Nigerian stars are taking Europe by storm this season, with Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare and Ademola Lookman leading the way as the country’s most prolific footballers across the continent’s top leagues. The trio have been in scintillating form, registering impressive numbers in goals and assists for their respective clubs, PETER AKINBO writes
Victor Osimhen (25 – 20 goals, five assists)
Victor Osimhen has been in breathtaking form since joining Galatasaray, racking up an impressive 20 goals and five assists in just 27 appearances across all competitions this season. The 25-year-old striker has been particularly lethal in the Turkish Super Lig, where he has netted 14 goals and provided four assists in 19 matches.
The Nigeria international has also extended his goalscoring prowess to the Europa League, registering six goals and one assist in seven appearances. His consistent performances have been crucial to Galatasaray’s title charge, with the Istanbul giants currently sitting six points clear at the top of the table.
However, Osimhen’s scoring streak has recently hit a slight bump as Galatasaray have failed to find the net in consecutive matches, including a goalless draw against fierce rivals Fenerbahce in last Monday’s intercontinental derby.
Despite this mini drought, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk will be counting on his star striker to rediscover his scoring touch when they travel to face Kasimpasa on Sunday (today).
The reverse fixture between these two sides earlier in the season ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, but Galatasaray had won five straight meetings against Kasimpasa before that, including two victories at Kasimpasa’s home ground.
United in Focus understands Manchester United have been monitoring Osimhen’s performances with keen interest. Sources reveal that United scouts have been impressed with the Nigerian’s physical attributes and mentality in Turkey.
With the Red Devils reportedly seeking a guaranteed goalscorer to replace the struggling Rasmus Hojlund, who has netted just two goals in 22 games, Osimhen’s record of 20 goals in 26 appearances this season makes him an attractive option for the Premier League giants.
Tolu Arokodare (25 – 18 goals, seven assists)
Towering striker Tolu Arokodare has been in sensational form for table-toppers Genk in Belgium, amassing 18 goals and seven assists in 33 appearances across all competitions this season.
The 24-year-old has established himself as the leading scorer in the Belgium Jupiler Pro League with 16 goals in 28 matches.
Arokodare consolidated his position at the top of the scoring charts when he found the net during Genk’s 1-1 draw against Sporting Charleroi on Friday night.
The striker broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, heading home a cross from teammate Jarne Steuckers, before the home team snatched a late equaliser through Daan Heymans’ 90th-minute penalty.
That goal was particularly significant for Arokodare as it saw him surpass his previous best scoring season, when he netted 15 goals for Latvian top-flight club Valmiera in the 2020 campaign.
This latest strike also means he has now scored against 12 different teams this season, namely OH Leuven, Club Brugge, Beerschot VA, Cercle Brugge, FCV Dender EH, Sint-Truiden, KAA Gent, Charleroi, RSC Anderlecht, Antwerp, KVC Westerlo and Standard Liege.
Arokodare’s prolific form has not only helped Genk establish a 10-point lead over closest rivals and defending champions Club Brugge but has also caught the attention of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.
The striker, who is yet to make his international debut, will be hoping his impressive displays are enough to earn him a call-up for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
Ademola Lookman (24 – 17 goals, seven assists)
Ademola Lookman completes the trio of high-performing Nigerians in Europe with 17 goals and seven assists in 30 appearances for Atalanta this season.
The 27-year-old winger has been instrumental in La Dea’s impressive campaign, netting 12 goals and providing five assists in 21 Serie A matches, while also contributing five goals and two assists in seven Champions League appearances.
Despite these impressive numbers, Lookman endured a frustrating night as Atalanta’s Serie A title hopes suffered a significant blow following a 0-0 draw against relegation-threatened Venezia at the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday. The Nigerian forward was at the heart of Atalanta’s best attacking moments but couldn’t find the decisive breakthrough.
In the 39th minute, the Super Eagles star dazzled with a clever dribble into the box before setting up Davide Zappacosta with an audacious backheel pass, but the former Chelsea full-back’s clipped finish struck the outside of the post. Lookman was again instrumental moments later, delivering a dangerous cross from the right that narrowly evaded Charles De Ketelaere.
Lookman had a golden opportunity to snatch victory in the 83rd minute when Sead Kolasinac’s flicked header from a corner found him unmarked at the far post, but the Nigerian blazed his effort over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
The forward’s missed chances came at a difficult time following his decisive penalty miss in Atalanta’s Champions League exit earlier in the week — a moment that had already drawn sharp criticism from head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Despite these recent setbacks, Lookman’s numbers this season remain impressive, especially considering he missed several weeks through injury.
The result leaves Atalanta at risk of losing ground in the Serie A title race, with the Bergamo club currently sitting third behind leaders Inter Milan and second-placed Napoli.
