Super Eagles Players Shine in 2025/26 Season

After another great season in Europe, Nigerian players showed their skills on big stages. From title challenges to relegation fights, they had memorable moments and earned their spots in PUNCH Sports Extra’s Super Eagles Team of the Season for 2025/26, lined up in a 4-4-2 formation.

GOALKEEPER, Maduka Okoye (Udinese)

Maduka Okoye had a fantastic 2025/26 season, proving he is one of Serie A’s most reliable goalkeepers. He is making a strong case for Nigeria’s No. 1 shirt. The Udinese keeper kept 10 clean sheets in 29 league games. He is the first Nigerian goalkeeper since Vincent Enyeama in 2014/15 to hit double figures in a top-five European league. His standout performances included a big show in a 3-0 victory over AC Milan. This earned him several Serie A Team of the Week selections and a nomination for Goalkeeper of the Year. With a 70.9 percent save rate and under a goal conceded per game, Okoye helped Udinese stay safe.

He also got a Player of the Month nomination for May after keeping clean sheets against Torino and Cagliari.

LEFT-BACK, Zaidu Sanusi (Porto)

Zaidu Sanusi proved himself as one of Africa’s most reliable left-backs. He played a big part in Porto winning the Portuguese Primeira Liga title in the 2025/26 season, marking his second league winner’s medal at the club.

The 28-year-old played 26 times in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists while logging over 1,600 minutes on the pitch. His form has caught the eye of Serie A teams, with Atalanta reportedly wanting him as they prepare for a squad change.

CENTRE-BACK, Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor)

Few Nigerian players had a rise as impressive as Chibuike Nwaiwu in 2025/26. Less than a year after playing for Enyimba in the NPFL, the 22-year-old ended the season as a Turkish Cup winner. He is now a Super Eagles international and one of Europe’s most wanted young defenders. Strong in the air and calm on the ball, Nwaiwu was key in Trabzonspor’s Turkish Cup victory. He is attracting interest from teams like Newcastle United, Fulham, and Bayer Leverkusen.

CENTRE-BACK, Calvin Bassey (Fulham)

Calvin Bassey has been a key part of the Super Eagles’ defence all season. He is likely the most reliable Nigerian defender in Europe. The Fulham centre-back combines size with technical skill, making him tough for opposing strikers.

His ability to dominate in the air, recover quickly, and read the game has made him a steady player at Craven Cottage. He has played over a hundred times since joining from Ajax in 2023. Bassey also takes charge of the defence, helping to set up teammates and scoring crucial goals from set-pieces.

RIGHT-BACK, Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn)

Ryan Alebiosu had a breakout 2025/26 season, earning his first Super Eagles call-up and winning a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He is now seen as one of the most exciting full-backs in the Championship.

Playing mainly as a right wing-back for Blackburn Rovers, the 22-year-old played 39 matches, scoring one goal and assisting five times. He finished as the fourth-highest rated Nigerian player in the league with a WhoScored rating of 6.76. His attacking style and skill in dribbling made him one of the most exciting players in his position. His best performance came against Millwall, where he had an assist and completed four successful dribbles, earning a rating of 7.85.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER, Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas)

Wilfred Ndidi is still the heartbeat of the Super Eagles midfield. His value is clear when he is missing. The captain brings discipline, energy, and leadership to Nigeria’s play, setting the pace and giving defensive support that allows teammates to shine.

Since Chelle took over, Nigeria has gone 19 matches unbeaten, and Ndidi’s part in this run is very important. At club level, he continues to show his quality as a midfielder for Besiktas FC.

CENTRAL MIDFIELDER, Alex Iwobi (Fulham)

Alex Iwobi has had one of the best seasons of his career, solidifying his place as one of the Super Eagles’ top players while performing consistently for Fulham in the Premier League.

The 30-year-old has been reliable for Fulham, contributing to both defense and attack. His work rate and directness make him hard to drop from the lineup. His experience in big matches is vital to Chelle’s plans. He scored four goals and assisted three, keeping him among the top midfielders for goal contributions this season.

LEFT WING, Akor Adams (Sevilla)

Since joining the Super Eagles in October 2025, Akor Adams has shown he deserves to be talked about among Nigeria’s best attackers, even if he is just outside the top two striker slots in Europe.

The Sevilla forward scored five goals and provided two assists in 13 national team appearances this season. He formed a solid partnership with Victor Osimhen during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Fast, skillful, and strong in the air, Adams adds a unique quality to the Super Eagles attack. He can play wide but is also a threat in the center.

For Sevilla, he scored 10 goals and assisted three, helping them avoid relegation worries.

RIGHT WING, Ademola Lookman (Atalanta/Atletico)

Ademola Lookman was often the most dangerous Nigerian attacking player in Europe this season. His performances for Atalanta early in the season were electrifying. He continued his form from scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final and netting 55 goals with the club.

His transfer to Atlético Madrid in January for about €35 million showed the recognition he gained. But adapting to Diego Simeone’s strict style was tough. He still scored four La Liga goals and added strikes in the Copa del Rey and Champions League after the move.

Lookman ended the 2025/26 season with a total of 14 goals and four assists for Atalanta and Atlético Madrid.

CENTRE-FORWARD, Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor)

Paul Onuachu had one of his best seasons, scoring 26 goals and providing two assists in 36 matches for Trabzonspor. The tall striker was key in the club’s Turkish Cup win, scoring both goals in a 2-1 final victory against Konyaspor, one was a brilliant volley and the other a composed penalty.

At 31, Onuachu is a physical force who is hard to stop. He mixes his aerial threat with surprising footwork and smart link-up play.

CENTRE-FORWARD, Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)

Victor Osimhen’s 2025/26 season was another display of why he is one of the best strikers in the world. The Super Eagles captain scored 15 league goals and provided five assists in 22 Super Lig matches as Galatasaray kept the Turkish league title. He also added seven goals and three assists in the Champions League as the team reached the round of 16.

His season had a hiccup with a fractured right forearm from a Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield, but this did not dim his overall performance. He remains Nigeria’s most dangerous attacker.

Honourable mentions: Several other Super Eagles stars had great seasons and missed out on the starting XI. Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo did well in the Championship with Wrexham and marked his senior Nigeria debut with two clean sheets. Defenders Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Emmanuel Fernandez all shone for club and country, with Fernandez becoming a breakout star after winning Rangers’ Player of the Year award. In midfield, Raphael Onyedika is establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s best midfielders, helping Club Brugge win domestically. Frank Onyeka played a big part in Coventry City’s promotion success. Up front, Kelechi Iheanacho showed his experience with goals as Celtic won a domestic double in Scotland.