October was the first month in nearly one year that offered international football for African players in addition to their regular club matches.
Combined with the return of the group stage of European club competition, there was more than enough expectant hand rubbing, and the Nigerian players did not disappoint. Well, not all of them, anyway.
Despite that, some familiar faces, even without European exertions, still managed to make inroads into this month's Top 10.
1. Paul Onuachu
It is looking increasingly like the green of Nigeria may be his kryptonite, but when he slips into the blue and white of Genk, Paul Onuachu transforms from clumsy, all-thumbs Clark Kent to towering, laser-eyed Superman.
A week after another underwhelming outing for Nigeria, the forward returned to Belgium and needed barely 25 minutes to plant an imperious header at the far post against Sporting Charleroi to lead his club to victory over the league leaders.
And he rounded up the month by sticking away a penalty as Genk ran riot against KAS Eupen, a 4-0 win that preserved their unbeaten run in the month of October.
Unfortunately, they are still in seventh place, three points and six goals adrift of league leaders Charleroi.
2. Kelechi Iheanacho
Leicester's Kelechi Iheanacho showed that while he may not exactly be rated as a starter by the Foxes at the moment, he can still be a reliable stand in when called upon, and not just for club. On his return to the Nigeria line-up, Iheanacho was on hand to fire the Super Eagles ahead against Tunisia, his first goal for the national team since November 2017.
He could have doubled his tally only to see his penalty kick saved. But the goal was to provide the flip he needed at club level.
The Nigerian stepped in for the injured Jamie Vardy in Leicester's 3-0 Europa League win over Zorya and weighed in with a goal and an two assists.
3. Olanrewaju Kayode
On loan to Sivasspor from Shaktar Donetsk, for whom he scored 10 goals in 27 league appearances last season, Kayode is making his mark for the Turkish club in Europe.
He made history for the club by scoring their first ever goal in European competition in a 5-3 loss to Smauel Chukwueze's Villareal -- and really should have scored more in that game -- and then did it again in their next group game against, against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Sadly, both games ended in losses, but Kayode proved his worth in October against European competition.
4. Leon Balogun
Whatever there is in the Scottish air must really be good for Rangers' Leon Balogun. He is yet to lose with the Glasgow giants since joining them.
Nigerian fans got a close up look of just how good Balogun is when he turned up for the Super Eagles in two friendlies this month. Although the team came away with a draw and a loss from both games, Balogun was one of the players who came out with their reputation enhanced.
His command of the area, bounding runs up front and inch perfect tackling served as a reminder of just why his partnership with William Troost-Ekong was labelled the "Oyibo Wall".
It is also no coincidence that the three games that he has been involved with for the Gers this month ended up in clean sheets.
5. Simy Nwankwo
Crotone are in a tailspin, and if this keeps up, they will be heading back to Serie B in less time than it took them to celebrate their promotion.
But Simy Nwankwo continues to grow into his goal-scoring reputation, scoring three of his side's six goals in October.
Admittedly, two of the three were from the spot, but his cold-blooded despatch from six yards was exemplary. One of those just happened to be against the legendary Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus.
And as if to prove it is not just about penalty kicks for him, Simy rounded up the month with a calmly-placed strike against Atalanta on the final day of the month. Crotone may go down, but it is tough to see Simy not reaching double figures.
6. Maduka Okoye
Five saves in one game. That is what Maduka Okoye pulled out of his hat in the Dutch Cup against ADO Den Haag. Sparta Rotterdam went on to lose on penalty kicks, but the young Nigeria goalkeeper had made his mark.
He was also entrusted with the responsibility of manning the posts for Nigeria during the international week, and while he did let in two goals, his overall performance was commendable.
7. Frank Onyeka
Like Onuachu, Onyeka failed to pull up any trees during the international break. Although, he could be forgiven being it was his debut and he was thrown into the deep end.
But he returned to club football and rediscovered his superpowers, especially in the game of his life against Liverpool.
FC Midtylland may have lost, but in the 90 minutes he played, Onyeka provided a solid performance, with 83% pass accuracy, four tackles, three interceptions and two clearances.
8. Tyronne Ebuehi
Speaking of players who distinguished themselves during international weekend, Ebuehi returned from a long injury layoff and immediately set about reminding Nigerians just why they loved him so much the first time.
The FC Twente full back was the main attacking outlet from the right, and kept both Said Benrahma and Riyad Mahrez (when he ventured there) quiet most of the game.
One assist, two clearances and three interceptions on the last day of the month capped a fine last four weeks as Twente beat PFC Zwolle 5-1.
His consistent presence helped FC Twente to two wins and one draw in October, taking them to sixth on the log.
9. Ademola Lookman
Since returning to England from Germany, Ademola Lookman has been electrifying for Fulham in the Premier League.
He scored his only goal of the month in a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United, but it is the cutting edge, the directness, the take-ons that he brings that is giving Fulham some hope despite their dire situation in the Premier League.
10. Chidera Ejuke
More than a few hearts - in Russia and Nigeria - skipped a beat when he went down injured in CSKA Moscow's Europa League game against Dinamo Zagreb.
Handed his international debut in the 1-1 draw against Tunisia, Ejuke showed Nigerians that he belonged in the Super Eagles. Then promptly returned to Moscow to score in the 3-1 win over Dinamo.