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From historic cup triumphs in Turkey to unprecedented feats in Portugal, Nigerian footballers once again left an indelible mark across Europe during the 2024/25 season. For the third year running, Super Eagles and Super Falcons stars have not only lifted trophies but shattered long-standing records and elevated the global status of Nigerian football.
Victor Osimhen’s blockbuster loan move from Napoli to Galatasaray was initially met with curiosity but the Super Eagles talisman quickly turned it into a season for the ages. He scored 36 goals in all competitions, breaking Brazilian legend, Mario Jardel’s 24-year record for most goals by a foreign player in a single Turkish season.
New tournament. Same goal ?
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Osimhen’s goals powered Galatasaray to their first Turkish Cup win in six years and their first domestic double since 2019. His brace in the Cup final against Trabzonspor sealed the title while his 25 league goals earned him the Super Lig Golden Boot and helped the club clinch their record-extending 25th league crown.
With this feat, Osimhen not only conquered Turkey, but once again proved why he’s one of the most feared strikers in world football.
In France, Chiamaka Nnadozie continued her ascent as one of the world’s premier goalkeepers. The Super Falcons star was the match-winner in Paris FC’s Coupe de France Féminine final against Paris Saint-Germain, making two crucial saves in a nail-biting 5-4 penalty shootout victory.
The triumph was Paris FC’s first major trophy since 2005 and ended a near two-decade drought. Nnadozie’s performance earned her widespread acclaim, coming off a season where she was named in the Arkema Première Ligue Team of the Season for a second year running.
“This is a dream come true,” she said after lifting the trophy. And indeed, her dream has become a shining symbol of Nigeria’s dominance on the European stage.
At Nottingham Forest, Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi played key roles in a stunning campaign that saw the club qualify for European competition for the first time since 1996.
Aina was a defensive rock and attacking outlet, making 35 appearances and contributing two goals and an assist. His consistency helped Forest climb from 17th last season to a remarkable seventh-place finish this term, just shy of UEFA Champions League qualification. Despite a narrow final-day loss to Chelsea, Forest will feature in the UEFA Conference League next season.
While Awoniyi’s season was less prolific, recovering from injury, his goals from last year proved pivotal in keeping the club afloat. The Nigerian duo now enters a new chapter in Forest’s revival, with Europe once again on the horizon.
No Nigerian footballer has dominated domestic football this season quite like Christy Ucheibe. The Super Falcons midfielder helped Benfica win their fifth consecutive Liga BPI title and fourth straight Portuguese Cup, becoming the first Nigerian to achieve both feats in a European league.
Ucheibe’s header in a 3-0 win over Valadares Gaia secured the league title, capping off another commanding campaign. Since arriving in 2020, she has amassed a perfect haul five league titles, five Taça da Liga crowns, and a growing reputation as one of the continent’s elite midfielders.
At just 23, Ucheibe’s blend of leadership, defensive intelligence, and big-game impact continues to make her an indispensable figure in Benfica’s dynasty.
?? Nigeria vs Ghana ??
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The Jollof Derby lights up London in the Unity Cup tomorrow. Squad news, predictions, and everything you need to know ?
Despite missing the Supercoppa Italiana final due to injury, Samuel Chukwueze made history as the first Nigerian to win major trophies in both Spain and Italy. AC Milan edged rivals Inter Milan 3-2 in a thrilling final, adding to Chukwueze’s 2021 UEFA Europa League triumph with Villarreal.
His medal cements his place among Nigeria’s elite in European football surpassing legends who played across top leagues but never lifted trophies in multiple countries.
Alex Iwobi also carved his name into Premier League history, becoming the first Nigerian to play all 38 games of a season on two occasions. The Fulham midfielder matched his 2022/23 feat with Everton, but this time added more flair: nine goals and six assists in his most productive Premier League campaign to date.
Among Nigerians who have completed all 38 matches in a season – Joseph Yobo, Victor Moses, and Wilfred Ndidi – Iwobi stands alone in repeating the feat, showcasing not just durability but creative influence.
From the goalposts in France to the frontline in Turkey, Nigerian players have not only lifted trophies but redefined excellence across Europe. With each passing season, they continue to inspire the next generation showing that Nigerian talent, when nurtured and unleashed, is not just capable of competing but of dominating the global football stage.
