Nigerian stars have lit up European football with spectacular goals in the first half of the 2024/25 season, with strikes ranging from acrobatic overhead kicks to long-range thunderbolts, PUNCH Sports Extra’s PETER AKINBO writes
Lookman (vs Fiorentina, September 15)
With Atalanta level in a thrilling encounter at the Gewiss Stadium, the Nigeria international took matters into his own hands. After receiving the ball on the left wing, Lookman showcased his quick feet and composure under pressure.
The forward cut inside with precision, leaving defenders in his wake before unleashing a low drive that somehow found its way through a crowd of Fiorentina defenders and into the near bottom corner, completing a remarkable turnaround for a 3-2 victory.
Lookman (vs Verona, October 26)
Already leading 4-0 in a dominant display, Lookman started a flowing move from midfield that epitomised Atalanta’s attacking prowess. The 27-year-old combined brilliantly with his teammates before finding himself in a dangerous position in the box. With the Verona defence expecting a shot towards the far post, Lookman produced a clever dummy that wrong-footed both defenders and goalkeeper before drilling a precise finish into the near bottom corner.
Lookman (vs Napoli, November 3)
Fresh from helping Atalanta establish an early lead at the Diego Maradona Stadium, the CAF African Footballer of The Year wasn’t done tormenting the Napoli defence. A swift counter-attack saw Charles De Ketelaere find Lookman with a cross-field pass.
The forward showed exceptional technique, cutting inside Giovanni Di Lorenzo before unleashing an unstoppable right-foot scorcher from outside the box. The power and precision of the strike left goalkeeper Alex Meret clutching at air despite getting a glove to it, doubling Atalanta’s lead in their impressive 3-0 triumph.
Osimhen (vs Kasimpasa, September 28)
Making only his third league appearance for Galatasaray, Osimhen was already causing havoc in the Kasimpasa defence after opening the scoring earlier. When a deep cross came floating into the box, the striker’s positioning suggested he had something special planned.
Despite tight marking from a defender, the Nigeria international showed remarkable athleticism and technique, swiveling his body to meet the cross with a perfectly executed volley that rocketed into the roof of the net, putting his side 2-0 up in what would eventually end as a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Osimhen (vs Antalyaspor, October 19)
After sitting out for two weeks with a hamstring injury, the 25-year-old made his return from the bench in spectacular fashion. As the match entered its closing stages with Galatasaray already two goals ahead, Osimhen decided to announce his comeback in style.
Demonstrating incredible acrobatic ability, the striker contorted his body in mid-air to connect with a cross, executing a stunning overhead kick that left the Antalyaspor goalkeeper rooted to the spot and sealed a comfortable 3-0 win.
Simon (vs Rennes, December 8)
With Nantes desperately seeking their first Ligue 1 victory since August and the derby against Rennes heading towards a goalless draw, Simon chose the perfect moment to produce something extraordinary. The winger collected the ball wide on the left with just minutes remaining.
Displaying exceptional close control, the 28-year-old weaved his way past two defenders before opening up his body and curling an exquisite right-footed shot into the top corner. The stunning 89th-minute strike not only secured a crucial 1-0 victory but also earned Simon a place in Whoscored.com’s Ligue 1 Team of the Week with a rating of 8.52.
Boniface (vs Hoffenheim, September 14)
Already on the scoresheet in Bayer Leverkusen’s dominant display, Boniface saved his best for last. The striker picked up the ball on the left wing with Hoffenheim’s defence seemingly well-positioned to handle any threat.
What followed was a masterclass in individual skill as the Nigerian powerfully drove forward, leaving defenders in his wake before unleashing an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
Iwobi (vs Wolves, November 23)
The Fulham midfielder has always been known for his technical ability, but this strike at Craven Cottage was something special. Receiving the ball in space 20 yards from goal, Iwobi spotted an opportunity that few others would have attempted.
With supreme confidence, he shaped his body before curling a stunning left-footed effort that arced beautifully into the top corner.
Aina (vs West Ham, November 2)
The versatile defender showed he’s more than just a defensive specialist. After working his way into an advanced position on the left flank, Aina spotted an opening in the West Ham defence.
Cutting inside onto his weaker left foot, the 28-year-old unleashed a sensational strike that flew into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. It was Aina’s first goal for Forest and helped secure an impressive 3-0 victory at the City Ground.
