Nigerian Footballers Abroad: A Festive Flurry of Goals and Assists
As 2024 draws to a close, Nigerian footballers plying their trade in leagues across the globe delivered a flurry of impressive performances, offering their fans both at home and abroad an early Christmas treat. Leading the charge was Victor Osimhen, who continued his prolific form for Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig. His brace against Kayserispor in a dominant 5-1 victory not only extended his team’s lead at the top of the table but also underlined his importance to the Turkish giants. Osimhen’s two goals bring his league tally to an impressive nine, alongside three assists in just 11 appearances. His overall contribution since joining on loan in January stands at a remarkable 12 goals and five assists in 15 games across all competitions, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most impactful players.
David Okereke, another Nigerian forward making waves in Turkey, played a key role in Gaziantep’s 2-0 win over Antalyaspor. While he didn’t find the net himself, Okereke’s astute assist for Kacper Kozlowski set up the opening goal, demonstrating his growing influence within the team. Meanwhile, Super Eagles midfield duo Ibrahim Olawoyin and Babajide Akintola, who have both contributed goals and assists for Rizespor this season, were unable to prevent their team’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of Goztepe.
In the English Premier League, the Fulham pair of Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey featured in a goalless draw against Southampton. While Iwobi, fresh off a brace against Brighton, saw his goal streak come to an end, Bassey’s return to the starting lineup helped solidify Fulham’s defense and secure a clean sheet. For Southampton, Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu saw action under interim management as their team battled to a draw, a result that offered a glimmer of hope in their fight against relegation. In the Championship, Josh Maja, despite not adding to his season tally, contributed to West Brom’s 2-0 victory over Bristol City. Maja, who already boasts double-digit goals this season, continues to be a vital asset for his team.
Ademola Lookman, recently crowned CAF Player of the Year, celebrated his award with a crucial goal for Atalanta in Serie A. His strike helped secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Empoli, extending Atalanta’s lead at the top of the Italian league. Lookman’s consistent performances, with nine goals and four assists in 14 league appearances, have been instrumental in Atalanta’s success this season. In Spain, Kelechi Iheanacho’s struggles for game time at Sevilla continued as he remained on the bench during their defeat against Real Madrid. While yet to make a significant impact in La Liga, Iheanacho’s prolific form in the Copa Del Rey, with three goals in two games, suggests his potential to contribute when given the opportunity.
Tolu Arokodare delivered a standout performance for Genk in the Belgian Pro League, scoring one and assisting another in their 2-0 win over Anderlecht. His impressive form this season, with 11 goals in 19 appearances, has propelled Genk to the top of the table and puts him within touching distance of his total goal tally from the previous season. Fellow Nigerian Raphael Onyedika was absent as Club Brugge sought to keep pace with Genk in the title race.
In France, Super Eagles defender Gabriel Osho played the full 90 minutes for Auxerre, but couldn’t prevent their exit from the Coup de France at the hands of Ligue 2 side USL Dunkerque. Osho’s commitment and defensive efforts, however, highlight his importance to the team as they navigate a challenging season.
This collective showcase of skill and determination from Nigerian players across various leagues underscores the growing influence of Nigerian talent in global football. From established stars like Osimhen and Lookman to emerging talents like Okereke and Arokodare, these players continue to impress with their contributions to their respective clubs, providing exciting moments for fans and raising hopes for the future of Nigerian football. Their performances also serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of these athletes, striving for success on the international stage and bringing pride to their nation. As the year draws to a close, the performances of these Nigerian players provide a positive outlook for the future, both for the players themselves and for the continued growth and recognition of Nigerian football on the world stage.
