Super Eagles Abroad: How Nigerian Stars Conquered European Leagues in 2023/2024
The 2023/2024 league season has come to a close in most European leagues, marked by clubs winning league titles, cups, doubles, and even going undefeated.
From a Nigerian perspective, it was an exceptional year as many of our players celebrated significant successes with their clubs.
Let’s take a look and celebrate Super Eagles players who won trophies and tasted glory this season:
Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen)
In Germany, Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella made history with Bayer Leverkusen by winning the double: their first Bundesliga title (going unbeaten in the process) and the DFB Pokal. Under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen only lost one game in all competitions, an amazing feat. Boniface contributed 21 goals and 9 assists in all competitions, while Nathan Tella chipped in with 6 goals and 3 assists.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
After playing a crucial role for the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023 finishing in second place and losing the Coppa Italia final against Juventus, third time was a charm for Ademola Lookman as he took matters into his own hands, scoring a hat trick in the Europa League final to secure the club’s first-ever European trophy.
In addition to his European success, Lookman scored 10 goals in Serie A, helping Atalanta finish fourth.
Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City)
Leicester City are back in the Premier League and Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho played important roles as they secured the Championship title.
Ndidi, playing in a more advanced midfield role, scored 6 goals and provided 6 assists, while Iheanacho, despite limited playing time, contributed 6 goals and 3 assists in all competitions.
Joe Aribo (Southampton)
Joe Aribo played a crucial role in Southampton’s promotion to the Premier League. After a slow start to the season that saw him fall out of favor, his influence grew, and he started all three championship playoff games for the Saints. He ended the season with 4 goals and one assist.
William Troost-Ekong (PAOK FC)
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong
won the Greek Super League title with PAOK FC. The Super Eagles defender, who played with an injury at the latter stages of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), had surgery that kept him out for the second half of the season. He made 10 appearances for the Greek giants.
He was named the best player of AFCON 2023, where Nigeria finished as runners-up.
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
Raphael Onyedika starred for Club Brugge as they clinched the Belgian League title. The 23-year-old midfielder made 30 league appearances and scored three goals. He was named Club Brugge player of the month for April, a testament to his importance to the side.
Peter Olayinka (Red Star Belgrade)
In Serbia, Peter Olayinka won the double with Red Star Belgrade, clinching both the Serbian Super League title and the Serbian Cup. Olayinka contributed 11 goals and 4 assists in 35 league appearances.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Inter Milan)
In Italy, former Beyond Limits FA midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro won the Serie A title with Inter Milan. The 19-year-old central midfielder joined Inter Milan in January last year and was drafted to the Under 19’s. He made his debut for Inter Milan against Lecce on February 25, 2024. He is surely one to watch in the coming years.
Zaidu Sanusi (Porto)
Zaidu Sanusi won the the Portuguese league cup with FC Porto. The defender has been out of action since February after suffering an ACL injury while in action for the Portuguese giants against Estrela Amadora.
We absolutely love to see this happen, and as Nigerians, we hope this form translates into National team success.
