria)
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen scored a hat-trick for Galatasaray in their latest league match. On loan from Napoli, he has 26 goals and five assists this season, leading the league with 20 goals, two ahead of Krzysztof Piątek.
- Amine Gouiri (Marseille, Algeria)
Despite Olympique de Marseille’s 3-1 defeat to league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, Amine Gouiri continued his impressive run of form. The Algerian forward has been a key addition to Marseille’s squad, boasting four goals and three assists in just seven appearances for the club.
- Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis, DR Congo)
Cédric Bakambu played a key role in Real Betis’ comeback against Leganés. After coming on in the 62nd minute with the team down 2-0, he won a penalty converted by Isco and scored the equalizer. Betis won 3-2, highlighting Bakambu’s decisive impact.
- Hamza Igamane (Rangers, Morocco)
Hamza Igamane made a significant impact off the bench for Rangers in the Scottish derby against Celtic. Coming on in the 83rd minute, he scored a dramatic winner in the 89th minute, clinching a vital victory for his team as he gears up for his first call-up to the Atlas Lions.
