Top 10 Nigerian Footballers Playing in Europe in 2025
Nigeria has long been a powerhouse in African football, producing exceptional talent that shines on the global stage. From the flair of Jay-Jay Okocha to the goal-scoring prowess of Victor Osimhen, Nigerian footballers have consistently made their mark in Europe’s top leagues. In 2025, a new generation of Super Eagles stars, alongside established names, continues to dominate European football. This article highlights the top 10 Nigerian footballers playing in Europe during the 2024/25 season, based on their performances, impact, and potential. These players are not only elevating their clubs but also inspiring millions of fans back home in Nigeria.
Ademola Lookman has cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s brightest stars in Serie A. The 27-year-old winger made history in 2024 by scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing Atalanta’s first major European trophy. His versatility, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability have made him a fan favorite. In the 2024/25 season, Lookman continues to shine, contributing goals and assists in both domestic and European competitions. His performances have sparked speculation about a move to a bigger club, with fans betting on him as a top Serie A scorer. Lookman’s over 80 caps for the Super Eagles highlight his consistency at the international level.
Alex Iwobi is a household name in Nigerian football, known for his work rate and versatility in midfield. The 29-year-old Fulham star made history as the first Nigerian to play all 38 Premier League matchdays in two seasons (2022/23 and 2024/25). In the 2024/25 season, Iwobi’s creativity and stamina helped Fulham chase European qualification, with the midfielder contributing goals and assists. His journey from Arsenal to Everton and now Fulham showcases his resilience, and his over 80 caps for Nigeria underline his importance to the Super Eagles. Iwobi’s ability to dictate play and create chances makes him a standout performer.
Moses Simon remains one of Nigeria’s most reliable wingers in Europe. The 30-year-old’s pace and trickery have been a cornerstone for Nantes in Ligue 1. In the 2024/25 season, Simon scored eight goals and provided 10 assists, contributing nearly half of Nantes’ 39 league goals, helping them avoid relegation. His ability to outmaneuver defenders and create scoring opportunities has earned him praise as Nigeria’s best winger in Europe’s major leagues. Simon’s consistency at club and international levels, including standout performances at AFCON 2021, makes him a vital asset.
Victor Boniface, a 24-year-old forward, has taken the Bundesliga by storm since joining Bayer Leverkusen. His role in Leverkusen’s invincible 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign showcased his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities. In 2024/25, Boniface continues to impress in the Europa League and domestic competitions, building on his reputation as a complete forward. His physicality, vision, and finishing make him a nightmare for defenders. Boniface’s rise has positioned him as a future star for both club and country, with fans eyeing him as a potential AFCON hero.
Ola Aina had a memorable 2024/25 season with Nottingham Forest, playing a key role in their push for European qualification in the Premier League. The 28-year-old wing-back appeared in 35 matches, scoring twice and providing one assist. His defensive solidity and attacking contributions earned him recognition as the best ball-winner in defensive areas across Europe’s top five leagues in March 2025, according to WhoScored. Aina’s versatility and work rate make him a valuable asset for both Forest and the Super Eagles.
Chrisantus Uche, a 22-year-old midfielder, emerged as a revelation in LaLiga during his first season with Getafe in 2024/25. After moving from Spanish second-tier side AD Ceuta, Uche registered four goals and six assists in 33 league appearances. His dynamic performances earned him a call-up to the Super Eagles, where he scored the winning penalty in a 5-4 shootout victory over Ghana in the Unity Cup. Uche’s rise signals a bright future for Nigerian midfielders in Europe.
Wilfred Ndidi, a 28-year-old defensive midfielder, joined Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig for the 2024/25 season after a successful stint with Leicester City in the Premier League. Known for his tackling and ball-winning abilities, Ndidi has been a rock in midfield, helping Besiktas compete for domestic and European honors. His experience and leadership make him a key figure for Nigeria, with over 50 caps for the Super Eagles. Ndidi’s move to Turkey has revitalized his career, and he remains a fan favorite.
Samuel Chukwueze, a 26-year-old winger, continues to dazzle for AC Milan in Serie A. After winning the Europa League with Villarreal in 2021, Chukwueze’s speed and flair have made him a key player for Milan. In the 2024/25 season, he contributed to Milan’s Champions League campaign, showcasing his ability to take on defenders and create chances. Chukwueze’s performances have solidified his place among Nigeria’s elite in Europe.
Kelechi Iheanacho, a 28-year-old forward, joined Sevilla in LaLiga for the 2024/25 season after a successful spell with Leicester City, where he won the Premier League and FA Cup. His technical ability and goal-scoring instinct have made him a valuable addition to Sevilla. Iheanacho’s versatility allows him to play as a striker or attacking midfielder, and his experience adds depth to Nigeria’s attacking options. His popularity among fans, partly due to his pace in FIFA video games, remains strong.
