Fußball, Nationalteam Nigeria, Training UYO, NIGERIA - SEPTEMBER 03: Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina during the Super Eagles of Nigeria training in preparation for the match against Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a 2025 AFCON qualifier at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on September 3, 2024 in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by IMAGO
The year 2024 was remarkable for Nigerian football.
Nigerian footballers achieved incredible feats, clinching prestigious club and individual honours, including the German Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Europa League, and the coveted CAF Player of the Year award.
On the international stage, the Super Eagles reached the Africa Cup of Nations final for the first time in a decade.
As we step into 2025, the excitement builds for what could be an even better year.
Here are seven Nigerian players – compiled by Soccernet.ng – primed to make headlines this year based on their outstanding performances in 2024.
From selling watermelons on the streets of Kano to becoming one of Nigeria’s hottest football prospects, Hafiz Ibrahim’s journey is inspirational.
The teenager rose to prominence after scoring 10 goals in seven games at the Viareggio Cup in Italy.
Although a trial at Chelsea fell through, Ibrahim secured a move to Stade Reims in France.
Initially assigned to the B team, his exceptional performances—eight goals in seven matches in National 3—earned him a quick promotion.
He made his professional debut in December, helping Reims secure a 3-1 win in the Coupe de France.
With opportunities in Ligue 1 on the horizon, 2025 could mark the start of something truly special for this talented young forward.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru had a breakout 2024, excelling for Lazio after arriving on loan from Hatayspor.
The former Manchester City prospect contributed two goals in Serie A and two goals and two assists in the Europa League.
His performances have made him a key player for Lazio, who are thriving domestically and in Europe.
On the international stage, Dele-Bashiru scored vital goals for Nigeria, including a World Cup qualifier equaliser against South Africa in June.
With Lazio reportedly keen to secure him permanently, 2025 could see Dele-Bashiru cement his place among Nigeria’s best.
After honing his craft in Latvia, Germany, and France, Tolu Arokodare is finally delivering in Belgium.
He ended 2024 as the top scorer in the Belgian Pro League and has been pivotal to Genk’s success.
Arokodare’s atteibutes and goal-scoring exploits have sparked comparisons to Yakubu Aiyegbeni, and his Super Eagles debut could be on the horizon.
With a potential Premier League move in the cards, 2025 might be the year Arokodare’s career truly takes flight.
Ola Aina is enjoying a stellar campaign with Nottingham Forest, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s best right-backs.
His two goals and four assists have been crucial in Forest’s surprising rise to second place in the league.
Rumours of a move to Manchester City underline his growing reputation, with Pep Guardiola reportedly eyeing him as Kyle Walker’s successor.
Whether at Forest or City, Aina looks set for an exciting 2025, which could bring Champions League football for the first time in his career.
Despite missing the AFCON due to injury, Victor Boniface helped Bayer Leverkusen clinch the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles.
Although sidelined again early in the 2024/25 season, his return is imminent.
With Leverkusen challenging in both the Bundesliga and Champions League, Boniface could shine on the grandest stages.
While he’s yet to score for the Super Eagles, 2025 offers an opportunity to break that barrier and cement his place as one of Nigeria’s top forwards.
Victor Osimhen began 2024 as Africa’s best footballer but saw the CAF award handed to compatriot Ademola Lookman in December.
Undeterred, he’s been sensational on loan at Galatasaray, dominating the Turkish Super Lig and Europa League.
Osimhen has already committed to staying in Istanbul until the season’s end, where he could add more silverware.
Come summer, he’s likely to be one of the most sought-after names in the transfer market, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and PSG reportedly interested.
Ademola Lookman owned 2024, lifting Atalanta to new heights with his goals and assists.
He guided the team to their first Europa League title, earned Atalanta’s Player of the Year award, and became the sixth Nigerian to win the CAF Player of the Year accolade.
As Atalanta share the Serie A summit with Inter Milan, Lookman’s mission in 2025 is clear — win the Scudetto and retain his CAF crown.
With Atalanta excelling in the Champions League, Nigeria ready to hunt for a World Cup ticket and AFCON glory, and Lookman on top form, the stage is set for another phenomenal year.
This post was last modified on January 2, 2025 4:00 pm
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