Nigeria’s footballing prowess is once again in the spotlight as its talented strikers light up leagues around the world.
From Serie A to the Premier League, Nigerian goal machines have set the stage ablaze with their lethal scoring abilities.
Join Soccernet.ng as we unveil the top 10 highest goal scorers of the season, each leaving an indelible mark on the global football landscape.
1. Victor Osimhen – 31 goals
Leading the charge is Victor Osimhen, Napoli’s dynamic forward. At just 24 years old, Osimhen’s remarkable season includes 26 goals in Serie A and five in the Champions League.
Not only did he become the first African top goalscorer in Serie A, but he also played an instrumental role in Napoli’s Scudetto triumph, securing his place as the all-time leading African top scorer in the Italian top flight.
2. Odion Ighalo – 26 goals
Veteran striker Odion Ighalo has showcased his scoring prowess for Saudi Arabia Pro League club Al-Hilal and the Nigerian national team.
The 34-year-old netted an impressive 26 goals this season, with 19 coming in the Saudi Pro League, 2 in the King’s Cup, and 5 in the AFC Champions League.
Ighalo’s heroics propelled Al-Hilal to the final of the continental competition, leaving a lasting impact before becoming a free agent on July 1.
3. Gift Orban – 23 goals
A rising star, Gift Orban made a stunning impact since joining KAA Gent in January.
In just 22 games, he found the net 20 times, with nine goals in the Jupiler Pro League, five goals in the Conference League, and six goals in the Jupiler Pro League Europe Play-Offs.
The 20-year-old scored three goals in two cup games for Stabaek before joining Gent.
Orban’s explosive performances have marked him as a talent to watch in the coming seasons.
4. Victor Boniface – 22 goals
Victor Boniface has had a breakout season, leaving his mark in multiple competitions.
The 22-year-old striker scored 22 goals across various tournaments, including seven goals in the Jupiler Pro League, five goals in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, six goals in the Europa League, two goals in the Beker van Belgie, and two goals in the Jupiler Pro League Champions’ Play-Offs.
Boniface’s impressive displays earned him the honor of being the first Nigerian to finish as the joint-top scorer in the Europa League.
5. Terem Igobor Moffi – 21 goals
On loan from Lorient, Terem Igobor Moffi has made a significant impact in Ligue 1. The 24-year-old forward found the back of the net 21 times this season, including 18 goals in the league and three in the Conference League.
Moffi’s exceptional performances were recognized when he won the prestigious Conference League Goal of the Season award.
6. Yusuf Otubanjo – 21 goals
Yusuf Otubanjo, the 30-year-old Nigerian striker, has been a force to reckon with in the Armenian Premier League.
Leading Pyunik, he contributed 17 goals in the Bardzraguyn khumb, two goals in the Conference League, one goal in the Champions League Qualifiers, and one goal in the Armenian Independence Cup, guiding his team to a second-place finish.
7. Paul Onuachu – 17 goals
Paul Onuachu showcased his goal-scoring prowess for KRC Genk this season.
With 16 goals in the Jupiler Pro League and 1 goal in the Beker van Belgie, Onuachu made his mark before moving to Southampton in the Premier League during the January transfer window.
8. Peter Olayinka – 17 goals
Twenty-seven-year-old Peter Olayinka proved his worth for Slavia Prague this season. His goal-scoring exploits include 11 goals in the Fortuna Liga, two goals in the Conference League, two goals in the Champions League qualifiers, and two goals in the MOL Cup.
Olayinka played a vital role in Slavia Prague’s cup triumph before joining Partizan Belgrade on a free transfer.
9. Chukwuemeka Obioma – 16 goals
Chukwuemeka Obioma, 24, has been a standout performer for Enyimba in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Scoring 14 goals in the league and two crucial goals in the playoffs, Obioma played a pivotal role in helping Enyimba clinch a record ninth league title.
10. Ademola Lookman – 15 goals (Age: 25)
Ademola Lookman, a 25-year-old forward, enjoyed a memorable debut season in Serie A with Atalanta.
He found the back of the net 13 times in the league and added two goals in the Italy Cup. Lookman’s contributions were instrumental in helping Atalanta secure a respectable fifth-place finish.
Note: These are goals scored by players in the first division of the countries they play in.
