2024/25: 5 under-the-radar Nigerian talents to follow across Europe this season

Published on by Godfred Budu

Mainstream European club football kicks off next weekend, and Nigerian fans can expect the country's top stars to illuminate their various various teams and competitions.

Also worth looking out for, however, are the lesser-known gems, some young, all of whom are well-placed to have break-out seasons. Here are five, one from each of the major European leagues.

Premier League: Ethan Nwaneri

Of the current crop coming through Hale End, there is none more highly-rated than Ethan Nwaneri. His rise has been remarkable, culminating in him becoming the youngest to ever feature in an English top-flight game two seasons ago, aged just 15 years and 181 days.

There might still be too much quality in the Arsenal midfield for Nwaneri — who remains eligible for Nigeria, by the way — to successfully crack the starting XI right now, but he has been extensively featured in preseason and another year with the first team surely presents a chance to knock even harder on Mikel Arteta's door.

2024/25: 5 under-the-radar Nigerian talents to follow across Europe this season
Photo by IMAGO

Serie A: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru 

When young Fisayo Dele-Bashiru swapped Manchester City for English lower-tier side Sheffield Wednesday four years ago, it felt he had strayed too far from the destiny predicted for him.

However, a stellar few seasons for the Owls, followed by a similarly confounding move to Hatayspor in Turkey, has now seen him join Italian capital outfit Lazio on loan.

2024/25: 5 under-the-radar Nigerian talents to follow across Europe this season
Photo by IMAGO

Under the Eagles’ new trainer Marco Baroni, midfielder Dele-Bashiru — whose goal, on his competitive debut for Nigeria last June, handed the Super Eagles their only point thus far in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying — can truly soar at a height that matches his talent.

La Liga: Chrisantus Uche 

From the streets of Owerri, Chrisantus Uche has worked his way up to Spain's La Liga.

He spent a couple of seasons with Moralo and Ceuta in the Iberian nation's nether divisions, but it quickly became clear the towering midfielder was too good for that level, with top-flight Getafe moving to snap him up in February 2024.

2024/25: 5 under-the-radar Nigerian talents to follow across Europe this season
Photo by IMAGO

That move has now materialised, and while Uche would go into the new season with modest ambitions and realistic expectations, he would, no doubt, be raring to prove his journey so far has been no fluke.

Ligue 1: Victor Orakpo

Another whose move was secured earlier this year yet flew somewhat under the radar. Victor Orakpo, who first rose to prominence through the FC bayern Youth Cup, was courted by A-list European clubs, before deciding Nice would be better-suited to facilitating his long-term development.

Starting off with the reserves, the striker, 18, scored seven goals in eight matches and was swiftly promoted to the Nice first team this summer.

2024/25: 5 under-the-radar Nigerian talents to follow across Europe this season
Photo by OGC Nice

And even if that promotion does not come with guaranteed playing time (trainer Franck Haise would likely wish to rely on more experienced options, like Nigeria international Terem Moffi), Orakpo's vast potential had garnered recognition within the club, and it is only a matter of time before he explodes in the League of Talents.

Bundesliga: Dapo Afoloyan

At just 26, Dapo Afolayan is already something of a wanderer.

The former Chelsea youth has already played in Canada and done the rounds across the English football pyramid, with his most notable stint there coming at Bolton Wanderers, where his style drew comparisons with that of compatriot and Trotters legend Jay-Jay Okocha.

2024/25: 5 under-the-radar Nigerian talents to follow across Europe this season

Since January last year, though, Afolayan has been at German club St. Pauli. He has been impactful, even netting two of the goals (and assisting the third) in the 3-1 victory over Osnabruck last season that returned the notoriously left-leaning club to the Bundesliga after over a decade out.

Preseason has been kind to the winger — he scored one and set up another strike in his team's latest friendly, against UEFA Europa League holders Atalanta — and Afolayan will be confident the new season itself proves no less fruitful.

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Godfred Budu

Godfred Budu, a Ghanaian sports journalist, brings a dynamic perspective to the field with over a decade of experience. Having contributed to esteemed platforms such as Kickgh.com and Inkandkicks.com. Godfred is recognised for his insightful commentary and in-depth analysis of African football.
His passion for storytelling and commitment to accuracy have established him as a trusted authority in sports journalism in Ghana, captivating audiences with his engaging narratives and unparalleled expertise.
Godfred holds a degree in Integrated Development Studies (Social and Development Administration option) from the University for Development Studies, Ghana.