The 2024/25 elite European football season has now drawn to a close, and what a campaign it has been. Napoli managed to edge Inter Milan to the Serie A title after a frantic run-in. Now, the Nerazzurri must hope that they secure redemption by winning the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Munich.
Elsewhere, Barcelona enforced their dominance over rivals Real Madrid with four victories against them this term, victories crucial in securing a domestic treble. Los Blancos, however, will have one final opportunity to salvage their season when they head to the United States to contest the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, and sportsbooks like Bovada think the Spanish giants are in with a shot of reigning supreme. The latest odds from the popular Bovada betting site currently price Real as a +450 joint favourite alongside Manchester City to leave MetLife Stadium on July 13th with the title. But what of the Nigerian contingent?
Well, the 2024/25 season has been a stellar one for Super Eagles currently plying their trade in Europe. And when it comes to strikers, plenty of players with Nigerian descent have been plundering the goals left, right, and centre. Here are the three who have scored more than anyone else this term.
Victor Osimhen
Hitman Victor Osimhen has long been Nigeria’s leading light, but many wondered how he would fare this term after his tumultuous time last summer. 12 months ago, the former Genk star made headlines for announcing his intentions to leave Napoli. Incoming manager Antonio Conte duly obliged and allowed his star striker to leave the club, but he did so by slapping a €100m asking price on his head.
Despite plenty of potential suitors, nobody was willing to fork out that kind of money, and Osimhen was forced to consider alternatives. In the end, he settled for a loan move to Galatasaray, and he has found the back of the net with his usual aplomb. No Nigerian has scored more goals than the 26-year-old this term, with him bagging a whopping 36 goals in 40 appearances. Those exploits have helped Gala win both the Turkish league and cup, prompting the Istanbul outfit to bid their talisman a heartfelt goodbye.
Back in Naples, the Partenopei surprisingly managed to win the Scudetto without Osimhen, outlasting the heavily favoured Inter en route to the gold. Now, their Nigerian striker will return, but his stint back in the city he once called his home is expected to be shortlisted. Plenty of clubs are interested in his signature, just as they were a year ago, and it remains to be seen where he will end up.
Promise David
While Osimhen’s transfer rumours were front-page news last summer, few had even heard of Promise David. Three years ago, the unheralded striker was turning out in tiny Malta for the likes of Valletta and Sirens. However, 23 goals in just 21 games for Estonian outfit Kalju put him on the radar of Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, and they duly paid just €400,000 to seal the deal.
The transfer was hardly a noteworthy one, but after the amount of goals he has scored in his debut season in Belgium, his next move may well be a blockbuster one. David has bagged 22 goals in all competitions this season, helping Union to their first Belgian Pro League title in 90 years. But unfortunately for Super Eagles supporters, don’t expect to see the red-hot striker donning the famous Nigeria green anytime soon.
Despite representing Nigeria at the under-23 level, the 23-year-old recently declared himself for the Canadian national team. David is eligible for both countries, having been born to Nigerian parents in Canada. However, it seems like it is the Maple Leafs that will land the coveted striker, pairing him up with another David, namely Lille’s Jonathan, albeit the pair are of no relation.
Ademola Lookman
English-born winger Ademola Lookman has long been one of Nigeria’s brightest stars. For a while, though, it looked like he might never reach the heights expected of him after numerous mediocre stints in the Premier League and the Bundesliga. However, he then moved to Atalanta, scored a hat trick in last season’s successful Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, and the rest is history.
This season, the former Everton man has continued in the same kind of form that saw him nominated for the Ballon d’Or last season. 20 goals in 39 appearances helped Atalanta become Serie A contenders; however, poor form late in the season saw Inter and eventual champions Napoli pull away. Much like Osimhen, he could be set for a blockbuster move this summer, and it seems the Bergamo side has a challenge on their hands if they are to retain their prized asset into next term.
