Nigerian Stars Gear Up to Defend Titles as New Football Season Kicks Off

Paul Onuachu, Rinsola Babajide and other Nigerian players who enjoyed success last season are getting ready to defend their titles as new leagues start across Europe.

Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor)

Onuachu had a fantastic season in Turkey, becoming the top scorer in the Süper Lig. He played a key role in Trabzonspor’s 2-1 victory over Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup, scoring first in the 18th minute and then netting a penalty after Konyaspor equalized. Even though Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, and clubs from Saudi Arabia showed interest in him this summer, the 32-year-old is still with Trabzonspor. He could lead the team in their attempt to keep the trophy this season.

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)

Victor Osimhen wants to help Galatasaray defend the Süper Lig title they won last season. But there is a lot of talk about his future, with Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and the Saudi club Al Hilal all linked to him. The 27-year-old played a crucial role in helping Galatasaray reach the Champions League round of 16 last season. So far, the club has turned down offers for their star striker.

Zaidu Sanusi (Porto)

Zaidu Sanusi will try to help Porto defend the Taça de Portugal after renewing his contract with the Portuguese champions this summer. This ends rumors about a move to Leeds United or Atalanta. Sanusi was important in helping the Dragons win the trophy with two games left last season, marking his second title with the team.

Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague)

Igoh Ogbu is looking to assist Slavia Prague as they try to keep their Czech league title. He played a part in the club’s second consecutive title last season. Sadly, the 26-year-old will start the new season recovering from surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon. He is expected to return by the end of September.

Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia)

Francis Uzoho continues with Omonia Nicosia, who want to build on last season’s domestic success in Cyprus as they prepare for another continental challenge.

Babajide, Oladipo (AS Roma)

Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo are ready to lead AS Roma’s effort to defend the Serie A Femminile title after winning the championship last season, finishing ten points ahead of second-placed Inter Milan. However, they come back to club duties still feeling the sting of a tough exit from WAFCON 2026 with the Super Falcons.

Nigeria’s chance for an 11th continental title ended in the quarter-finals in Morocco. The defending champions lost 1-0 to Cameroon, which also cost them automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Another title-winner, Christy Ucheibe, who also won a domestic treble with Benfica last season, was part of the squad that faced this disappointing exit. This is the first time in the tournament’s history that the Super Falcons have not reached the semi-finals.