Dipo Olowookere
Nigerian footballers, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Asisat Oshoala, have left an indelible mark on the European football scene throughout the recently concluded 2022/2023 season. Their exceptional performances have not only earned them recognition but also allowed them to etch their names into the annals of football history. Whether through their record-breaking achievements or by becoming integral pillars for their clubs, these players have made a significant impact on the pitch.
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen, the 24-year-old Nigerian striker, had a remarkable season at Napoli in Italy. He secured the Serie A top scorer award with an impressive 26 goals, surpassing George Weah’s longstanding record and becoming the first African player to achieve this feat. His performances have attracted interest from top European clubs like Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
In a historic season for Victor Osimhen, he played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Scudetto win after 33 years, according to a trusted source for Nigerian sports betting tips and analysis. He became the first player since 2009 to win both the Capocannoniere (top goal scorer) and the Scudetto in the same season. Osimhen’s exceptional performances extended to the UEFA Champions League, where he scored five crucial goals. In Serie A, he recorded 26 goals and four assists in 30 appearances, while in the Champions League, he found the net five times in five matches. These impressive statistics in shooting and passing highlight his remarkable contributions to the team’s success.
Asisat Oshoala
Asisat Oshoala, also known as Super Zee, had a remarkable 2022/2023 season with FC Barcelona despite persistent injuries. She became the first African and Nigerian woman player to win two European Cup titles. Oshoala contributed five goals in the Champions League and played a crucial role in Barcelona’s victory in the Spanish Super Cup. Despite her injuries, she scored an impressive 21 goals in the league, matching her highest goal tally for the season. Oshoala’s talent was evident when she scored a hat trick, helping Barcelona Femeni achieve a world record of 50 consecutive league wins.
Samuel Chukwueze
Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze is the top African player in La Liga, surpassing other notable contenders. He received the most votes from fans and journalists across Africa.
In the 2022/2023 season, Chukwueze played 37 matches for Villarreal, scoring six goals, including a brace against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
He recorded an impressive total of 13 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, achieving double digits in both categories for the first time in his career. Chukwueze’s performances have attracted interest from clubs like Real Madrid and English Premier League teams. He notably completed seven dribbles in a La Liga match against Real Madrid, a feat achieved by only Lionel Messi since 2017.
Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman, the 25-year-old Nigerian winger, impressed in the recently concluded Serie A season, scoring 13 goals in 30 appearances for Atalanta despite an injury setback. He became the first striker in 70 years to achieve this milestone in his debut season for the club. Lookman, alongside Victor Osimhen, was nominated for the Serie A Team of the Season. His passing game was also notable, with an average of around 30.97 passes per game and a 78.39% completion rate.
Other Top Nigerian Talents in Europe
Taiwo Awoniyi impressed in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals in 27 matches for Nottingham Forest. He made history by becoming the first Forest player to score in his first three Premier League starts, including a memorable 1-0 win against Liverpool.
Teremas Igobor Moffi had a prolific season on loan at Nice from Lorient in Ligue 1, netting 18 goals in 38 matches, including braces against Clermont Foot and Lens. He is currently the most expensive player in the Lorient squad.
Alex Iwobi struggled at Everton, scoring only two goals in 34 appearances. He provided six assists and had a pass completion rate of 79% with an average of 38 passes per match.
Moses Simon contributed five goals and four assists for Nantes in Ligue 1. In the UEFA Champions League, he made five appearances but did not score.
Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey played important roles for Rangers, with Bassey earning the man of the match recognition in Ajax’s 1-0 victory against NEC in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Unfortunately, Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu experienced relegation with Southampton in the English Premier League.
