In the ever-dynamic landscape of European football, the Super Eagles continued to make headlines and mesmerize fans with their dazzling performances and contributions to their clubs.
While the likes of Victor Boniface have led their team to their domestic league title, others are battling to put their clubs at the forefront of qualifying for Europe or striving to get respectable spots on their various league tables as the European season winds down.
In a two-part series, afrik-foot takes a look at the Super Eagles stars with the most goal contributions in all competitions in Europe’s top leagues. Here is part one.
1. Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
28 GC – 18 goals, 10 assists
One of the breakout stars of the season in Europe for Nigeria, as he took to the Bundesliga like a duck to water after his move to the German champions from Belgian side Union St Gilliose.
Donning the Bayer Leverkusen jersey, Boniface has showcased his lethal finishing ability with an impressive tally of 18 goals in all competitions.
But his impact doesn't stop there.
With 10 assists to his name, Boniface has proven to be not only a prolific goal scorer but also a creator, playing a vital role in his team's attacking endeavours alongside the likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirzt as Leverkusen won the title for the first time.
2. Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland)
28 GC – 20 goals, 8 assists
Back in the Super Eagles after a two-year absence, Cyriel Dessers has come into his own after his move from Italian side Cremonese to Glasgow Rangers.
Dessers has been a revelation for Rangers, spearheading their attacking line with aplomb. With 19 goals to his credit, the 29-year-old has consistently found the back of the net, earning plaudits for his clinical finishing and goal-scoring instinct.
His physical play and ability to hold on to the ball and play others in have seen him notch eight assists as Rangers trail Celtic on the Scottish Premiership table with three points.
Maybe his goals and assists can help his team overtake their rivals Celtic.
3. Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Italy)
20 GC – 16 goals, 4 assists
It has not been the best of seasons' for Victor Osimhen, as a combination of injuries, international duty commitments and loss of form by Napoli contrived to deny him the chance to replicate last season’s heroics.
Osimhen was the main man for Napoli as they won the Scudetto last season, scoring 26 goals. But the team have been a shadow of themselves this term, and have been dethroned by Inter Milan as Italian champions.
Despite the setbacks, Osimhen’s goal per game ratio isn’t exactly bad. In 28 games across all competitions, the 25-year-old has scored 15 goals and also has four assists to his name as the Serie A winds down.
He might just have time to add more to his tally before the season comes to an end.
4. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
18 GC – 11 goals, 7 assists
The former Fulham star is having his blast this season for club and country, as he has become one of the mainstays for the Super Eagles.
He was voted into the Team of the Tournament as Nigeria got to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations and has taken that form to his club.
Last Wednesday, Lookman scored a goal and assisted another to lead his team to a 4-1 win over Fiorentina and a spot in the Coppa Italia final.
His dynamism has been on full display for Atalanta this season, as the winger-turned-forward continues to dazzle with his attacking prowess.
With 10 goals to his name, Lookman has proven to be a reliable goal-scoring threat for Atalanta, often delivering in crucial moments.
Moreover, his seven assists underline his ability to create opportunities for his teammates, making him a valuable asset in Atalanta's quest for a spot in Europe for next season.
5. Terem Moffi (OG Nice)
13 GC – 11 goals, 2 assists
Another player who was part of Nigeria’s AFCON silver-winning team who is doing well at his club. Moffi has been making waves in Ligue 1 with his eye-catching performances for OGC Nice as the Cote d'Azur-based club are in fifth place on the table, and are looking to catch up to the European spots.
With 11 goals to his credit, Moffi has showcased his knack for finding the back of the net with his lethal finishing ability.
He has also provided two assists and looks good for more despite missing a month of the season due to his involvement with the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations.
