Nigerian winger, Ademola Lookman, has emerged as the leading Nigerian scorer in European competitions for 2024, edging out Glasgow Rangers’ Cyril Dessers and Victor Osimhen.
The Atalanta forward’s remarkable contributions in goals and assists, including a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, saw him finish the year as Nigeria’s top scorer in continental tournaments.
Lookman’s goals were pivotal in Atalanta’s first-ever European title triumph.
His hat-trick in the final capped off a year in which he demonstrated clinical finishing and playmaking ability, tallying 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
His consistent contributions made him a deserving winner of the prestigious African Player of The Year award. He was also the only African on the shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Cyril Dessers, who scored 25 goals across all competitions for Rangers, played more games but fell short in European tournaments.
The Glasgow-based striker showcased consistency but couldn’t match Lookman’s decisive performances on the continental stage.
Both players have had stellar seasons, but Lookman’s heroics in Europe ensured he ended the year as the standout Nigerian in the Euro goals chart.
This achievement further solidifies his place as Africa’s top player in 2024.
Also making the top five list is Victor Osimhen.
The 26-year-old rose above daunting challenges in the outgoing year, scoring 21 goals and assisting four times in 29 games for both Napoli and Galatasaray.
After returning to Napoli in February following AFCON duty, he announced his comeback with a goal in a Champions League draw against Barcelona.
A summer fallout with Napoli led to a surprising loan move to Galatasaray, where Osimhen quickly found his stride.
He registered three assists in his first games before scoring twice in a 3-3 draw with Kasimpasa.
The 26-year-old ended the year 2024 with a brace in Galatasaray’s emphatic 5-1 win over Kayserispor, helping the Turkish club dominate the league.
In the Belgian Jupiler League, Tolu Arokodare continued his rise as one of Nigeria’s top forwards with 20 goals and four assists for Genk.
His 13 league goals in 20 matches have propelled Genk to the summit of the Belgian Pro League. Arokodare, who scored his first goal of the year on February 11, has been instrumental in Genk’s title charge.
Also, Victor Boniface struggles with injury saw him chalk in 13 goals and two assists in 26 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen.
The 23-year-old returned from a three-month injury layoff in April, marking his comeback with a goal in a Europa League win against West Ham. Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely in November due to a thigh injury.
Indeed, the year 2024 was a Year to Remember for Nigerian football with the performances of these players which reflect the depth of talent in Nigerian football.
From Lookman’s historic year to Arokodare’s rise in Belgium, these strikers continue to make Nigeria proud on the global stage.
