While Nigerian football superstars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman made headlines throughout 2024, several lesser-known talents emerged from the shadows to make their mark.
These rising stars may not have bagged the biggest awards, but they can look back on the year as their breakthrough moment on the global stage.
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Here are five of Nigeria’s most outstanding breakout players of 2024, poised for even greater exploits in the coming year as compiled by Soccernet.ng.
5. Nigeria's breakout star: Dele Yusuf
At 23, Jos-born Dele Yusuf has endured a whirlwind journey. After starting in Slovakia with Spartak Trnava, he moved to Portugal's Estoril before their mutual parting in January 2024.
A swift move to Serbian SuperLiga side Radnički Niš followed, where he scored six goals and provided five assists in just 15 matches, capturing the attention of Serbia's top clubs.
In the summer, Yusuf signed for Vojvodina on a three-year deal, earning the biggest payday of his career.
So far, he has registered nine goals and two assists in 18 league games, helping Vojvodina climb to sixth. With his rapid rise, 2025 promises to be another significant year for Yusuf.
4. Nigeria's breakout star: Igoh Ogbu
The year 2024 saw Igoh Ogbu emerge as one of Nigeria’s finest defenders in Europe.
Despite missing out on Nigeria’s AFCON squad, where the Super Eagles claimed silver, and finishing second in the Czech league with Slavia Prague, the centre-back’s resilience has shone through.
Ogbu has been pivotal in Slavia Prague's quest for their first league title since 2021.
With aging stalwarts like William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun nearing the twilight of their careers, Ogbu's Super Eagles call-up feels inevitable.
A defensive partnership with Fulham’s Calvin Bassey could dominate African football for years to come.
3. Nigeria's breakout star: Chrisantus Uche
A year ago, Chrisantus Uche was plying his trade in Spain’s third tier with Cueta.
By June 2024, Getafe snapped him up on a four-year deal, and the 21-year-old Owerri-born midfielder hasn’t looked back.
Uche made his La Liga debut in August, scoring a crucial equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao.
Primarily an attacking midfielder, Uche’s versatility has seen him deployed in central midfield and even as a striker.
With 18 La Liga appearances under his belt, he’s already being touted for a Super Eagles call-up. His technical ability and physicality have made him one of Nigeria's most exciting prospects.
2. Nigeria's breakout star: Tolu Arokodare
Tolu Arokodare’s career trajectory shifted dramatically in 2024.
After a forgettable stint at FC Cologne and a lukewarm start at Genk, the 23-year-old striker hit his stride, becoming one of Nigeria’s leading scorers with 16 goals and six assists in 32 games across all competitions.
Arokodare’s 13 goals in the Belgian Pro League have placed him atop the scoring charts and positioned Genk as title contenders.
With Premier League clubs reportedly circling, a move to England could be on the cards if his form continues.
1. Nigeria's breakout star: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru began 2024 dazzling for Turkish side Hatayspor, drawing interest from Serie A clubs Lecce and Atalanta.
By summer, he had secured a loan move to Lazio, including an option to buy, for €2 million.
Dele-Bashiru scored his first international goal for Nigeria in a crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa, followed by another decisive strike in a 1-0 win over Libya.
For Lazio, he’s been equally impressive, with one Serie A goal and two goals and two assists in four Europa League games.
Dele-Bashiru’s all-action displays suggest a bright future for both club and country.
