Nigeria’s Top Goalscorers of 2024: Lookman Shines as Osimhen Impresses
Nigerian footballers delivered incredible performances in 2024, with many showcasing their talent in leagues around the world. While stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman grabbed headlines, some surprise names also made the list of Nigeria’s top scorers.
Here’s a countdown of the top 10 Nigerian goalscorers of 2024:
10th Place (15 Goals Each): Chinedu Geoffrey, Ibrahim Mustapha, Rabiu Ali
- Chinedu Geoffrey (FC Astana): Geoffrey was a key player for FC Astana in Kazakhstan, scoring important goals in both league and cup matches.
- Ibrahim Mustapha (Kano Pillars/El-Kanemi Warriors): Mustapha shone in the Nigerian league, delivering crucial goals for Kano Pillars and later for El-Kanemi Warriors.
- Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars): At 44 years old, Ali proved age is just a number, continuing to lead and score vital goals for Kano Pillars.
9th Place (16 Goals): Tenton Yenne (FC Ararat-Armenia)
Yenne played a vital role in FC Ararat-Armenia’s success, scoring 16 goals, including key strikes that helped the team win the Armenian Cup.
8th Place (16 Goals): Lanre Kehinde (Gostivar/Struga)
Kehinde split his year between two Macedonian clubs, scoring nine goals for Struga after a summer transfer. His aerial ability and physical strength troubled defenders all season.
7th Place (16 Goals): Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk)
Arokodare had a breakthrough year with Genk, scoring 16 goals in 32 matches. His impressive form has attracted interest from Premier League clubs.
6th Place (18 Goals): Ahmed Adebayo (Tammeka)
Adebayo had his best year yet, netting 18 goals in Estonia’s top league and cup competitions. His sharp instincts and calm finishing made him one of the league’s standout players.
5th Place (21 Goals): Abdulrahman Taiwo (Riga FC/FK Auda)
Taiwo impressed in Latvia, scoring 21 goals across all competitions for two clubs. His composure under pressure earned him recognition as a reliable striker.
4th Place (22 Goals): Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers)
Dessers proved his worth in Scotland, scoring 22 goals in domestic and European competitions. His efforts also included a goal in Nigeria’s friendly win over Ghana.
3rd Place (24 Goals): Yusuf Otubanjo (Pyunik)
Otubanjo was instrumental in Pyunik’s Armenian league title win, scoring 24 goals. His sharp movement and clinical finishing made him one of the league’s best players.
2nd Place (24 Goals): Victor Osimhen (Napoli/Galatasaray)
Osimhen started the year at Napoli but regained his best form after a summer loan to Galatasaray, scoring 12 goals in 15 matches for the Turkish side. Despite challenges, he finished the year with 24 goals across all competitions.
1st Place (28 Goals): Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
Lookman had a sensational year, scoring 28 goals for Atalanta and helping Nigeria secure a silver medal at the Africa Cup of Nations. His Europa League hat-trick was a highlight, as was his 14th-place finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings. Lookman was also crowned Africa Footballer of the Year for 2024.
Summary
Ademola Lookman takes the crown as Nigeria’s top scorer of 2024, with Victor Osimhen and Yusuf Otubanjo following closely behind. These players continue to make Nigeria proud on the global stage.
