May 26, (THEWILL)- The 2023/2024 season across Europe’s major football leagues has drawn to a close and Nigerian players have emerged as shining stars, celebrating a string of remarkable title triumphs. From the historic feats of Bayer Leverkusen’s “Invincibles” to the league title wins in England, Serbia, Greece and beyond, these players have displayed their talents and determination on the grandest stages, inspiring fans and aspiring talents alike as they lifted trophies at their different clubs.
At the forefront of this triumphant campaign stood Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella, the trailblazers of Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten glory in the Bundesliga. Boniface, the 23-year-old striker, announced his arrival with a sensational debut season in Germany, netting an impressive 14 goals and providing 9 assists in just 23 league appearances. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement saw him claim the coveted Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award, a testament to his immense potential.
Alongside Boniface was the versatile Nathan Tella, an invaluable asset for manager Xabi Alonso. Deployed across various midfield and attacking positions, Tella displayed his adaptability and creative flair, contributing five goals and four assists over 24 league outings. His ability to unlock defences and provide an unpredictable threat played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s attacking dominance throughout their historic campaign.
Together, Boniface and Tella formed a potent attacking force, combining youthful exuberance with clinical efficiency to propel Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title. Their performances not only cemented their status as rising stars but also highlighted the depth of Nigerian talent emerging on the European stage.
Their compatriot Ademola Lookman rewrote Atalanta’s history books by firing them to their first-ever Europa League triumph. The 25-year-old forward’s hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen proved to be the difference, as he single handedly dismantled the German side’s hopes of a treble.
Lookman’s clinical finishing and blistering pace tormented Leverkusen’s defence, earning him a rare 10/10 rating from the notoriously tough French publication L’Equipe.
Lookman’s journey to stardom has been a tale of perseverance and resilience, overcoming humble beginnings in the streets of South London to become the toast of Bergamo. After struggling to find consistency at previous clubs like Everton and RB Leipzig, the Nigerian forward has flourished under the guidance of Atalanta manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, playing a pivotal role in La Dea’s historic triumph.
Across the Mediterranean, in Greece, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong wrote another chapter in his illustrious career by guiding PAOK Salonika to their fourth Greek Super League title. Despite a recent return from surgery, Troost-Ekong’s leadership and defensive solidity proved invaluable, as he marshalled the backline with authority during his 10 league appearances. The 30-year-old’s influence extended beyond the pitch, as his experience and winning mentality inspired his teammates to reach new heights, marking a significant milestone with his first major honour at club level.
In England’s Championship, Nigerian duo Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho played pivotal roles in Leicester City’s dominant return to the English Premier League. Under the guidance of manager Enzo Maresca, the Foxes clinched the title with an impressive 97 points, with Ndidi and Iheanacho contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Ndidi, despite missing 14 games due to injuries, showcased his versatility and attacking prowess, scoring six goals and providing six assists across all competitions. His transition into a more advanced midfield role unlocked a new dimension to his game, allowing him to impact proceedings at both ends of the pitch. Iheanacho, while not a regular starter, proved his worth as an impact substitute, chipping in with five goals and six assists in 26 appearances across all competitions. His experience and ability to influence games from the bench played a crucial role in Leicester’s title charge, highlighting the squad’s depth and quality.
In Serbia, Peter Olayinka emerged as a talisman for Red Star Belgrade, leading the club to their 10th league title. The versatile Nigerian forward, who joined from Slavia Prague in July 2023, played a pivotal role in the team’s success, contributing eight goals and four assists in 29 league appearances. Olayinka’s standout moment came in the crucial 2-1 victory over TSC in the Championship Round, where his goal proved instrumental in clinching the title ahead of city rivals Partizan Belgrade. Beyond his goalscoring exploits, Olayinka’s work rate, versatility, and ability to create chances for teammates made him an invaluable asset for Red Star.
While the achievements of established stars like Troost-Ekong, Ndidi, and Iheanacho were widely celebrated, the 2023/24 season also witnessed the emergence of several young Nigerian talents who left an indelible mark on the European stage.
At Inter Milan, teenage sensation Ebenezer Akinsanmiro secured a Serie A title medal in his debut season, contributing impressive performances for the club’s Primavera 1 squad and earning valuable first-team experience. The 19-year-old’s rapid rise to the senior setup bodes well for his future development and highlights the rich talent pool within Nigerian football.
Meanwhile, in the world of women’s football, Christy Ucheibe added another feather to her cap by contributing to a fourth consecutive league title for SL Benfica Feminino. The 23-year-old midfielder played a pivotal role in Benfica’s success, clinching the Campeonato Nacional Feminino alongside the Supertaça de Portugal and Taça da Liga. Ucheibe’s contributions extended beyond club level, as she was recognized as Africa’s top tackler at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, solidifying her status as a key figure for both club and country.
Across various leagues, from Cyprus to Hungary, Turkey, and beyond, Nigerian players such as Fawaz Abdullahi, Anderson Esiti, Tosin Kehinde, Evo Christ Ememe, Peter Onyekachi, Dinopeter Jude Airaodion, Hamza Muhammad Sani, Hogan Ukpa Effiong, Elvis Isaac, Stephen Adayilo Daniel, Sunday Adetunji, Francis Ezeh, and Toheeb Lawal all contributed to their respective clubs’ title triumphs, showcasing the global reach and impact of Nigerian footballers.
As the 2023/24 season draws to a close, Nigerian footballers can look back with immense pride at their collective achievements. From the historic ‘Invincibles’ campaign of Bayer Leverkusen to the title triumphs in England, Serbia, Greece, Italy, and beyond, these players have cemented their legacies within their respective clubs and leagues.
Their performances have not only brought joy and pride to Nigerian football fans but have also served as an inspiration to the next generation of aspiring talents. The success stories of players like Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella, Ademola Lookman, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Christy Ucheibe demonstrate that with hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief, even the loftiest of dreams can be achieved.
Beyond their on-field exploits, these Nigerian stars have also made significant strides in challenging traditional stereotypes and perceptions. Their achievements have helped to reshape the narrative surrounding African footballers, showcasing the depth of talent and potential that exists within the continent’s rich footballing tapestry.
As the curtain falls on this remarkable season, Nigerian football can look forward to the future with optimism, knowing that its stars are shining brightly across Europe’s biggest stages, paving the way for even greater triumphs in the years to come. The next generation of Nigerian talents will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the successes of their compatriots, fueling their own ambitions and driving them to reach new heights.
In a world where football transcends mere sporting boundaries, the triumphs of these Nigerian players resonate far beyond the pitch. They serve as a source of national pride, uniting diverse communities and fostering a sense of unity and belonging. Their stories of perseverance, dedication, and resilience in the face of adversity have the power to inspire people from all walks of life, reminding us that greatness can be achieved through sheer determination and an unwavering belief in one’s abilities, especially proven by the stories of Boniface and Lookman.
As the football world eagerly anticipates the dawn of a new season, the exploits of these Nigerian stars will undoubtedly reverberate, motivating future generations to pursue their dreams with the same passion and tenacity that propelled their predecessors to glory. For Nigerian football, the future shines brighter than ever, fueled by the accomplishments of these players who have left their marks on the beautiful game.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
