The 2023/24 European football season has proven to be a landmark year for Nigerian players across the continent, with several stars securing victories in domestic leagues, cups, and prestigious European competitions.
Among the standout performers are Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella, the dynamic Super Eagles duo, celebrated both the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal with Bayer Leverkusen.
In the English football scene, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho made waves by guiding Leicester City to the English Championship title, propelling the club back into the Premier League.
Meanwhile, midfielder Joe Aribo played a pivotal role in Southampton’s journey to victory in the Championship Playoff, securing their return to the Premier League after defeating Leeds United 1-0 in the final.
Ademola Lookman emerged as a hero for Atalanta, as his hat-trick performance in the Europa League final propelled the Italian side to their first-ever European trophy.
Furthermore, Lookman’s efforts ensured Atalanta’s qualification for the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
In Greece, William Troost-Ekong’s PAOK Salonika emerged victorious in the Super Lig, while Raphael Onyedika contributed significantly to Club Brugge’s triumph in the Belgian League, coupled with a victory in the Belgian Cup.
Turning to Scotland, Cyriel Dessers and Leon Balogun celebrated victory in the Scottish League Cup, although they suffered disappointment in the Cup final and narrowly missed out on the league title to Celtic.
Nevertheless, their impressive performances have earned them a spot in the upcoming Champions League campaign.
Peter Olayinka rounded off the Nigerian success story by clinching the domestic double with Red Star Belgrade in Serbia, further solidifying his status as a decorated player with a career trophy tally of 10.
