Matchweek one of the 2023-24 La Liga season delivered a lot of thrill and action with African stars playing their part in it.
Afrosport takes a look at five Africans to keep an eye on in delivering more excitement and entertainment this weekend.
Umar Sadiq (Nigeria & Real Sociedad)
The Nigerian forward made his long-awaited return in over a year after suffering a ruptured cruciate ligament injury last September.
He came off the bench in the season opener against Girona last week which ended goalless. Sadiq will be itching for his first start when Sociedad take on Celta Vigo this weekend and show his qualities that have been missed for so long.
Djene Dakonam (Togo & Getafe)
The Togolese skipper put in a solid performance as he marshalled Los Azulones to a goalless draw at home to giants Barcelona last week. Though the game saw both teams finish with 10 men, it was still a credible result for Getafe considering the opponents they were facing.
Djene will be looking to lead by example once again from midfield as Getafe prepare to face Girona on Sunday.
Abde Ezzalzouli (Morocco & Barcelona)
The 21-year-old’s reputation has grown after impressing with Morocco at the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil where he finished as joint-top scorer, leading the Atlas Lions to the title and a place in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Abde spent last season on loan at Osasuna where he made 28 league apperances, scoring four and providing two assists. He was back in the Barca set-up last weekend, playing the entire second 45 minutes against Getafe. It was a decent outing for the Beni Mellal-born player and he will be looking to make a statement against Cadiz on Sunday.
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Youssef En-Nesyri (Morocco & Sevilla)
Another Moroccan who was solid in midweek when he scored with his trademark headers in the UEFA Super Cup against Manchester City. Sadly, it was not able to end in victory as Sevilla ultimately lost on penalties.
Regardless, En-Nesyri remains the go-to-player for goals in Sevilla and having opened his season account against Valencia last week which ended in a home defeat, the 26-year-old will be looking to get on this scoresheet once again at Alaves on Monday night with the hope of getting maximum points.
Inaki Williams (Ghana & Athletic Bilbao)
The Ghana international failed to open his account last weekend as Athletic Bilbao lost 2-0 at home to giants Real Madrid.
Williams remains the focal point of Los Leones’ attack after scoring 10 league goals last season, the second time in his career he reached double digits for goals after the 2018-19 season when he scored 13 goals.
He will be looking to set that target again this season and can do so by opening his goal account against rivals Osasuna in the Basque derby on Saturday which will be live on Afrosport TV by 8:30 WAT via Free TV Channel 730 in Nigeria or online via VIDIVU TV