Nigerian footballers thrive in Europe due to a combination of raw talent, physicality, and determination. The country’s passion for football, coupled with a population of over 200 million, ensures a steady pipeline of players. Many start in local academies before moving to Europe, where they adapt to high-pressure environments. The Super Eagles’ success, including three AFCON titles and consistent World Cup appearances, reflects the depth of talent. Nigerian players are also versatile, excelling in various positions, from strikers like Osimhen to wing-backs like Aina.
While these players shine, challenges like injuries, competition, and adaptation to new leagues persist. However, opportunities abound with the growing presence of Nigerians in top leagues like the Premier League, Serie A, and the Bundesliga. The success of players like Osimhen and Lookman inspires younger talents, while platforms like X amplify their achievements, connecting them with fans globally.
The 2024/25 season has showcased the brilliance of Nigerian footballers in Europe, from Osimhen’s record-breaking feats to Lookman’s historic hat-trick. These players embody Nigeria’s footballing spirit—skillful, persistent, and ambitious. As they continue to light up Europe’s top leagues, they carry the hopes of a nation eager for more global success, including a potential AFCON triumph. For fans, following these stars on platforms like X or through broadcasts on SuperSport and beIN Sports is a source of pride and excitement.
With their talent and determination, these top 10 Nigerian footballers are not just playing for their clubs—they’re shaping the future of African football on the world stage.
Nigeria has long been a powerhouse in African football, producing exceptional talent that shines on the global stage. From the flair of Jay-Jay Okocha to the goal-scoring prowess of Victor Osimhen, Nigerian footballers have consistently made their mark in Europe’s top leagues. In 2025, a new generation of Super Eagles stars, alongside established names, continues to dominate European football. This article highlights the top 10 Nigerian footballers playing in Europe during the 2024/25 season, based on their performances, impact, and potential. These players are not only elevating their clubs but also inspiring millions of fans back home in Nigeria.
1. Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray (Turkey)
Victor Osimhen is arguably Nigeria’s biggest football export in 2025. The 26-year-old striker, on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, had a sensational 2024/25 season, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 games across all competitions. His exploits helped Galatasaray secure a Turkish Super Lig and Turkish Cup double, breaking records as the highest-scoring foreigner in a single season in Turkish football history, surpassing Mario Jardel’s 34-goal mark. Osimhen’s elite athleticism, pace, and clinical finishing make him one of the world’s best centre-forwards. Despite a challenging start to the season with failed transfer talks to Chelsea and Al-Hilal, his move to Galatasaray proved transformative. Osimhen also finished eighth in the 2023 Ballon d’Or, the highest ranking for a Nigerian player.Key Achievements
- Turkish Super Lig top scorer (2024/25)
- Serie A top scorer (2022/23) with Napoli
- Second all-time highest goalscorer for Nigeria’s national team
2. Ademola Lookman – Atalanta (Italy)
Ademola Lookman has cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s brightest stars in Serie A. The 27-year-old winger made history in 2024 by scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing Atalanta’s first major European trophy. His versatility, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability have made him a fan favorite. In the 2024/25 season, Lookman continues to shine, contributing goals and assists in both domestic and European competitions. His performances have sparked speculation about a move to a bigger club, with fans betting on him as a top Serie A scorer. Lookman’s over 80 caps for the Super Eagles highlight his consistency at the international level.
Key Achievements
- Europa League winner (2024)
- Atalanta Player of the Season (2022/23)
- AFCON runner-up (2023)
3. Alex Iwobi – Fulham (England)
Alex Iwobi is a household name in Nigerian football, known for his work rate and versatility in midfield. The 29-year-old Fulham star made history as the first Nigerian to play all 38 Premier League matchdays in two seasons (2022/23 and 2024/25). In the 2024/25 season, Iwobi’s creativity and stamina helped Fulham chase European qualification, with the midfielder contributing goals and assists. His journey from Arsenal to Everton and now Fulham showcases his resilience, and his over 80 caps for Nigeria underline his importance to the Super Eagles. Iwobi’s ability to dictate play and create chances makes him a standout performer.
Key Achievements
- FA Cup winner with Arsenal (2017)
- AFCON runner-up (2023)
- Everton Player of the Season (2022/23)
4. Moses Simon – Nantes (France)
Moses Simon remains one of Nigeria’s most reliable wingers in Europe. The 30-year-old’s pace and trickery have been a cornerstone for Nantes in Ligue 1. In the 2024/25 season, Simon scored eight goals and provided 10 assists, contributing nearly half of Nantes’ 39 league goals, helping them avoid relegation. His ability to outmaneuver defenders and create scoring opportunities has earned him praise as Nigeria’s best winger in Europe’s major leagues. Simon’s consistency at club and international levels, including standout performances at AFCON 2021, makes him a vital asset.
Key Achievements
- Ligue 1 survival with Nantes (2024/25)
- AFCON 2021 standout performer
- Over 60 caps for Nigeria
5. Victor Boniface – Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
Victor Boniface, a 24-year-old forward, has taken the Bundesliga by storm since joining Bayer Leverkusen. His role in Leverkusen’s invincible 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign showcased his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities. In 2024/25, Boniface continues to impress in the Europa League and domestic competitions, building on his reputation as a complete forward. His physicality, vision, and finishing make him a nightmare for defenders. Boniface’s rise has positioned him as a future star for both club and country, with fans eyeing him as a potential AFCON hero.
