Nigeria’s footprint across the 2025-26 Championship campaign was both visible and influential, with several players navigating one of football’s most demanding leagues while delivering performances of real substance, Soccernet.ng reports.
While Frank Onyeka celebrated promotion with Coventry City and Chuba Akpom played his part in helping Ipswich Town secure their Premier League status, a number of their compatriots stood out for consistency and impact across the campaign.
Nigeria’s best players in the Championship 2025-26
David Ozoh, Derby County. Photocredit: SkyEngland
David Ozoh, Derby County (Rating: 6.51)
At number eight is David Ozoh, who continued his development during a second loan spell at Derby County from Crystal Palace. The 20-year-old made 33 appearances and scored twice, growing into a physically commanding midfield presence.
His defensive work remained consistent, averaging close to a tackle per game, although his aggressive style saw him collect seven yellow cards. A standout moment came in a composed 2–0 victory over Stoke City, where he controlled midfield and posted a 7.46 rating.
Still eligible for Nigeria despite England youth involvement, Ozoh is widely viewed as a player edging closer to a Super Eagles opportunity.
Arthur Okonkwo, Wrexham
Arthur Okonkwo, Wrexham (Rating: 6.63)
Seventh on the list is Arthur Okonkwo, who delivered a solid campaign for Wrexham AFC.
The towering goalkeeper made 39 appearances, kept ten clean sheets, and recorded 111 saves across the season. His reflexes and composure stood out, particularly in high pressure moments.
His best display came against Swansea City, where he produced a match-winning performance, earning an 8.3 rating in a narrow 1-0 win.
Now cleared internationally, Okonkwo is firmly in the conversation for Nigeria’s goalkeeping department.
Semi Ajayi, Hull City. Photocredit: BBC
Semi Ajayi, Hull City (Rating: 6.69)
In sixth place is Semi Ajayi, whose experience proved valuable for Hull City across the campaign.
Featuring in 22 matches, Ajayi contributed a goal and an assist while maintaining defensive stability, averaging 5.1 clearances per game. His aerial presence made him a consistent threat during set pieces and a dependable figure at the back.
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A standout outing came against Oxford United, where he delivered a commanding display rated at 7.73 and claimed Man of the Match honors.
A regular for Nigeria, Ajayi also played his part as the Super Eagles secured bronze at the 2025 AFCON.
Frank Onyeka, Coventry City. Photocredit: Imago
Frank Onyeka, Coventry City (Rating: 6.70)
Just inside the top five is Frank Onyeka, whose disciplined and industrious displays were central to Coventry City’s successful promotion push.
The midfielder featured in 14 Championship matches, logging 1025 minutes and contributing one goal across the season. While not primarily tasked with attacking output reflected in his modest assist rate of 0.09 per 90 minutes Onyeka’s influence was built on structure, pressing, and defensive organization.
His recent showing against Portsmouth FC, where he earned a 6.7 rating, typified his season: controlled, efficient, and tactically disciplined. Often operating as the engine of midfield, he provided balance between defence and attack, enabling those ahead of him to flourish.
Though he ranked 15th among Coventry’s scorers, his overall contribution went beyond numbers, reinforcing his standing as one of Nigeria’s most reliable midfield options.
Ryan Alebiosu, Blackburn Rovers. Photocredit: Getty images
Ryan Alebiosu, Blackburn Rovers (Rating: 6.76)
Fifth place goes to Ryan Alebiosu, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Blackburn Rovers.
Operating as a right wing-back, he made 39 appearances, registering one goal and five assists. His attacking drive and ability to beat defenders made him a constant outlet down the flank.
His standout performance came against Millwall FC, where he combined creativity with directness to deliver an assist and complete four successful dribbles in a 7.85-rated display.
His form earned him a first senior Nigeria call-up during the campaign, where he also picked up an AFCON bronze medal.
Femi Seriki, Sheffield United. Photocredit: BBC
Femi Seriki, Sheffield United (Rating: 6.81)
Fourth on the list is Femi Seriki, who emerged as one of the most exciting attacking full-backs in the league with Sheffield United.
Across 29 appearances, he contributed one goal and six assists, consistently providing width and attacking support. His overlapping runs and delivery into the final third added a dynamic edge to his team’s play.
A defining moment came in a 2–1 win over Derby County, where his all-round contribution proved decisive.
His performances have strengthened calls for a first Super Eagles invitation.
Caleb Okoli, Leicester City. Photocredit: Getty inages
Caleb Okoli, Leicester City (Rating: 6.83)
Third place belongs to Caleb Okoli, who stood out despite Leicester City enduring a difficult season.
The centre-back made 29 appearances, adding a goal and an assist, and was often the most reliable figure in an otherwise struggling defence.
His quality was particularly evident in a 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on the final day, where his composure and defensive awareness ensured a clean sheet.
With interest building from top-tier clubs, a move away from Leicester appears increasingly likely.
Femi Azeez, Millwall. Photocredit: Imago
Femi Azeez, Millwall (Rating: 7.36)
At the top of the list is Femi Azeez, whose performances for Millwall FC made him the standout Nigerian player in the Championship this season.
The 24-year-old not only leads this ranking but also finished as the highest-rated player in the entire division, underlining the scale of his impact.
Featuring in 35 matches, he recorded 11 goals and eight assists, with his 19 goal involvements placing him among the league’s elite attackers. His ability to create chances and beat defenders consistently made him one of the most dangerous wingers in the competition.
His standout performance came in a 3-1 win over Hull City, where he produced both a goal and an assist in a dominant display.
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With momentum firmly on his side, Azeez is now strongly tipped for a Super Eagles call-up, offering a fresh attacking dimension to Nigeria’s squad.
