Whereas Nigerian soccer superstars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman made headlines all through 2024, a number of lesser-known abilities emerged from the shadows to make their mark.
These rising stars might not have bagged the largest awards, however they’ll look again on the yr as their breakthrough second on the worldwide stage.
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Listed here are 5 of Nigeria’s most excellent breakout gamers of 2024, poised for even higher exploits within the coming yr as compiled by Soccernet.ng.
5. Nigeria’s breakout star: Dele Yusuf
At 23, Jos-born Dele Yusuf has endured a whirlwind journey. After beginning in Slovakia with Spartak Trnava, he moved to Portugal’s Estoril earlier than their mutual parting in January 2024.
A swift transfer to Serbian SuperLiga facet Radnički Niš adopted, the place he scored six objectives and offered 5 assists in simply 15 matches, capturing the eye of Serbia’s prime golf equipment.
In the summertime, Yusuf signed for Vojvodina on a three-year deal, incomes the largest payday of his profession.
To this point, he has registered 9 objectives and two assists in 18 league video games, serving to Vojvodina climb to sixth. Together with his speedy rise, 2025 guarantees to be one other vital yr for Yusuf.
4. Nigeria’s breakout star: Igoh Ogbu
The yr 2024 noticed Igoh Ogbu emerge as one among Nigeria’s best defenders in Europe.
Regardless of lacking out on Nigeria’s AFCON squad, the place the Tremendous Eagles claimed silver, and ending second within the Czech league with Slavia Prague, the centre-back’s resilience has shone by means of.
Ogbu has been pivotal in Slavia Prague’s quest for his or her first league title since 2021.
With growing old stalwarts like William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun nearing the twilight of their careers, Ogbu’s Tremendous Eagles call-up feels inevitable.
A defensive partnership with Fulham’s Calvin Bassey might dominate African soccer for years to return.
3. Nigeria’s breakout star: Chrisantus Uche
A yr in the past, Chrisantus Uche was plying his commerce in Spain’s third tier with Cueta.
By June 2024, Getafe snapped him up on a four-year deal, and the 21-year-old Owerri-born midfielder hasn’t seemed again.
Uche made his La Liga debut in August, scoring an important equaliser in a 1-1 draw towards Athletic Bilbao.
Primarily an attacking midfielder, Uche’s versatility has seen him deployed in central midfield and whilst a striker.
With 18 La Liga appearances beneath his belt, he’s already being touted for a Tremendous Eagles call-up. His technical capability and physicality have made him one among Nigeria’s most fun prospects.
2. Nigeria’s breakout star: Tolu Arokodare
Tolu Arokodare’s profession trajectory shifted dramatically in 2024.
After a forgettable stint at FC Cologne and a lukewarm begin at Genk, the 23-year-old striker hit his stride, changing into one among Nigeria’s main scorers with 16 objectives and 6 assists in 32 video games throughout all competitions.
Arokodare’s 13 objectives within the Belgian Professional League have positioned him atop the scoring charts and positioned Genk as title contenders.
With Premier League golf equipment reportedly circling, a transfer to England may very well be on the playing cards if his type continues.
1. Nigeria’s breakout star: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru started 2024 dazzling for Turkish facet Hatayspor, drawing curiosity from Serie A golf equipment Lecce and Atalanta.
By summer time, he had secured a mortgage transfer to Lazio, together with an possibility to purchase, for €2 million.
Dele-Bashiru scored his first worldwide purpose for Nigeria in an important World Cup qualifier towards South Africa, adopted by one other decisive strike in a 1-0 win over Libya.
For Lazio, he’s been equally spectacular, with one Serie A purpose and two objectives and two assists in 4 Europa League video games.
Dele-Bashiru’s all-action shows counsel a brilliant future for each membership and nation.