As the 2025/26 European football season gathers momentum, Nigerian players are once again at the heart of the action across the continent’s top leagues.
From England to Spain, Germany to Turkey, they are not just representing their clubs but also carrying the hopes of millions of fans back home.
Here are 15 Nigerian internationals to watch as carve their names among Europe’s elite:
1. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Fresh from a stellar debut season where he scored 26 goals to inspire Galatasaray to a league and cup double, Osimhen is now a permanent signing from Napoli. The Super Eagles striker will be expected to raise the bar once more and reaffirm his place among Europe’s most lethal forwards.
2. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
Despite uncertainty over his future, Lookman remains one of Serie A’s most electrifying attackers. With Inter Milan circling, the winger’s dazzling runs and direct play could reach new heights this season.
3. Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)
The towering striker has already opened his account this season, showcasing the aerial dominance and composure that make him a constant threat in Belgium’s top flight—provided injuries stay away.
4. Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş, Turkey)
After nearly nine years at Leicester, Ndidi begins a new chapter in Turkey. His steel, tackling, and experience are expected to anchor Beşiktaş’s midfield as they chase Galatasaray for domestic supremacy.
5. Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
A quiet campaign last year has set the stage for a comeback. Now under Erik ten Hag, Tella is aiming to rediscover his cutting edge and make his mark in the Bundesliga.
6. Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
Last season was arguably Iwobi’s best in the Premier League, netting nine goals and driving Fulham to a record points tally. This year, he is expected to play an even bigger role under Marco Silva.
7. Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
With four goals and six assists last season, Uche is fast emerging as one of La Liga’s brightest midfielders. Still early in his career, he is tipped to shoulder even more responsibility for Getafe.
8. Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
Onuachu wasted no time making an impression this season, scoring the winner in Trabzonspor’s opener. After a difficult spell at Southampton, he looks ready to rebuild his career in Turkey.
9. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)
The dynamic midfielder showed flashes of brilliance last term, registering three goals in 20 appearances. Lazio will be counting on him to deliver more consistency as the season unfolds.
10. Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
Despite missing two months through suspension, Okoye remains a cornerstone of Udinese’s backline. His nine clean sheets last season underline his importance between the posts.
11. Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Aina’s defensive reliability and attacking surges down the flank were key to Forest’s push into European competition. His versatility makes him a vital asset yet again.
12. Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)
After glimpses of promise in preseason, Adams is looking to put an injury-troubled spell in France behind him. Sevilla fans will be hoping he establishes himself as a reliable scorer in La Liga.
13. Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
One of Europe’s breakout stars last season, Boniface will be eager to remain injury-free and continue tormenting defenders with his pressing, physicality, and finishing prowess.
14. Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
Bassey has grown into a defensive pillar at Fulham, combining strength with positional awareness. His presence at both ends of the pitch makes him invaluable for the London club.
15. Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)
Forest’s chief attacking weapon, Awoniyi remains a relentless box striker. Injuries have slowed him in the past, but a fully fit Awoniyi is among the most dangerous poachers in the Premier League.