African football continues to shine on the global stage, and the continent’s forwards are leaving an indelible mark with their remarkable performances.
In this Soccernet.ng report, we present the top ten African strikers who have lit up the football world this season, including four Nigerian stars.
1. Michael Olunga – 33 Goals
At the top of the list is Kenya’s prolific striker, Michael Olunga.
The Al-Duhail forward has been sensational, leading the scoring charts with an astonishing 33 goals. Standing tall at 1.93 meters, Olunga’s imposing presence and clinical finishing have been instrumental in his team’s success.
He scored 22 goals in the Stars League, nine in the QSC, and two in the Qatar Cup, raising his market value to an impressive €9 million.
2. Victor Osimhen – 31 Goals
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has emerged as one of the world’s brightest talents after a sensational year for Napoli in Serie A.
The 24-year-old striker’s remarkable performances earned him the distinction of becoming the first African to win the Serie A topscorer award. With 26 goals in Serie A and five in the UEFA Champions League, Osimhen’s contributions were pivotal in Napoli’s first Scudetto triumph in 33 years.
He now holds the title of the most valuable player in Serie A history.
2. Kodjo Fo Doh Laba – 31 Goals
In joint-second on this list with Osimhen is exciting forward Kodjo Fo Doh Laba.
Representing Togo with distinction, Kodjo Fo Doh Laba made a significant impact in the UAE Pro League. The Al Ain forward found the net 31 times, with 28 goals in the league and three in the UAE President’s Cup.
Laba’s lethal instincts and predatory skills have made him a force to be reckoned with in the Emirati football scene.
4. Mohamed Salah – 30 Goals
Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah has been a consistent goal threat for Liverpool in the Premier League.
Confirming his status as one of the best players of his generation, Salah netted an impressive total of 30 goals across various competitions.
With 19 goals in the Premier League, eight in the Champions League, and additional contributions in domestic cup competitions, Salah’s lethal finishing has elevated him to one of the continent’s finest once again.
4. Jean-Pierre Nsame – 30 Goals
Cameroon’s Jean-Pierre Nsame has been an excellent signing for Swiss Super League club Young Boys.
The 30-year-old forward’s exceptional performances propelled his team to success, with 21 league goals to his name.
Additionally, Nsame found the net four times in the Europa Conference League qualifiers and five times in the Swiss Cup, cementing his reputation as a top-class finisher.
6. Mbaye Diagne – 25 Goals
Senegal’s Mbaye Diagne has been a standout performer in the Süper Lig, playing for Fatih Karagümrük.
The 31-year-old striker’s prowess in front of goal has been evident, with an impressive tally of 25 goals. Diagne’s contributions have played a vital role in his team’s success, finding the back of the net 23 times in the league and twice in the Türkiye Kupasi.
6. Abderrazak Hamdallah – 25 Goals
Morocco’s Abderrazak Hamdallah has been a goal-scoring machine for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.
The 32-year-old striker showcased his exceptional goal-scoring ability, bagging 25 goals this season.
With 21 goals in the Saudi Pro League and an additional goal each in the King’s Cup and Saudi Super Cup, Hamdallah’s lethal finishing skills have been instrumental in his team’s success.
8. Samir Hadji – 23 Goals
The son of former Africa Footballer of the Year, Mustapha Hadji, Samir Hadji has been making waves in the Luxembourgian club F91 Dudelange.
The 33-year-old striker was in his element this campaign as he netted 20 goals in the BGL Ligue.
Additionally, Hadji also found the back of the net once each in the Champions League qualifiers, Europa League qualifiers, and the Coupe de Luxembourg.
8. Peter Shalulile – 23 Goals
Flying the flag of Namibia with distinction, Peter Shalulile has been a standout performer for Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African Premier Division.
The 29-year-old striker tallied an impressive 23 goals across various competitions. With 12 goals in the DStv Premiership, six in the CAF Champions League, and five in the Nedbank Cup, Shalulile’s contribution was one of the major highlights of the South African top flight.
10. Yusuf Otubanjo – 21 Goals
Nigerian forward Yusuf Otubanjo made his mark in the Armenian Premier League, representing Pyunik.
The 30-year-old striker displayed his scoring prowess with 21 goals this season.
With 17 goals in the Bardzraguyn Khumb league, two in the Conference League, and one each in the Champions League qualifiers and Armenian Independence Cup, Otubanjo’s performances caught the attention of football enthusiasts.
10. Terem Igobor Moffi – 21 goals
Super Eagles striker Terem Igobor Moffi has been a revelation in Ligue 1.
In only his second season in the French top flight, the 24-year-old smashed in a combined 21 goals for Lorient and OGC Nice this season, with 18 in Ligue 1 and three in the Conference League.
Moffi’s stunning strike in the Conference League even earned him the competition’s Goal of the Season award.
10. Elvis Sukisa Mashike – 21 Goals
Representing the Democratic Republic of Congo, Elvis Sukisa Mashike has impressed in the Maltese Premier League with Ħamrun Spartans.
The 29-year-old forward fired home 21 goals, including 18 in the league and three in the Maltese FA Trophy.
10. Odion Ighalo – 21 Goals
Closing out the list is the experienced Nigerian forward Odion Ighalo, who played for Saudi Arabian Pro League club Al-Hilal.
Despite his advancing age, the 34-year-old striker remained an unstoppable force for defenders as he contributed 21 goals to his team’s cause.
With 19 goals in the Saudi Pro League and two in the King’s Cup, Ighalo’s clinical finishing and experience showed he still has enough in the tank wherever his next club is.
