As Europe's major leagues pause for the second international break of the season, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the performances of Nigeria’s football stars.
Nigerian players have made significant contributions across Italy, Spain, Germany, England, and France.
For this ranking, we’ve also considered standout performances from players in Belgium, Scotland, Portugal, and Turkey. Here are Soccernet.ng‘s top ten Nigerian stars so far in the 2024/25 season.
10. Cyriel Dessers, Rangers – 6.87/10
With seven goals and an assist in 13 appearances for Rangers, Dessers has been flying high in Scotland.
The Super Eagles forward faces tough challenges, battling not just opponents but the highly demanding Rangers fans.
Despite the pressure, Dessers has impressed, although his exclusion from Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers against Libya is disappointing.
9. Alex Iwobi, Fulham – 6.97
Iwobi has showcased versatility for Fulham, excelling as a full-back, central midfielder, and winger.
With one goal and one assist in seven Premier League games, Iwobi has created more chances than any teammate, helping Fulham climb to eighth in the table, ahead of Tottenham and Manchester United.
8. Frank Onyeka, Augsburg – 6.98
After struggling for game time at Brentford, Onyeka moved to Bundesliga side Augsburg on loan.
The 26-year-old has been a revelation, contributing an assist on his debut and helping his team secure crucial wins, including a 2-1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach.
7. Chidera Ejuke, Sevilla – 7.05
Ejuke’s move from CSKA Moscow to Sevilla has been a masterstroke. While he has only one goal, his dazzling dribbles have made him a fan favourite.
Ejuke reportedly has the highest number of completed dribbles in Europe's top five leagues, earning him a recall to the Nigerian national team after a lengthy absence.
6. Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City – 7.25
Ndidi, typically known for his defensive skills, has been an attacking force for Leicester City this season.
With four assists in seven games, Ndidi has surpassed his previous season’s total. Remarkably, only Bukayo Saka and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer have more assists in the league.
He also scored in a 4-0 League Cup win over Tranmere.
5. Tolu Arokodare, Genk – 7.36
Arokodare has been superb for KRC Genk in Belgium, scoring six goals in ten games.
His impressive form has helped Genk top the Jupiler League, with his manager branding him the best striker in Belgium—a tag that could soon attract interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.
4. Moses Simon, Nantes – 7.36
Simon, who missed the end of last season due to injury, has returned in fine form for FC Nantes.
With two goals and two assists in seven Ligue 1 games, Simon was named the club's Player of the Month in September, continuing to prove his consistency.
3. Victor Boniface, Bayer Leverkusen – 7.43
Boniface has been a standout for Bayer Leverkusen, contributing four goals and an assist in six Bundesliga games.
He also scored his first Champions League goal in a 1-0 win over AC Milan. The 23-year-old looks set to become Nigeria's next €100 million star.
2. Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray – 7.92
After missing out on a Premier League move, Osimhen has embraced life in Turkey with Galatasaray.
He’s already netted two goals and provided two assists in just three Super Lig games, helping his team to a memorable 3-1 win over rivals Fenerbahce.
Injury may sideline him from Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers, but he remains a key figure for both club and country.
1. Ademola Lookman, Atalanta – 8.20
Lookman is in the form of his life. After leading Atalanta to Europa League glory, he’s continued his hot streak, scoring his first Champions League goal and registering two goals and two assists in four Serie A matches.
With two international goals in a win over the Benin Republic in September, Lookman is now a strong contender for both the Ballon d'Or and CAF African Footballer of the Year.
Top-rated Nigerian stars
- Ademola Lookman – 8.20/10
- Victor Osimhen – 7.92
- Victor Boniface – 7.43
- Moses Simon – 7.36
- Tolu Arokodare – 7.36
- Wilfred Ndidi – 7.25/10
- Chidera Ejuke – 7.05
- Alex Iwobi – 6.97
- Frank Onyeka – 6.98
- Cyriel Dessers – 6.87
- Akor Adams – 6.81
- Ola Aina – 6.76
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 6.71
- Maduka Okoye – 6.67
- Kevin Akpoguma – 6.68
- Chrisantus Uche – 6.56
- Calvin Bassey – 6.45
- Raphael Onyedika – 6.54
For those closely following Nigeria's stars across Europe, NairaBet offers a platform for fans of Nigerian players in Europe, letting you back your favourite Super Eagles players each week while enjoying competitive odds and an easy-to-use interface.
NB: Which Super Eagles player would you rather have in your top ten? Leave your answers in the comment section below!
Where is Hamzat Ojediran of RC Lens in France?
Before he cooped an injury ,I feel the former Flying Eagles effervescent midfield maestro deserves a mention for his exploits in the French Lique 1 this season.