Osimhen leads Nigerian stars targeting European glory in 2026-27

Victor Osimhen has made a blistering start to Galatasaray’s title defence and is among a group of Nigerian players expected to make a major impact across Europe during the 2026-27 season.

The European campaign is gathering pace, with Nigerian footballers already attracting attention through goals, assists and influential performances in the opening weeks.

While some have carried strong form over from last season, others are attempting to make their mark after moving to new clubs. Completesports.com’s Adeboye Amosu looks at 10 Nigerian players who could shape the season ahead.

Osimhen and Lookman lead the way

Osimhen was central to Galatasaray’s successful title defence last season, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists in 22 league appearances.

The 27-year-old has begun the new campaign in equally impressive fashion, finding the net four times and supplying one assist in the club’s opening two matches.

With Mauro Icardi having left Galatasaray, Osimhen is expected to carry a greater share of the attacking burden as the Yellow-Reds pursue another domestic championship.

Ademola Lookman is also expected to play a prominent role at Atletico Madrid. The talented winger joined the Spanish club from Serie A side Atalanta during the second half of last season and quickly became an important member of Diego Simeone’s squad.

The former Leicester City player scored nine goals and registered four assists in 24 appearances in all competitions. He has now been given Atletico’s number 11 shirt and will be expected to produce a significant contribution during the 2026-27 campaign.

Samuel Chukwueze returned to AC Milan this summer after spending last season on loan at Fulham. He scored three goals and supplied four assists in 23 Premier League appearances for the Cottagers.

The 27-year-old has impressed in a new wing-back role during pre-season, earning praise from head coach Ruben Amorim. He strengthened that impression with an outstanding display in Milan’s 4-2 victory over Manchester United last weekend, scoring once and creating two goals.

Strikers aiming for more goals

Paul Onuachu enjoyed a prolific campaign for Trabzonspor last season, scoring 26 times in 36 appearances across the Turkish Super Lig and Turkish Cup.

He finished as joint-top scorer in the league alongside Istanbul Basaksehir’s Eldor Shomurodov and helped Trabzonspor win the Turkish Cup by scoring twice in their 2-1 final victory over Konyaspor.

Onuachu will be hoping to improve on that tally this season, particularly after the arrival of former Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah at Papara Park. Salah’s creativity and attacking quality could give the striker further opportunities in front of goal.

Simeon Adams joined newly promoted Serie A club Venezia last month in a club-record €23m transfer. The 26-year-old signed a four-year contract with the Winged Lions and is expected to play an important part in their attempt to establish themselves in Italy’s top flight.

He has already made a promising start, scoring twice and providing an assist in Venezia’s thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Modena in the Coppa Italia.

Usor and Okoye set for important seasons

Moses Usor could be heading towards a breakthrough European campaign after becoming a key player for Austrian club LASK.

The winger was influential in LASK’s domestic double last season, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists in 35 appearances across all competitions. He has carried that form into the new campaign, with two goals and two assists in three league matches for Dietmar Kuhbauer’s side.

Maduka Okoye has another opportunity to establish himself as one of Serie A’s most reliable goalkeepers. He kept 10 clean sheets in 30 league appearances last season and, at 26, is entering what should be the prime years of his career.

The goalkeeper will be determined to build on those performances and strengthen his reputation in the Italian top flight.

Alex Iwobi has become one of Fulham’s most consistent performers in recent seasons and is expected to remain important to the Cottagers. He made 28 Premier League appearances last term, scoring four goals and providing three assists.

Femi Azeez was among the Championship’s standout players last season after recording 11 goals and eight assists in 37 appearances for Millwall.

His performances earned him a place in the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Season. Millwall will again depend on the winger’s goals and creativity as they seek to mount a strong promotion challenge.

Fernandez arrived at Rangers from League One club Peterborough United last summer with little profile but quickly became one of the Scottish giants’ leading performers.

His displays earned him the Rangers Player of the Season award, while he was also selected for the Scottish Premiership Team of the Season.

The centre-back has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe and will be keen to continue developing his reputation with another strong campaign for the Light Blues.