Nigerian Players Shine In 2023/24 Season Across Europe And Beyond (Details)

Nigerian Players Shine In 2023/24 Season Across Europe And Beyond (Details)

The 2023/24 season is done and dusted, but it’s a campaign that will live in the memory of many Nigerian players for a long time following their successes with their respective clubs across Europe and beyond, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

While the 2022/23 season was all about Victor Osimhen guiding Napoli to their first Scudetto title in over three decades, the just-concluded season saw several Nigerians make history in Germany, Italy, Belgium, Serbia, and England.

In Italy, Ademola Lookman emerged as the man who helped Atalanta end their over six-decade wait for a trophy, cementing his status as a club hero. At 26, Lookman had no significant club trophy other than the U-20 World Cup with England, but he led Atalanta to their first trophy in 61 years. Lookman was the hero in the Europa League final, scoring a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, the first player to do so in the competition’s final. His season stats included 16 goals and nine assists, marking his best career performance.

In Germany, Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella celebrated a domestic double with Leverkusen, winning the Bundesliga and German Cup unbeaten. Despite losing the Europa League final to Atalanta, their season was marked by an impressive 51-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. Boniface, despite an injury that sidelined him for almost four months, scored 21 goals and provided 10 assists in 34 games, earning the Bundesliga Rookie of The Season. Tella, known for his reliability, made 42 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing six assists.

In Belgium, Raphael Onyedika played a key role in Club Brugge’s 19th league title, appearing in 29 games and contributing three goals and one assist. His performance in the playoffs was crucial, particularly his brace against Anderlecht.

In Serbia, Peter Olayinka helped Red Star Belgrade secure the league and cup titles, scoring twice in the decisive 4-1 victory over Cukaricki. He ended the season with 10 goals and seven assists.

In England, Joe Aribo, Wilfred Ndidi, and Kelechi Iheanacho made their way back to the Premier League with Southampton and Leicester City. Aribo found his stride under Russell Martin, while Ndidi was instrumental in Leicester’s promotion, scoring four goals and providing five assists. Iheanacho contributed five goals and one assist despite an injury-disrupted season.

Former Nigeria junior international Abdul Ajagun also had a notable season, winning the Jordanian League title with Al-Hussein Sports Club, departing the club on a high note as his contract expires in June.

Published By: Destiny.Jnr