Ademola Lookman has solidified his position as Nigeria’s most prolific forward in 2024, leading the scoring charts among Nigerian players abroad. The Atalanta star delivered an impressive performance throughout the year, netting 22 goals and providing 12 assists across 42 games in all competitions, excluding club friendlies.
Lookman’s Stellar Year
Despite missing the early months of the year due to his participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, Lookman’s return to club football was nothing short of remarkable. The 27-year-old resumed action for Atalanta on February 25 in a match against AC Milan.
His first goal of 2024 came on March 3 in a 2-1 home loss to Bologna, followed by his first assist on April 7 during a 2-1 defeat at Cagliari. The highlight of Lookman’s year was his historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, which secured Atalanta’s first-ever European title.
Capping off a phenomenal year, Lookman was named the 2024 African Player of the Year, an honor that underscored his influence on and off the pitch.
Victor Osimhen: A Stormy but Productive Year
Victor Osimhen, another standout Nigerian forward, scored 21 goals and provided four assists in 29 games in 2024. However, the year was tumultuous for the 26-year-old, who began with Napoli before a high-profile loan move to Galatasaray.
After a rocky relationship with Napoli, Osimhen debuted for Galatasaray in the summer and immediately made an impact, registering three consecutive assists before scoring a brace in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa on September 28. He ended the year strongly, netting twice in Galatasaray’s 5-1 victory over Kayserispor.
Cyril Dessers: The Workhorse
Cyril Dessers had the highest goal tally among the featured players, scoring 25 goals and providing eight assists in 54 games for Rangers. The 30-year-old began the year with an assist in a 3-1 league victory over Kilmarnock on January 2 and scored his first goal in a 4-1 Scottish Cup win over Dumbarton later that month.
Despite his impressive numbers, Dessers ranked below Lookman in terms of overall impact due to the latter’s exceptional goals-plus-assists tally and team achievements.
Tolu Arokodare: Rising Star in Belgium
Tolu Arokodare continued his rise in European football with Genk, scoring 20 goals and providing four assists. The 23-year-old began 2024 with a goal in February and has been a pivotal figure for his team, topping the Belgium Pro League scoring chart with 13 goals in 20 games. His contributions have helped Genk maintain their lead in the league standings.
Victor Boniface: Resilient Despite Injuries
Victor Boniface faced an injury-ridden year but still managed to score 13 goals and register two assists in 26 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen. After missing the first quarter of 2024, Boniface marked his return in April with a goal in the Europa League against West Ham United. Unfortunately, his campaign was cut short by a thigh injury in November.
2024: A Memorable Year for Nigerian Forwards
From Lookman’s European heroics to Osimhen’s resilience and Dessers’ relentless consistency, Nigerian strikers showcased their talents on various stages. As the year closes, these players’ performances highlight Nigeria’s growing influence in global football.
