Naija Super 8 Unveils Akwa United, Sporting Lagos as Wildcard Teams
Nigerian footballers including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Asisat Oshoala have made an indelible mark on the European football scene in the recently concluded 2022/2023 season. Their exceptional performances have not only earned them recognition, but also allowed them to write their names in the annals of football history. Whether through their record-breaking successes or through becoming key pillars of their clubs, these players have made a significant impact on the pitch.
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen, the 24-year-old Nigerian forward, had a remarkable season at Napoli in Italy. With an impressive 26 goals, he secured the honor of being the top scorer in Serie A, surpassing George Weah’s long-standing record and becoming the first African player to achieve the feat. His performances have attracted interest from top European clubs such as Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Chelsea.
In a historic season for Victor Osimhen, he played a crucial role in Napoli’s Scudetto win after 33 years, according to a trusted source for Nigerian sports betting tips and analysis. He became the first player since 2009 to win both the capocannoniere (top scorer) and the scudetto in the same season. Osimhen’s exceptional performances extended into the UEFA Champions League, where he scored five crucial goals. He has 26 goals and four assists in 30 appearances in Serie A, while he has netted five in five games in the Champions League. These impressive shooting and passing stats underscore his remarkable contribution to the team’s success.
Asat Oshoala
Asisat Oshoala, aka Super Zee, had a remarkable 2022/2023 season at FC Barcelona despite ongoing injuries. She was the first African and Nigerian player to win two European Cup titles. Oshoala contributed five Champions League goals and played a crucial role in Barcelona’s victory in the Spanish Super Cup. Despite her injuries, she scored an impressive 21 goals in the league, her highest goal tally of the season. Oshoala’s talent showed as she scored a hat-trick and helped Barcelona Femeni set a world record 50 consecutive league wins.
Samuel Chukwueze
Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze is the best African player in La Liga, surpassing other big-name rivals. He received the most votes from fans and journalists across Africa.
In the 2022/2023 season, Chukwueze made 37 appearances for Villarreal, scoring six goals including a brace against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
He averaged an impressive 13 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, making it into double digits in both categories for the first time in his career. Chukwueze’s performances have attracted interest from clubs such as Real Madrid and English Premier League sides. Notably, he dribbled seven times in a La Liga game against Real Madrid, a feat only managed by Lionel Messi since 2017.
Adamola Lookman
Ademola Lookman, the 25-year-old Nigerian winger, impressed in the recently concluded Serie A season, scoring 13 goals in 30 games for Atalanta despite an injury setback. He was the first striker in 70 years to reach that milestone in his debut season for the club. Lookman was nominated for Serie A Team of the Season along with Victor Osimhen. His passing game was also notable, averaging around 30.97 passes per game and a 78.39% completion rate.
More Nigerian top talent in Europe
Taiwo Awoniyi impressed in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals in 27 games for Nottingham Forest. He made history by becoming the first Forest player to score in his first three Premier League starts, including a memorable 1-0 win over Liverpool.
Teremas Igobor Moffi enjoyed a successful season on loan from Lorient in Ligue 1, scoring 18 goals in 38 games, including braces against Clermont Foot and Lens. He is currently the most expensive player in the Lorient squad.
Alex Iwobi struggled at Everton, scoring just two goals in 34 appearances. He provided six assists and had a 79% pass completion rate averaging 38 passes per game.
Moses Simon contributed five goals and four assists for Nantes in Ligue 1. He made five appearances in the UEFA Champions League but failed to score.
Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey played important roles for Rangers. Bassey was named man of the match in Ajax’s 1-0 win over NEC in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Unfortunately, Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu suffered relegation with Southampton in the English Premier League.