After another compelling campaign across Europe’s top leagues and beyond, Nigerian footballers once again underlined their growing influence on the global stage, delivering standout performances in title races, European competitions and relegation battles alike.
From Serie A to the Turkish Super Lig, the Premier League to Portugal, Super Eagles stars consistently delivered moments of quality, leadership and end product earning their places according to PUNCH Newspaper 2025/26 Super Eagles Team of the Season, set up in a 4-4-2 formation.
Goalkeeper – Maduka Okoye (Udinese)
Maduka Okoye
Maduka Okoye strengthened his case as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper with a commanding season in Italy, emerging as one of Serie A’s most reliable shot-stoppers.
The Udinese goalkeeper kept 10 clean sheets in 29 league appearances, becoming the first Nigerian since Vincent Enyeama in 2014/15 to reach double figures in a top five European league. His consistency earned him multiple Team of the Week selections and a Goalkeeper of the Year nomination.
Okoye’s 70.9% save rate and average of less than one goal conceded per game were central to Udinese’s comfortable survival, highlighted by a commanding performance in a 3-0 win over AC Milan. He also earned a May Player of the Month nomination after consecutive clean sheets against Torino and Cagliari.
Left-back – Zaidu Sanusi (Porto)
Zaidu Sanusi celebrates winning Liga Portugal title with Porto. Photocredit: Imago
Zaidu Sanusi continued to reinforce his reputation as one of Africa’s most dependable full-backs, playing a key role as Porto secured the Portuguese Primeira Liga title.
The 28-year-old made 26 appearances across all competitions, registering one goal and two assists in over 1,600 minutes of action. His consistency at both ends of the pitch has also attracted interest from Serie A, with Atalanta reportedly monitoring him ahead of the summer window.
Centre-back – Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor)
Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu.
Few Nigerian stories were as remarkable as Chibuike Nwaiwu’s breakthrough season.
Less than a year after playing in the NPFL with Enyimba, the 22-year-old ended the campaign as a Turkish Cup winner, a Super Eagles international and one of Europe’s most closely watched young defenders.
His composure on the ball, aerial dominance and defensive maturity helped Trabzonspor to silverware, while attracting reported interest from Newcastle United, Fulham and Bayer Leverkusen.
Centre-back – Calvin Bassey (Fulham)
Calvin Bassey against Wolves. Photocredit: Getty Images
Calvin Bassey remained a defensive cornerstone for club and country, combining physical dominance with improved tactical discipline.
Now a senior leader within the Super Eagles setup, Bassey continued to excel at Craven Cottage, where he has surpassed a century of appearances since joining from Ajax in 2023.
His ability to read danger, recover ground and contribute goals from set-pieces made him one of Nigeria’s most dependable defenders across the season.
Right-back – Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn)
Ryan Alebiosu
Ryan Alebiosu enjoyed a breakout campaign in the Championship, earning his first Super Eagles call-up and cementing his growing reputation.
Operating as a wing-back, he featured in 39 matches for Blackburn, contributing one goal and five assists. He finished as one of the division’s highest-rated Nigerian players, with a standout display against Millwall that included an assist and four successful dribbles.
His attacking intent and technical quality made him one of the most exciting young full backs of the season.
Defensive midfield – Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas)
Wilfred Ndidi. Photocredit: Images
Wilfred Ndidi remained the tactical heartbeat of Nigeria’s midfield, providing structure, discipline and leadership.
The Super Eagles captain continues to be most appreciated in his absence, anchoring the midfield and allowing creative players to flourish.
Since Eric Chelle took charge, Nigeria’s unbeaten run has stretched to 19 matches, with Ndidi’s influence central to that consistency both internationally and at club level with Besiktas.
Central midfield – Alex Iwobi (Fulham)
Alex Iwobi celebrates with teammates after scoring for Fulham. photo credit: Getty images
Alex Iwobi enjoyed one of the most balanced seasons of his career, combining creativity with relentless work rate in the Premier League.
The 30-year-old contributed four goals and three assists for Fulham, while his versatility and tactical intelligence made him a key figure in Chelle’s system.
His experience in big matches and ability to control tempo ensured his continued importance to the national team setup.
Left wing – Akor Adams (Sevilla)
Akor Adams (Sevilla)
Since breaking into the Super Eagles in October 2025, Akor Adams has steadily grown into a reliable attacking option.
The Sevilla forward recorded five goals and two assists in 13 international appearances, forming an effective partnership with Victor Osimhen during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
At club level, he scored 10 goals and provided three assists, playing a key role in Sevilla’s survival battle while offering versatility across the front line.
Right wing – Ademola Lookman (Atalanta/Atletico Madrid)
Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid) Photocredit: Imago
Ademola Lookman delivered another elite-level campaign, particularly in the first half of the season with Atalanta, where his attacking output remained explosive.
His mid-season move to Atletico Madrid, worth around €35m, reflected his growing reputation, though adaptation to Diego Simeone’s system proved challenging.
Even so, he finished the campaign with 14 goals and four assists across both clubs, maintaining his status as one of Nigeria’s most dangerous wide forwards.
Centre-forward – Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor)
Centre-forward Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor)
Paul Onuachu enjoyed a prolific season in Turkey, scoring 26 goals and providing two assists in all competitions.
The striker was decisive in Trabzonspor’s Turkish Cup triumph, scoring twice in the final against Konyaspor, including a composed penalty and a powerful volley.
At 31, he remains a physically dominant and highly efficient centre-forward.
Centre-forward-Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Centre-forward – Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Victor Osimhen once again underlined his world-class status with a commanding season in Turkey.
The Super Eagles captain scored 15 league goals and added five assists, helping Galatasaray retain the Super Lig title. In Europe, he contributed seven goals and three assists as the club reached the Champions League round of 16.
Despite a fractured forearm sustained in a clash against Liverpool, Osimhen’s overall impact remained unmatched among Nigerian forwards.
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Several other Super Eagles stars also enjoyed strong campaigns.
Arthur Okonkwo impressed in the Championship with Wrexham before earning back-to-back clean sheets on his senior Nigeria debut. Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Bruno Onyemaechi and Emmanuel Fernandez also delivered solid seasons, with Fernandez crowned Rangers’ Player of the Year.
In midfield, Raphael Onyedika remained a key figure for Club Brugge, while Frank Onyeka played a major role in Coventry City’s promotion push.
Up front, Kelechi Iheanacho rediscovered form with crucial goals for Celtic as the Scottish side secured a domestic double.
