The year 2024 has been a whirlwind for Nigerian football, filled with remarkable achievements and some challenges.
At the start of the year, the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on gold, finishing second at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
On the women’s front, the Super Falcons made history by qualifying for both the Olympic Games and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
While the Super Eagles had a slightly bumpy ride, they managed to secure qualification for the next AFCON, showcasing resilience under pressure.
Enyimba also brought pride to the nation by reaching the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, cementing their status as one of Nigeria’s top clubs.
In youth football, the Flamingos and Falconets held their own at the FIFA U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups, while the Flying Eagles soared to victory in the WAFU B U-20 Men’s Tournament.
As we enter 2025, there is hope and optimism that Nigerian football will continue its upward trajectory.
Here are some predictions for what lies ahead in Nigerian football this year.
Predictions for Nigerian football in 2025
Super Eagles to go unbeaten in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers
The FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025, with the Super Eagles aiming to overturn their shaky start and secure a spot at the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Currently, Nigeria sits fifth in their six-team group, with just two points from four games.
Group leaders Rwanda, along with South Africa and Benin, are on seven points, separated by goal difference.
Despite the odds, 2025 promises a resurgence.
The Super Eagles are tipped to win all their remaining six matches, pulling off a miraculous comeback to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Super Falcons to reclaim African throne
After falling to Morocco in the semi-finals of the last WAFCON, the Super Falcons are on a mission to reclaim their dominance.
Although the team is in a rebuilding phase, their recent accolades, including the award for Africa Women’s Team of the Year, show they remain a force to be reckoned with.
This year, the Super Falcons will go all the way to the WAFCON final, and recapture their spot as the continent's elite women's team.
Ademola Lookman will lead Atalanta to first-ever Scudetto
Ademola Lookman’s meteoric rise continues, with the Nigerian forward spearheading Atalanta’s charge for their first Serie A title.
Following his Europa League triumph and recognition as Africa’s best player, Lookman has maintained his stellar form, contributing nine goals and five assists in 15 league matches.
With Atalanta tied on points with Napoli at the top of Serie A, Lookman’s leadership and brilliance are expected to guide the Bergamo-based club to a historic league title.
Remo Stars will claim first-ever NPFL title
Having come close in previous seasons, Remo Stars are poised to make history by clinching their first NPFL title.
Currently leading the table with 36 points at the halfway mark, the Ikenne-based club, under the astute guidance of coach Dan Ogunmodede, looks unstoppable.
With reinforcements expected during the transfer window and a display of remarkable consistency, Remo Stars will emerge as champions of the 2024/25 NPFL season.
Victor Osimhen will hit the Premier League
Victor Osimhen’s exploits at Galatasaray have made him one of Europe’s hottest transfer targets.
Despite ruling out a winter move, the Super Eagles star has attracted interest from top clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
By the summer of 2025, Osimhen is predicted to move to the English Premier League, taking his goal-scoring prowess to one of football’s most competitive leagues.
Nigeria will three-peat the CAF Player of the Year award
After being overlooked in 2024, Victor Boniface is set for a redemption arc in 2025.
The Bayer Leverkusen striker, who was instrumental in their unbeaten Bundesliga campaign last season, is expected to regain top form and dominate in the coming year.
With his undeniable talent and determination, Boniface is primed to claim the African Footballer of the Year award, following in the footsteps of compatriot Ademola Lookman.
Nasarawa United & Lobi Stars will be relegated from the NPFL
Struggling North-Central neighbours Nasarawa United and Lobi Stars have endured a torrid season in the NPFL. Nasarawa United languish at the bottom of the table with 19 points, while Lobi Stars are just a point ahead.
Off-field issues, including crowd trouble and administrative instability, have compounded their woes. Unfortunately, the lack of significant improvements suggests both clubs are destined for relegation.
Enyimba will reach (at least) the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup
Though it seems impossible at the moment considering their position on the log in their group, Enyimba will a lot of people and make it to the semis of the competition.
Their resurgence will start in their next game against Black Bulls of Mozambique at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
From being rooted to the bottom of Group D with just a point after three games, they will turn-around their campaign and make it out of the group.
Nnadozie will remain Africa's best
Unarguably the best goalkeeper on the continent, Nnadozie has continued to shine for hr club Paris FC and the Super Falcons.
This year, she will do better than she did last year and will also have a stellar showing at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
With what she is poised to achieve in 2025, she will win the award for the third straight year when the annual awards come around.
