The year 2024 was incredible for many Nigerian footballers.
Tolu Arokodare resurrected his career after an underwhelming stint in France and Germany, flourishing in Belgium where he is now one of the top strikers in the Jupiler Pro League.
Victor Osimhen dazzled for Napoli and Galatasaray, attracting Manchester United’s interest in January, though he turned them down.
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Raphael Onyedika celebrated his first league title with Club Brugge, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru earned plaudits in Italy after excelling in Turkey.
Ademola Lookman capped off an extraordinary year by being crowned African Footballer of the Year, thanks to his heroics with Atalanta and Nigeria.
Yet, while these players soared, some of their compatriots endured difficult years.
In 2025, the following five Nigerian stars will aim to reignite their careers and reclaim their best form.
5. Gift Orban – Hoffenheim
Gift Orban took Europe by storm after joining KAA Gent in January 2023.
He netted a brace on his Pro League debut, followed by a four-goal haul against Zulte Waregem.
His rapid hat-trick against İstanbul Başakşehir in the Europa Conference League broke the UEFA record, cementing his reputation as a rising star.
However, his €12 million move to Lyon in January 2024 proved challenging. Orban managed just one Ligue 1 goal in 13 appearances and, despite scoring twice in the Coupe de France, he struggled for form and confidence.
After scoring five goals in 21 games, Orban moved to Hoffenheim in January 2025 for €9 million.
Now 22, he will be eager to rediscover the explosive form that once made him one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
4. Terem Moffi – OGC Nice
Terem Moffi made waves in Ligue 1 with Lorient, prompting OGC Nice to secure his services in 2023.
He scored 11 goals in 30 league games last season and was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to an AFCON silver medal.
Unfortunately, an MCL knee injury in August 2024 sidelined him until February 2025.
Moffi is determined to return with a bang and reestablish himself as a key player for Nice and the Super Eagles ahead of another AFCON tournament.
3. Zaidu Sanusi – Porto
Sanusi started 2024 on a high, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s AFCON silver medal campaign. However, an ACL injury in February sidelined him for most of the year.
After nearly 10 months out, Sanusi made his return in January 2025, appearing in Porto’s League Cup semi-final against Sporting CP.
Despite the loss, his comeback marked a crucial step in regaining his form. The 27-year-old defender will now aim to solidify his spot at Porto and the Super Eagles.
2. Emmanuel Dennis – Nottingham Forest
Once a rising star, Emmanuel Dennis has endured a turbulent spell at Nottingham Forest.
Signed for €15 million in 2022, he struggled to impress and was loaned out to İstanbul Başakşehir and later Watford, where he scored four goals in 17 Championship games.
Now deemed surplus to requirements by Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo, Dennis has not played first-team football in eight months.
However, with 52 career goals, including a memorable brace against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, Dennis has the talent to thrive in a new environment. A January move could reignite his career.
1. Umar Sadiq – Valencia
Few players are as motivated for a fresh start in 2025 as Umar Sadiq.
After his €20 million move to Real Sociedad in 2022, Sadiq showed early promise but suffered an ACL injury that derailed his season.
In the 2023/24 campaign, Sadiq struggled to find his rhythm, scoring just three league goals in 26 games.
Things worsened this season as he made only two starts for Sociedad before being loaned to Valencia in January 2025.
With Valencia battling relegation, Sadiq is poised to play a crucial role. The club’s commitment to giving him more playing time makes this a perfect match.
If he rediscovers his form, 2025 could be the year Sadiq finally fulfills his potential.
These five players have the talent to make 2025 a transformative year, proving their worth and reclaiming their place among Nigeria’s finest.
