All the Nigerian players painting Europe with goals led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Following Victor Osimhen's stunning brace for Galatasaray against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League, Nigerian football fans are buzzing with excitement over the impressive performance and of several fellow compatriots across Europe.
Osimhen's goals not only showcased his talent but were also a reminder of the growing influence of Nigerian players in the top leagues in Europe.
08:31 - 08.11.2024
'Who Real Madrid and Chelsea overlooked' - Fans celebrate as Victor Osimhen proves big guns wrong
Victor Osimhen left fans craving for more after his fine form for Galatasaray against Tottenham in the Europa League
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Here are seven Nigerian stars making waves with their goal-scoring abilities this season.
1. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Osimhen has been a revelation since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli. Despite facing injuries earlier in the season, he has bounced back remarkably, contributing significantly to his team’s success.
With six goals and three assists in eight matches this season, his recent brace against Spurs solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.
Osimhen’s form has also seen his club Galatasaray begin move to make his shock loan a permanent transfer come next summer.
2. Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)
At just 23 years old, Boniface has emerged as Nigeria’s standout player in the last two seasons.
His remarkable tally of 21 goals and nine assists propelled Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever league title and domestic double in history, even after missing three months due to injury.
This season, the football-cum comedian has continued from where he stopped with eight goals and one assist in 14 matches for the German champions.
Boniface's contributions have been crucial, but were not enough to make him a strong contender for the CAF 2024 Men’s Player of the Year award.
3. Cyriel Dessers (Rangers)
Dessers is making a name for himself in Scotland after an impressive 22 goals and seven assists in his debut season.
After a slow start at Rangers, he has found his form, recently scoring twice in a Scottish Cup match against Hearts.
His resurgence has not only won over fans but also positioned him among the top Nigerian performers in Europe with nine goals and two assists in 19 matches across competitions for the Gers.
4. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
Lookman has transformed into a key player for Atalanta after being overlooked by several clubs in England and Germany.
This season, he has scored eight goals and provided five assists, showcasing his versatility and skill on the pitch as he builds on the historic 2023/2024 campaign that saw him lead his Italian club to Europa League glory.
His contributions have been vital for Atalanta and the Super Eagles, leading to Ballon d’Or recognition and position as contender for CAF Player of the Year for 2024..
5. Tolu Arokodare (Genk)
Standing at an impressive 1.97 meters, Arokodare has been a bright spot for Genk in the Belgian Pro League.
With eight goals and two assists in 14 appearances, he remains one of the club’s top performers despite being overlooked by Augustine Eguavoen and the Super Eagles.
His physical presence and goal-scoring ability make him a player to watch as he continues to develop.
6. Moses Simon (Nantes)
Simon is enjoying one of his best seasons yet, recently setting a club record with his 29th assist during Nantes' match against Angers SCO.
He has also scored two goals and assisted three in nine matches this season, proving himself as a crucial player for Nantes.
The 29-year-old is not only reliable at his club Nantes and has also established similar reputation with the Super Eagles while further enhancing his importance within the team.
7. Josh Maja (West Bromwich Albion)
After signing with West Bromwich Albion, Maja hoped to make an impact in the EFL Championship but had a debut campaign to forget.
However, the 25-year-old seems to have found the same scoring boots that saw him shine at Bordeaux, where he had an impressive last season in Ligue 2, scoring 16 goals and providing six assists.
This season, Maja, another overlooked Super Eagles player ignored by Eguavoen, is the second leading scorer in the English Championship with eight goals and one assist in 14 matches.
Conclusion
These seven Nigerian players are not just lighting up their respective leagues; they are also creating a buzz across Europe with their impressive goal-scoring feats.
With Osimhen leading the charge after his outstanding performance against Tottenham, Nigerians are excited about what lies ahead for Nigerian footballers, especially those in the Super Eagles on the world stage.