Top Goal Scorers, Creators, and Standout Performers of the Season

Nigerian footballers have been making their presence felt in the best football leagues in Europe not only by their flair but also in terms of goal production and all-round performances. They are deciding games week in, week out. We have household names like Victor Osimhen, and upcoming playmakers and seasoned forwards to follow. Below is a breakdown of some of the players causing ripples in Europe with goals, assists, and big performances thus far this season.

Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray

The high profile transfer of Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray attracted worldwide attention. He was sold to Turkish football at a then record fee after leaving Napoli and the pressure on him was huge. As expected, Osimhen has opened his account with a bang, as he got Galatasaray rolling with his classic lightning pace, tactical movements, and ruthless goal-scoring abilities.

Samuel Chukwueze – Fulham (on loan from AC Milan)

Samuel Chukwueze has also swapped the Serie A with the Premier League where he joined English Premier League side Fulham on loan from AC Milan. The transfer is already paying off both to club and to player: Chukwueze is establishing himself as a reliable winger in the Fulham lineup, creating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Chukwueze is naturally quick and can beat defenders easily in one on one situations, thus making him one of the most outstanding Nigerian creators in Europe. His crossing and cutback skills have put him at the heart of the Fulham attack.

Kelechi Iheanacho – Celtic

Following a journeyman years which took him to Spain and England, Kelechi Iheanacho has settled well at Celtic. This transfer has provided him with a consistent starting position and confidence. Iheanacho comes with a lot of European experience, positional awareness, and quick finishing instincts.

At Celtic, he is playing a central role in attack, connecting effectively with the midfielders and finding feet with crucial goals. His tactical range will qualify him as one of the most tactically versatile forwards in Europe among Nigerians.

Taiwo Awoniyi – Nottingham Forest

Taiwo Awoniyi plays for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League. He is a good attacking pick when fit, known for his strong hold-up skills, aerial prowess, and instinctive poaching abilities that make him a handful for defenders.

Awoniyi still provides a physical dimension despite the injuries that have seemingly slowed him down.  If he can remain fit, he is one player who can carry the Nigerian flag high in one of the biggest leagues in Europe.

Moses Simon – Nantes

Moses Simon has quietly established himself as one of the most consistent attackers from Nigeria. Playing in the French Ligue 1 for Nantes, Simon enjoyed a fantastic 2024/25 season with a good mix of goals and assists, and he seems to carried the form to this 2025/26 season.

Simon is always a threat due to his creativity on the wing and his scoring input. His experience and eye for goal are important for Nantes, particularly in close matches in which a moment of quality can serve to change the result.

Key trends to watch 

• Goal scorers vs. creators: Osimhen and Chukwueze are proven goalscorers, whereas Simon is good at creating opportunities. This is the balance that is crucial to their clubs and to the Super Eagles attacking options. 
• Influence of new clubs: Transfers have been significant this season. Osimhen at Galatasaray, Chukwueze at Fulham, and Iheanacho at Celtic are already enjoying new settings that provide them with additional responsibility and minutes. 
• Injury and form cycles: The limited playing time of Awoniyi demonstrates that injuries can alter the career path of a player very fast. On the other hand, the stability of Nantes is emphasized by the consistency of Simon. 
• Numbers matter: There are underlying numbers that provide a better understanding of who is really playing well week in, week out beyond just raw goals and assists. Expected goals (xG), expected assists (xA), key passes and minutes played.

Final verdict 

Victor Osimhen is obviously taking the Nigerian offensive in Europe this season, spearheading the attack of Galatasaray with goals and star power. Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon, operating at Fulham and Nantes respectively, provide Nigeria with a healthy representation in the best leagues. The return of Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic and Taiwo Awoniyi as an option when fit completes a powerful attack force.

The season is only young and the future is still open to new names but currently, the European representatives of Nigeria are combining goals, assists and game time in an impressive manner.