Nigerian footballers continued their impressive streak of breaking records and ending trophy droughts in European leagues for the third consecutive season. This season’s achievements follow Victor Osimhen’s Serie A title win with Napoli after a 33-year wait two seasons prior and Ademola Lookman’s contribution to Atalanta’s Europa League triumph last season. This season’s narrative is filled with similar tales of historic wins and record-breaking performances.
Victor Osimhen, on loan from Napoli, led Galatasaray to a historic domestic double, securing both the Turkish Cup and the Super Lig title. His brace in the cup final against Trabzonspor cemented his place as the highest-scoring foreign player in a single season in Turkish football history, surpassing the long-standing record set by Mario Jardel. Osimhen’s 36 goals across all competitions and 25 league goals also earned him the Super Lig golden boot, contributing significantly to Galatasaray’s record-extending 25th league title. This double victory ended a six-year Turkish Cup drought for Galatasaray and their first domestic double since the 2018/19 season.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons goalkeeper, played a crucial role in Paris FC’s historic Coupe de France Féminine victory, their first major trophy since 2005. Her decisive saves in the penalty shootout against rivals Paris Saint-Germain secured the win, marking a monumental achievement for the club. Nnadozie, named in the Arkema Première Ligue Team of the Season for the second year running, described the victory as a dream come true. Her performance underscored her rising status as a top goalkeeper in women’s football.
At Nottingham Forest, Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi played key roles in the club’s remarkable return to European competition after a 28-year absence. Aina’s consistent performance across 35 matches, contributing two goals and an assist, solidified Forest’s defense and propelled their top-five league position for much of the season. While Awoniyi’s season was quieter, his crucial goals in the previous season contributed significantly to Forest avoiding relegation, laying the foundation for this season’s success. Their seventh-place finish secured Conference League football, a remarkable turnaround from their near-relegation struggle just a year prior.
Christy Ucheibe further solidified her dominance in Portuguese women’s football with SL Benfica, achieving a historic fifth consecutive league title, matching Asisat Oshoala’s record. Moreover, she became the first Nigerian and African player to win four consecutive cup trophies. Her goal in the decisive 3-0 victory against Valadares Gaia, which secured the league title, highlighted her impact, even from a primarily defensive midfield role. Ucheibe’s consistent performance and trophy haul solidify her place as one of the most successful Nigerian players in European women’s football.
Samuel Chukwueze, despite being sidelined due to injury, made history as the first Nigerian to win major trophies in both Spain (UEFA Europa League with Villarreal) and Italy (Supercoppa Italiana with AC Milan). Although he missed the final due to a hamstring injury, his registration for the competition made him eligible for the winner’s medal. This achievement sets him apart from other Nigerian football legends who have played in both leagues.
Alex Iwobi etched his name in Premier League history by becoming the first Nigerian player to appear in all 38 matches of a season twice, achieving the feat with Everton in the 2022/23 season and again with Fulham in the 2024/25 season. He also made a significant individual contribution to Fulham’s campaign with nine goals and six assists, his best statistical season in the Premier League to date, highlighting his growing influence in English football. His achievement puts him ahead of other Nigerian players who have accomplished the feat of playing in all 38 games once, including Joseph Yobo, Victor Moses, and Wilfred Ndidi. These collective achievements of Nigerian players demonstrate their growing influence and impact on European football.
