Nigerian attackers delivered spectacular performances throughout 2024, with their exploits earning admiration from fans and critics alike.
Victor Boniface dazzled in Germany, Victor Olatunji turned heads in the Czech Republic, and Paul Onuachu became a fan favourite in Turkey.
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Yet, these stars surprisingly failed to crack Nigeria’s top ten scorers of the year.
Here, Soccernet.ng counts down Nigeria’s top ten goalscorers for 2024, focusing exclusively on players competing in top-flight leagues worldwide and their goals across all competitions.
10th Place: Chinedu Geoffrey, Ibrahim Mustapha, and Rabiu Ali – 15 Goals each
In 10th place, we have a three-way tie among players who netted 15 goals apiece.
Chinedu Geoffrey (FC Astana):
The versatile forward was a consistent performer for FC Astana in the Kazakh Premier League.
Geoffrey scored vital goals to keep his team competitive in the league and cup competitions.
Ibrahim Mustapha (Kano Pilars and El-Kanemi Warriors):
Back in the Nigerian Professional Football League, Mustapha’s clinical edge in front of goal was a beacon for Kano Pillars.
His finishing, particularly in tight games, made him a standout performer for El-Kanemi Warriors since joining the FA Cup winners mid-year.
Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars):
At 44, Rabiu Ali remains a phenomenon in Nigerian football.
The Super Eagles veteran continued to inspire Kano Pillars with his leadership and decisive goals, proving age is just a number.
9th Place: Tenton Yenne – 16 Goals
Club: FC Ararat-Armenia
Tenton Yenne was a driving force behind FC Ararat-Armenia’s Armenian Cup triumph in 2024.
The attacker’s 16 goals across all competitions included nine league strikes that pushed his club into contention for European football. His ability to deliver in crucial moments made him indispensable for his team.
8th Place: Lanre Kehinde – 16 Goals
Club(s): Gostivar, Struga (Macedonian First League)
Lanre Kehinde’s 2024 was split between two Macedonian clubs.
The former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles forward scored 16 goals in 37 matches, including nine for his new club, Struga, after his summer transfer.
Kehinde’s aerial ability and physicality gave defenders a tough time and helped him remain effective in front of goal.
7th Place: Tolu Arokodare – 16 Goals
Club: KRC Genk (Belgian Pro League)
Tolu Arokodare enjoyed a breakout year, scoring 16 goals in 32 matches.
The 23-year-old forward ended the 2023/24 season strongly and carried that momentum into the current campaign.
His 13 league goals so far have placed him atop the Belgian Pro League scoring charts.
Arokodare’s blend of pace, power, and finishing ability has attracted interest from Premier League clubs, hinting at a big move in 2025.
6th Place: Ahmed Adebayo – 18 Goals
Club: Jalgpallikool Tammeka (Estonian Premium Liiga)
Ahmed Adebayo had a career-best year, scoring 18 goals in 30 matches.
His tally included 15 goals in the Estonian league and three in the Estonian Cup. The 22-year-old attacker became Jalgpallikool Tammeka’s top scorer, etching his name into the club’s history books.
His agility, sharp instincts, and calm finishing made him one of Estonia’s standout players in 2024.
5th Place: Abdulrahman Taiwo – 21 Goals
Club(s): Riga FC, FK Auda (Latvian Virsliga)
Abdulrahman Taiwo’s goal-scoring exploits spanned two clubs in 2024.
Starting the year with Riga FC before a loan move to FK Auda, the 26-year-old netted 21 goals in 36 games.
His goals came across multiple competitions, including 12 in the Latvian league and five in the domestic cup.
Taiwo’s composure under pressure and knack for scoring in key moments earned him recognition as one of Latvia’s most reliable forwards.
4th Place: Cyriel Dessers – 22 Goals
Club: Glasgow Rangers (Scottish Premiership)
Despite facing scrutiny in Scotland, Cyriel Dessers proved his mettle, scoring 22 goals in 2024.
His tally included crucial strikes for Rangers in domestic and European competitions, as well as a penalty in Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly win over Ghana.
Dessers’ relentless work ethic and clinical edge were key to his success, and he’ll aim for even greater heights in 2025.
3rd Place: Yusuf Otubanjo – 24 Goals
Club: Pyunik (Armenian Premier League)
Yusuf Otubanjo finishes in third place after scoring majority of his 24 goals to lead Pyunik to the Armenian Premier League title.
Known for his sharp movement and lethal finishing, Otubanjo’s consistency in front of goal made him a standout performer.
The former Red Bull Salzburg star’s efforts helped Pyunik secure their record 16th league title, capping off a remarkable year for the forward.
2nd Place: Victor Osimhen – 24 Goals
Club(s): Napoli, Galatasaray (Turkish Süper Lig)
Nigeria’s goal king in 2023, Victor Osimhen ends this year in second place after a tupsy-turvy 2024.
Africa’s most valuable player began the year as Napoli’s talisman but struggled during a challenging first half of 2024.
A summer loan to Galatasaray revived his form, with the striker scoring 12 goals and assisting five in just 15 games for the Turkish giants.
Across both clubs, Osimhen ended the year with 21 goals in 29 matches, reaffirming his status as one of Nigeria’s finest exports.
1st Place: Ademola Lookman – 28 Goals
Club: Atalanta (Serie A)
Who else is Nigeria’s goal king of 2024 but Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who had an unforgettable year, scoring an astonishing 28 goals in 43 matches.
He was instrumental in Nigeria’s silver medal run at the Africa Cup of Nations and capped his season with a Europa League hat-trick that secured Atalanta their first European trophy.
Lookman’s creativity and versatility have also kept Atalanta in the hunt for the Serie A title this term, cementing his place among Nigeria’s elite players.
The highlight of Lookman’s year was his 14th-place finish at the Ballon d’Or as well as his recognition as the 2024 Africa Footballer of the Year.
Lookman is Nigeria’s top man in 2024.
Nigeria’s top goalscorers of 2024
10. Chinedu Geoffrey (FC Astana) – 15 goals
- Ibrahim Mustapha (El-Kanemi Warriors) – 15 goals
- Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars) – 15 goals
9. Tenton Yenne (FC Ararat-Armenia) – 16 goals in 37 games
8. Lanre Kehinde (Gostivar and Struga) – 16 goals in 33 games
7. Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk) – 16 goals in 32 games
6. Ahmed Adebayo (Jalgpallikool Tammeka) – 18 goals in 30 games
5. Abdulrahman Taiwo (Riga and FK Auda) – 21 goals in 36 games
4. Cyriel Dessers (Rangers) – 22 goals in 48 games
3. Yusuf Otubanjo (FC Pyunik Yerevan) – 24 goals in 39 games
2. Victor Osimhen (Napoli and Galatasaray) – 24 goals in 29 games
1. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta) – 28 goals in 43 games
