Nigerian forwards continue to command the headlines in Turkish football, as both Gift Orban and Kelechi Iheanacho delivered outstanding performances to maintain their sensational goalscoring runs.
Orban delivered a second-half masterclass for newly-promoted Amedspor, scoring a magnificent 23-minute hat-trick in a 5-0 home victory over İstanbul Başakşehir in round five of the Turkish Super Lig.
After an own goal by Emin Bayram gave Amedspor a first-half lead, the 24-year-old took full control of the contest.
The Super Eagles striker struck in the 52nd, 56th, and 75th minutes before Mbaye Diagne added a late fifth.
Orban dominated the match as he picked up the Man of the Match award, registering six shots and recording the highest number of touches inside the opposition penalty area.
Remarkably, this was Orban’s second career hat-trick against İstanbul Başakşehir. He famously scored the fastest hat-trick in UEFA club competition history against the same opponent in 2023 while playing for Belgian side Gent.
The treble takes Orban’s tally to six goals in five league matches—having scored in three consecutive fixtures against Trabzonspor, Kasımpaşa, and Başakşehir.
The run places him joint-top of the Super Lig scoring charts alongside Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen, setting up an exciting all-Nigerian battle for the Golden Boot.
Meanwhile, in the TFF First League, Kelechi Iheanacho’s explosive form shows no sign of slowing down.
The 29-year-old scored in his seventh consecutive match for Bursaspor during a thrilling 2-2 draw against Esenler Erokspor at the Atatürk Stadium.
Iheanacho opened the scoring in the 16th minute, collecting a precise pass from Ivan Saranic, faking past his marker, and placing a cool finish into the bottom corner.
The goal marked his ninth strike and 11th direct goal contribution (9 goals, 2 assists) since joining Bursaspor as a free agent from Celtic.
Despite quick response goals from Mikail Okyar and Lincoln for the visitors, Yusuf Erdoğan equalised early in the second half to secure a point for the Green and Whites.
The result keeps Bursaspor top of the table on goal difference with 16 points from seven matches.
With Orban matching Osimhen at the top of the Super Lig and Iheanacho spearheading Bursaspor’s promotion push, Nigeria’s attacking stars are dominating the narrative across Turkish football.
