Nigeria has long been a powerhouse of football, consistently producing elite talents who thrive across Europe’s top leagues.
From Ballon d’Or recognition to back-to-back African Player of the Year titles, the Super Eagles’ footprint in Europe continues to grow stronger.
Ademola Lookman currently holds the CAF Player of the Year crown, taking over from Victor Osimhen.
Not only that, Lookman also represented Africa at the Ballon d’Or awards as the only African nominee, further underlining Nigeria’s influence at the highest levels of football.
As the 2024/25 season nears its end, we spotlight seven Super Eagles stars who have stood out in this campaign.
Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray
Despite a summer full of transfer drama and an unsettled preseason at Napoli, Osimhen turned things around at Galatasaray, where he’s rediscovered his best form.
The prolific striker has netted 28 goals and provided 5 assists in 32 appearances, topping the chart among Nigerian scorers in Europe.
Osimhen has also maintained his impact on the national team, scoring Nigeria’s last three international goals.
With his loan spell in Turkey ending soon, a big move to one of Europe’s top clubs looks imminent.
Ademola Lookman – Atalanta
The reigning African Player of the Year has been equally brilliant this season, following up his Europa League final hat-trick in 2024 with 18 goals and 7 assists so far.
Lookman has racked up 18 goals and 7 assists this term, continuing to shine in Italy.
However, tensions flared after Atalanta’s Champions League exit, with Lookman being singled out by the coach. As a result, he is reportedly set to leave the club at the end of the season.
Cyriel Dessers – Rangers
Often criticized for missed chances, Dessers has silenced doubters with 23 goals and 7 assists across all competitions.
He has been Rangers’ most productive forward, scoring in both the Scottish Premiership and the Europa League.
Although Rangers won’t catch Celtic in the title race, Dessers’ influence has been undeniable during a turbulent season.
Still overlooked by the national team, his omission from the World Cup qualifiers remains a contentious talking point.
Ola Aina – Nottingham Forest
Arguably one of the Premier League’s best right-backs this season, Aina has been a rock at the back for Nottingham Forest. The 28-year-old has scored two goals while playing a vital role in Forest’s bid for a Champions League spot.
Aina’s versatility, work rate, and defensive awareness have been praised by pundits. Despite playing in a position that rarely gets the spotlight, his contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed.
He is out of contract this summer, but the club is reportedly eager to tie him down with a new deal.
Moses Simon – Nantes
While Nantes have struggled, Moses Simon has stood tall.
The winger has contributed 7 goals and 9 assists in 25 Ligue 1 appearances directly involved in nearly half of the team’s goals.
Simon was recently nominated for the 2025 Marc-Vivien Foé award and leads the Ligue 1 Best Dribbler ranking.
In a struggling side, Simon has delivered his best-ever season in terms of goal contributions.
Now Nantes’ all-time assist leader in the top flight, Simon has become a beacon of creativity in a difficult season.
Tolu Arokodare – KRC Genk
Arokodare’s emergence has been one of the most exciting stories this season. The Genk striker has scored 20 goals and provided 7 assists, leading the club’s charge at the top of the Belgian Jupiler League.
His rise was rewarded with a call-up to the Super Eagles, featuring in both of Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifiers, a big step for the young forward.
Described by his coach as the best striker in Belgium, Arokodare is expected to attract interest from bigger European clubs in the summer.
Alex Iwobi – Fulham
Iwobi has evolved into an elite playmaker at Fulham. Versatile and tactically intelligent, the former Arsenal man has played as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and winger.
He has 7 goals and 4 assists this season and ranks among the top 10 chance-creators in the Premier League with 49 chances created – more than any other Fulham player.
His intelligence, versatility, and creativity have been vital for Fulham this season who sit 9th on the Premier League table.
From goal machines like Osimhen and Dessers to the creativity of Iwobi and Moses Simon, Nigerian players have left an indelible mark on Europe this season.
As the Super Eagles prepare for crucial fixtures in 2026 World Cup qualifiers, these standout performers will be key to Nigeria’s fading hopes of qualifying for the USA, Canada, and Mexico World Cup.
