Italian league celebrates Super Eagles of Serie A as Nigerian heroes soar
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Serie A celebrates Nigerian players | Imago

Italian league celebrates Super Eagles of Serie A as Nigerian heroes soar

Ayoola Kelechi 20:42 - 14.11.2024

Nigerian players have been a crucial part of their Serie A teams this season

The Italian Serie A recently honoured Nigerian players excelling in the league, highlighting their impact on Italian football.

Nigerian stars making their mark in Serie A

Through their official X (formerly Twitter) page, Serie A shared a post featuring prominent Super Eagles stars with the caption, “The Super Eagles of SerieA,” recognising the impressive performances of Nigerian players who are contributing to their Italian clubs' successes.

The Serie A has seen an increased Nigerian presence in recent seasons, led by Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, who made history by leading the Partenopei to their first league title in 33 years in 2023.

Victor Osimhen helped Napoli to win their first Scudetto since 1990 | Credit: IMAGO

Osimhen’s remarkable 26-goal tally in 32 appearances that season set a record for the most goals by an African player in a single Serie A campaign, cementing his status as a league icon.

Lookman and Okoye lead Nigerian charge in Serie A

Following Osimhen’s exit from Napoli this summer, other Nigerian players have taken up the mantle of representing Nigeria in Serie A, including Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, and Udinese’s Maduka Okoye.

Ademola Lookman and Mateo Retegui | Imago

Lookman, especially, has been a standout performer for Atalanta, with eight goals and five assists in just 14 appearances in all competitions this season.

His attacking contributions have been crucial to Atalanta’s campaign, providing a reliable scoring option in both Serie A and European games.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye in Serie A.

Okoye, Udinese’s shot-stopper, has also been pivotal for his team. After helping Udinese avoid relegation last season, Okoye has continued his strong form, contributing to Udinese's rise to ninth in the standings.

The celebration by Serie A of these Nigerian players acknowledges their impact and the vital role they play in keeping Italian football competitive and exciting.