Super Eagles Stars Shine in 2025/26 Season

After another great season in Europe, Nigerian players showed their talent on big stages. From fighting for titles to avoiding relegation, they made memorable contributions. This earned them spots in PUNCH Sports Extra’s Super Eagles Team of the Season for 2025/26, set up in a 4-4-2 formation.

GOALKEEPER, Maduka Okoye (Udinese)

Maduka Okoye had a fantastic 2025/26 season. He became one of Serie A’s most reliable goalkeepers and made 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 solid showing in a 3-0 victory over AC Milan. He earned several Team of the Week selections and a nomination for Goalkeeper of the Year. With a 70.9 percent save rate and less than a goal conceded per game, Okoye was crucial for Udinese’s comfortable survival.

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 to be a key player as Porto won the Portuguese Primeira Liga title in 2025/26. This was his second league winner’s medal at the club.

The 28-year-old made 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists while playing over 1,600 minutes. His impressive form caught the eye of Serie A clubs, with Atalanta reportedly looking to sign him this summer as they plan a squad overhaul.

CENTRE-BACK, Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor)

Chibuike Nwaiwu had an impressive rise 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 and a Super Eagles international. A strong presence in Trabzonspor’s defence, Nwaiwu mixed aerial strength with calmness on the ball, helping his team win the Turkish Cup. He also attracted interest from clubs like Newcastle United, Fulham, and Bayer Leverkusen.

CENTRE-BACK, Calvin Bassey (Fulham)

Calvin Bassey has been a key part of the Super Eagles’ defence this season. He is possibly the most reliable Nigerian defender in European football. The Fulham centre-back has a strong physical presence and technical skill, making him tough for strikers.

His ability to dominate in the air, recover quickly, and read the game has made him a consistent performer at Craven Cottage. He has made over a hundred appearances since joining from Ajax in 2023. Bassey is also a natural leader, organizing his teammates and scoring vital goals from set-pieces when needed.

RIGHT-BACK, Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn)

Ryan Alebiosu had a breakout season in 2025/26. This earned him his first Super Eagles call-up and a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He has become 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 in 39 matches, scoring one goal and assisting five times during the season. He finished as the fourth-highest rated Nigerian player in the division with a WhoScored rating of 6.76. His attacking skills, dribbling ability, and crossing made him one of the most dynamic players in his position. His best performance came against Millwall, where he provided an assist and completed four successful dribbles for a rating of 7.85.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER, Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas)

Wilfred Ndidi is the heart of the Super Eagles midfield. His importance is clear when he is not on the pitch. The captain provides discipline, energy, and leadership, helping Nigeria play well.

Since Chelle took over, Nigeria has gone 19 matches unbeaten, and Ndidi’s role in that success is significant. At club level, the Besiktas midfielder continues to show his quality.

CENTRAL MIDFIELDER, Alex Iwobi (Fulham)

Alex Iwobi has had one of the best seasons of his career. He has become one of the most crucial players for the Super Eagles while performing steadily for Fulham in the Premier League.

The 30-year-old has been consistent for Fulham, impacting both defence and attack. His experience and composure in big matches make him a key player for Chelle’s system. He scored four goals and provided three assists, ranking among the top midfielders for goal contributions this season.

LEFT WING, Akor Adams (Sevilla)

Akor Adams made a strong case for being one of Nigeria’s best attackers since he joined the Super Eagles in October 2025. Even though he plays in Europe, he is often just outside the top two striker positions.

The Sevilla forward scored five goals and made two assists in 13 national team games during the season. He formed a productive partnership with Victor Osimhen at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Quick, technically skilled, and great in the air, Adams adds a different edge to the Super Eagles attack. He can play wide but is also a threat when moving centrally.

For Sevilla, he netted 10 goals and provided three assists to help them avoid relegation worries.

RIGHT WING, Ademola Lookman (Atalanta/Atletico)

Ademola Lookman was one of the most dangerous Nigerian attacking players in European football for much of the season. His performances for Atalanta were exciting, following a hat-trick in the Europa League final and 55 goals during his time in Bergamo.

His transfer to Atlético Madrid in January for around €35m showed the recognition he earned. But adapting to Diego Simeone’s tough defensive style was not easy. He still scored four La Liga goals and also netted in the Copa del Rey and Champions League after the move.

Lookman finished the 2025/26 season with 14 goals and four assists across all competitions for Atalanta and Atlético Madrid.

CENTRE-FORWARD, Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor)

Paul Onuachu had one of the most successful seasons of his career. He scored 26 goals and made two assists in 36 appearances for Trabzonspor. The tall striker was key in the club’s Turkish Cup win, scoring both goals in a 2-1 final victory over Konyaspor, one a brilliant volley and the other a composed penalty.

At 31, Onuachu remains a powerful player who is tough to handle. He combines his aerial threat with surprising footwork and smart link-up play.

CENTRE-FORWARD, Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)

Victor Osimhen’s 2025/26 season confirmed his status as one of the best strikers in world football. The Super Eagles captain scored 15 league goals and made five assists in 22 Super Lig games as Galatasaray kept the Turkish league title. He added seven goals and three assists in the Champions League as the club reached the round of 16.

His season had a setback due to a fractured right forearm from a Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield. But this did not stop his overall brilliance. He remains Nigeria’s most effective attacking player.

Honourable mentions: Several other Super Eagles stars also had great seasons but missed out on the starting XI. Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo impressed in the Championship with Wrexham before making his senior Nigeria debut with back-to-back clean sheets. Defenders Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Emmanuel Fernandez all stood out for club and country. Fernandez was especially notable after winning Rangers’ Player of the Year award. In midfield, Raphael Onyedika continued to show he is one of Nigeria’s best all-round midfielders, helping Club Brugge achieve domestic success. Frank Onyeka played an important role in Coventry City’s promotion-winning campaign. Up front, Kelechi Iheanacho showed his experience with key goals as Celtic completed a domestic double in Scotland.