Four Nigerian footballers have made it into the prestigious list of the world’s 300 most impactful players for the 2024/25 season, as ranked by the CIES Football Observatory — and topping the Nigerian contingent is none other than Fulham’s midfield maestro, Alex Iwobi.

The Swiss-based research group, which assessed player performance across 60 of the world’s top leagues, used a data-driven model that considered factors such as aerial ability, defensive work, passing quality, dribbling, chance creation, finishing, minutes played, and team impact.

With a performance index of 87.4, Iwobi was ranked 37th globally and 12th among wingers, making him the highest-rated Nigerian in the elite group.

At 29, Iwobi has quietly crafted a historic campaign for Fulham. In a physically demanding Premier League season, he became the first Nigerian to feature in every single match of two separate EPL seasons — 2022/23 and 2024/25.

Beyond his impressive availability, Iwobi contributed 9 goals and 6 assists, created 12 big chances, and averaged 1.6 key passes per match with 80% pass accuracy. CIES awarded him a chance creation score of 76, reflecting his importance in Fulham’s transitions and his consistent performance under pressure, especially in games against top-six opposition.

His technical balance — four goals with his left foot, five with his right — and tireless work rate helped Fulham to notable scalps, including wins over Manchester United and Tottenham.

Next among the Nigerians is Ademola Lookman, who ranks 48th overall with an index score of 86.7, and sits 10th among attacking midfielders.

The Atalanta star had a defining season in Italy, notching 15 Serie A goals and 5 assists, while his Europa League final hat-trick not only sealed a historic European trophy for Atalanta but also solidified his reputation as one of Nigeria’s deadliest forwards.

Lookman posted scores of 85 in both chance creation and finishing, and his growing influence has reportedly attracted transfer interest from Premier League giants including Arsenal and Manchester United. Atalanta now value him at €50 million.

Statistically, Lookman averaged 2.0 key passes, 2.6 shots per game, and an expected assists figure of 7.89 — confirming his status as a complete modern attacker entering his prime.

Despite a turbulent year off the pitch, Victor Osimhen maintained his reputation as one of Europe’s most feared strikers. The 26-year-old, on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, finds himself ranked 159th overall and 20th among centre-forwards, with a CIES index score of 81.

In Turkey, Osimhen delivered a season for the history books, scoring 37 goals in all competitions — the highest by any foreign player in a single Turkish season. While CIES data only measures domestic performance, his finishing score of 86 remains one of the top 10 globally.

Though his metrics for distribution (24) and ground defence (36) reflect a goal-focused playing style, Osimhen’s value is undeniable. Galatasaray are reportedly preparing a record €15 million-a-year deal to keep him.

Completing the Nigerian quartet is Calvin Bassey, the Fulham centre-back who enjoyed a resurgent campaign after a rocky year at Ajax. Ranked 257th globally and 49th among centre-backs, Bassey scored 78.2 on the CIES index.

The 25-year-old featured in 35 Premier League games, starting 34, and was a consistent figure in Fulham’s backline, averaging nearly 89 minutes per match. His distribution (score of 74), aerial ability (58), and 90% pass accuracy — including 86% in the opponent’s half — show his growing maturity as a ball-playing defender.

He also averaged 4.8 recoveries per game and was instrumental in Fulham’s clean-sheet wins over Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham — prompting reported interest from Barcelona, who are seeking defensive reinforcements.

The CIES report, which reflects current form and role-based influence rather than popularity or transfer value, was topped by Mohamed Salah. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Pedri González completed the top three, while other positional leaders included Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Florian Wirtz, and Kylian Mbappé.

For Nigeria, having four players in the top 300 — and two in the global top 50 — is both a proud moment and a reminder of the nation’s growing influence in world football. From Iwobi’s consistency to Lookman’s flair, Osimhen’s firepower, and Bassey’s defensive steel, the data confirms what fans already know: Nigerian football is not just present — it’s thriving.


By Wafricnews Sports Desk