Three Nigerian internationals will be in the spotlight this weekend as the Premier League serves up stern tests against some of its biggest clubs. Frank Onyeka’s Brentford face Manchester United, Christantus Uche’s Crystal Palace host Liverpool, and Tolu Arokodare’s Wolverhampton Wanderers travel to Tottenham Hotspur.
At Selhurst Park, 22-year-old Uche is pushing for his first Premier League start when Palace take on defending champions Liverpool. The summer deadline-day signing from Getafe has impressed in two substitute appearances and could be handed a bigger role by Oliver Glasner.
Palace enter the clash unbeaten in 11 league games — the longest current run in the division — and boast the joint-best defensive record this season alongside Arsenal. Liverpool, however, have dominated this fixture historically, winning nine of their last 10 league trips to South London. The Eagles will look to build on their Community Shield triumph over the Reds in August as they aim to extend their remarkable form.
In West London, Onyeka’s Brentford welcome Manchester United to the Gtech Community Stadium. The Bees, sitting 17th with just four points from six matches, are desperate for a turnaround after falling 3–1 to Fulham last weekend. Onyeka will play a key role in midfield as Keith Andrews’ side try to end a poor run that has seen them drop eight points from winning positions this season.
United, who edged Chelsea 2–1 last time out, arrive with concerns of their own. Ruben Amorim’s men remain winless in seven straight away league games and have historically struggled in London, losing 15 of their last 24 visits.
Later on Saturday, Arokodare leads Wolves to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in search of their first Premier League points of the campaign. The striker, signed from Genk on deadline day, opened his account in midweek with a goal against Everton in the EFL Cup.
Wolves have lost all five of their league matches so far, matching the worst-ever starts in Premier League history, but will take confidence from their recent record against Spurs — four wins in the last five meetings. Tottenham, under new boss Thomas Frank, have started brightly with 10 points from their opening five games and look poised to challenge higher up the table.
For Onyeka, Uche, and Arokodare, this weekend offers a chance to shine against some of England’s most formidable sides while helping their clubs shift early-season narratives.
