As 2025 begins, footballers of Nigerian descent across the globe are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling year of competition.
From CAF and FIFA fixtures to club-level battles, the calendar is packed, offering players ample opportunities to shine. Every year, fresh talent emerges, and this one is no exception.
Here, we spotlight five young players of Nigerian heritage who are poised for significant breakthroughs in 2025.
Ayodele Thomas
The 17-year-old forward, is steadily carving a niche for himself in Dutch football. Born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father and Croatian mother, Ayodele currently plays for PSV Eindhoven’s youth setup. Although primarily deployed as a left-winger, he has also excelled in various attacking roles.
Ayo began his development at Feyenoord’s academy before switching to PSV, where he now trains occasionally with the first team. The teenager even joined PSV’s senior squad during their pre-season tour and has featured prominently for their U21 side in the Eerste Divisie, gaining valuable experience in the UEFA Youth League.
Internationally, he is eligible for both Nigeria and the Netherlands and currently represents the Dutch U18 team. A recent trip to Nigeria, where he immersed himself in the culture, has sparked conversations about his potential allegiance to the Super Eagles in the future.
Jaynilson Geoffery
Jaynilson Geoffery, 19, is another exciting talent with Nigerian roots. The attacking midfielder, born to a Nigerian father and South Sudanese mother in the Netherlands, has transitioned well since leaving Ajax’s academy.
Now at ADO Den Haag, Jaynilson has split his time between their U21 side and the senior squad.
In the U21 Division 1 Fall league, he has made 12 appearances and scored three goals. Additionally, he has featured twice in the Eerste Divisie for the senior team this season.
Jaynilson has publicly expressed his desire to represent Nigeria and has made inquiries about eligibility for the 2025 U20 AFCON in South Africa.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro
Since joining Inter Milan from Remo Stars in January 2023, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has shown steady growth. The 19-year-old midfielder made his senior debut for Inter in February, contributing to a commanding 4-0 victory over Lecce.
Currently on loan at Sampdoria in Serie B, Akinsanmiro has adapted impressively to European football. Despite managerial changes at Sampdoria, he has become a reliable presence in midfield, making 19 appearances and starting nine games. He has accumulated 876 minutes on the pitch, earning two Team of the Week honors in the process.
This season marks Akinsanmiro’s first full campaign in Europe, and his performances could pave the way for a return to Inter’s first team. A call-up to the Super Eagles may not be far off if he continues on his current trajectory.
Kazeem Olaigbe
The former Southampton youngster is making waves in the Belgian Pro League with Cercle Brugge. Olaigbe has made 16 league appearances this season, starting seven matches and scoring three goals.
The 21-year-old winger’s attacking prowess extends to European competitions, where he has netted three times in the Europa Conference League.
Olaigbe, who currently represents Belgium at the U21 level, remains eligible for the Super Eagles. While the Nigerian Football Federation has yet to approach him, his awareness of his Nigerian roots keeps the door open for a potential switch.
With his 22nd birthday approaching, Olaigbe is now focused on breaking into senior national team football.
Ahmed Akinyele
Ahmed Akinyele is the only player on this list plying his trade in Nigeria, but his talent is undeniable.
The 19-year-old defender was in top-tier form for Remo Stars last season, scoring five goals in 28 league appearances to help his team qualify for the CAF Champions League.
This season, Akinyele has featured in 10 of Remo Stars’ 19 league matches and has also played in two CAF Champions League preliminary fixtures.
As a vital cog in Daniel Ogunmodede’s system, Akinyele continues to prove his value in the Nigerian Premier Football League.
