Ademola Lookman stands out as the most impactful Nigerian forward abroad in 2024. Despite missing the initial months due to AFCON participation, Lookman’s return to Atalanta was marked by a prolific 22 goals and 12 assists in 42 competitive matches. His achievements culminated in a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, securing Atalanta’s first European title and solidifying Lookman’s claim to the 2024 African Player of the Year award. This performance established him as a pivotal player for his club and a leading figure among Nigerian forwards.
Victor Osimhen, another prominent Nigerian striker, experienced a turbulent year. While his tally of 21 goals and 4 assists in 29 games is impressive, his journey involved navigating a strained relationship with Napoli, ultimately resulting in a surprising loan move to Galatasaray. His year began with a strong performance, scoring in a Champions League draw against Barcelona, but his time in Italy was overshadowed by off-field issues. Osimhen’s transition to the Turkish league saw him quickly adapt, contributing with assists and then goals, including a brace in his final game of the year, helping Galatasaray secure their league-leading position.
Cyril Dessers, representing Rangers, boasts the highest goal count among the featured Nigerian forwards, with 25 goals and 8 assists in 54 appearances. Although his total goal contributions fall slightly short of Lookman’s, Dessers’ consistent presence on the pitch highlights his reliability and importance to his club. His contributions spanned various competitions, starting with an early assist in the Scottish league and continuing with goals in both the league and the Scottish Cup, demonstrating a sustained performance throughout the year.
Tolu Arokodare, playing for Genk, has emerged as a consistent force in the Belgian Pro League. With 20 goals and 4 assists across all competitions, Arokodare has become an integral part of Genk’s success, driving them to the top of the league table. His adaptation and growth since joining Genk in 2023 are evident in his prolific scoring, particularly in the 2024 season where he leads the league’s goal-scoring charts. This performance underlines his growing prominence in European football and marks him as a rising star among Nigerian forwards.
Victor Boniface, representing Bayer Leverkusen, showcased his potential despite injury setbacks, contributing 13 goals and 2 assists in 26 matches. A three-month injury layoff, including missing the AFCON tournament, curtailed his playing time, yet his return was marked by immediate impact, scoring in the Europa League against West Ham United. Boniface’s ability to find the net consistently demonstrates his goal-scoring prowess, suggesting that a fully fit season could yield even greater returns. Unfortunately, a thigh injury towards the end of the year interrupted his progress, leaving anticipation for his full recovery and subsequent performance.
In summary, 2024 presented a mixed bag for Nigerian forwards abroad. Ademola Lookman’s outstanding achievements and award recognition highlight his exceptional year. Victor Osimhen navigated a challenging transfer saga but ultimately found success in Turkey. Cyril Dessers’ consistent goal-scoring for Rangers solidified his position as a reliable asset. Tolu Arokodare’s continued development in Belgium demonstrates his rising star potential. Finally, Victor Boniface, while hampered by injuries, showed glimpses of his goal-scoring capabilities, promising a potentially bright future. Overall, the performances of these forwards reflect a blend of individual triumphs, challenges overcome, and the promise of future success for Nigerian football on the international stage.