Key Achievements
- Bundesliga champion (2023/24)
- Europa League contender (2024/25)
- Super Eagles regular
6. Ola Aina – Nottingham Forest (England)
Ola Aina had a memorable 2024/25 season with Nottingham Forest, playing a key role in their push for European qualification in the Premier League. The 28-year-old wing-back appeared in 35 matches, scoring twice and providing one assist. His defensive solidity and attacking contributions earned him recognition as the best ball-winner in defensive areas across Europe’s top five leagues in March 2025, according to WhoScored. Aina’s versatility and work rate make him a valuable asset for both Forest and the Super Eagles.
Key Achievements
- Premier League top-seven finish with Nottingham Forest (2024/25)
- AFCON runner-up (2023)
- Over 30 caps for Nigeria
7. Chrisantus Uche – Getafe (Spain)
Chrisantus Uche, a 22-year-old midfielder, emerged as a revelation in LaLiga during his first season with Getafe in 2024/25. After moving from Spanish second-tier side AD Ceuta, Uche registered four goals and six assists in 33 league appearances. His dynamic performances earned him a call-up to the Super Eagles, where he scored the winning penalty in a 5-4 shootout victory over Ghana in the Unity Cup. Uche’s rise signals a bright future for Nigerian midfielders in Europe.
Key Achievements
- LaLiga breakthrough season (2024/25)
- Super Eagles debut (2024)
- Unity Cup penalty hero
8. Wilfred Ndidi – Besiktas (Turkey)
Wilfred Ndidi, a 28-year-old defensive midfielder, joined Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig for the 2024/25 season after a successful stint with Leicester City in the Premier League. Known for his tackling and ball-winning abilities, Ndidi has been a rock in midfield, helping Besiktas compete for domestic and European honors. His experience and leadership make him a key figure for Nigeria, with over 50 caps for the Super Eagles. Ndidi’s move to Turkey has revitalized his career, and he remains a fan favorite.
Key Achievements
- Premier League winner with Leicester City (2016)
- AFCON runner-up (2023)
- Consistent Super Eagles performer
9. Samuel Chukwueze – AC Milan (Italy)
Samuel Chukwueze, a 26-year-old winger, continues to dazzle for AC Milan in Serie A. After winning the Europa League with Villarreal in 2021, Chukwueze’s speed and flair have made him a key player for Milan. In the 2024/25 season, he contributed to Milan’s Champions League campaign, showcasing his ability to take on defenders and create chances. Chukwueze’s performances have solidified his place among Nigeria’s elite in Europe.
Key Achievements
- Europa League winner (2021)
- Super Eagles regular
- AC Milan key contributor (2024/25)
10. Kelechi Iheanacho – Sevilla (Spain)
Kelechi Iheanacho, a 28-year-old forward, joined Sevilla in LaLiga for the 2024/25 season after a successful spell with Leicester City, where he won the Premier League and FA Cup. His technical ability and goal-scoring instinct have made him a valuable addition to Sevilla. Iheanacho’s versatility allows him to play as a striker or attacking midfielder, and his experience adds depth to Nigeria’s attacking options. His popularity among fans, partly due to his pace in FIFA video games, remains strong.
Key Achievements
- Premier League winner (2016)
- FA Cup winner (2021)
- Leicester Player of the Season (2022/23)
Why Nigerian Footballers Excel in Europe
Nigerian footballers thrive in Europe due to a combination of raw talent, physicality, and determination. The country’s passion for football, coupled with a population of over 200 million, ensures a steady pipeline of players. Many start in local academies before moving to Europe, where they adapt to high-pressure environments. The Super Eagles’ success, including three AFCON titles and consistent World Cup appearances, reflects the depth of talent. Nigerian players are also versatile, excelling in various positions, from strikers like Osimhen to wing-backs like Aina.
Challenges and Opportunities
While these players shine, challenges like injuries, competition, and adaptation to new leagues persist. However, opportunities abound with the growing presence of Nigerians in top leagues like the Premier League, Serie A, and the Bundesliga. The success of players like Osimhen and Lookman inspires younger talents, while platforms like X amplify their achievements, connecting them with fans globally.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 season has showcased the brilliance of Nigerian footballers in Europe, from Osimhen’s record-breaking feats to Lookman’s historic hat-trick. These players embody Nigeria’s footballing spirit—skillful, persistent, and ambitious. As they continue to light up Europe’s top leagues, they carry the hopes of a nation eager for more global success, including a potential AFCON triumph. For fans, following these stars on platforms like X or through broadcasts on SuperSport and beIN Sports is a source of pride and excitement.
With their talent and determination, these top 10 Nigerian footballers are not just playing for their clubs—they’re shaping the future of African football on the world stage.
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