NFF Celebrates Nigerian Stars After Trophy-Laden 2025/26 European Season

The Nigeria Football Federation has congratulated several Nigerian internationals who enjoyed successful campaigns with their respective clubs across Europe during the 2025/26 season.

NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau praised the achievements of both Nigeria national football team and Nigeria women’s national football team players, describing their accomplishments as proof of their quality, professionalism and consistency at the highest level.

“The NFF is delighted with the achievements of these players in their various clubs and leagues,” Gusau said in a statement.

“It is always encouraging to see Nigerian players winning trophies because it reassures us that they are performing at a high level ahead of international matches and tournaments.

“We congratulate them warmly, urge them to continue striving for greater heights and encourage them not to relent in their pursuit of excellence.”

Among the standout performers was Victor Osimhen, who played a key role in helping Galatasaray S.K. secure the Turkish Super Lig title with a game to spare.

Defender Zaidu Sanusi also celebrated silverware after FC Porto lifted the Taça de Portugal, while fellow Super Eagles forward Terem Moffi contributed to the club’s success following his January loan move from OGC Nice.

In Belgium, midfielder Raphael Onyedika helped Club Brugge KV win the Belgian Pro League title, while Kelechi Iheanacho enjoyed a memorable debut campaign in Scotland as Celtic F.C. completed a domestic league and cup double.

Defender Igoh Ogbu also secured league honours after helping SK Slavia Prague win the Czech First League title.

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho joined the list of Nigerian champions after assisting AC Omonia to victory in the Cypriot First Division.

In England, defender Semi Ajayi celebrated promotion to the Premier League after Hull City A.F.C. triumphed in the Championship play-off final to secure a return to the top flight.

On the women’s side, Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe enjoyed a remarkable season with S.L. Benfica, winning the Taça de Portugal Feminina, Taça da Liga Feminina and the Super Taça de Portugal Feminina.

Defender Shukurat Oladipo, who joined AS Roma Women from FC Robo Queens last year, was named Best Defender in the Serie A Femminile after helping the Italian club secure the league title.

Forward Rinsola Babajide also celebrated success with Roma, contributing two goals in nine league appearances during the title-winning campaign following her move from UD Tenerife.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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