Young and promising Nigerian footballers of 2024-2025

The year 2024 remains a memorable year as far as the Nigerian football fraternity is concerned. From winning prestigious club honours such as Europa League, German Bundesliga and DFB Pokal to individual awards like CAF Player of the Year, Nigerian players were able to record marvellous victories. 

Nigeria is known for producing great players on the world stage. Having emerged and gained popularity with the new generation of young and talented footballers, this dominance and foothold on the global market is likely to continue further than 2025. 

This article illuminates the young Nigerian footballers of 2025 in terms of their accomplishments, distinguishing features, and roles. With platforms like 1Win Nigeria supporting sports development and giving rising stars a chance to shine, the stage is set for these football stars.

Wonderkids of 2025

The Nigerian football scene has been producing young and promising talents who make impacts both locally and internationally. Here, we now look at some of these young football stars for the 2024/2025 season.

Akor Adams (Montpellier, France)

The 23-year-old Montpellier striker has had exceptional performance in the Ligue 1 in the 2024-2025 season. He is third in the scoring chart already. Before his move to the French club, he scored 15 goals in as many games for Eliteserien.  

Akor Adams is predominantly recognised for his clinical finishing and aerial dominance; he now forms an integral part of the team. He has a lot of potential, and he is tipped to make a big move to one of Europe’s top clubs.

Hafiz Umar (Stade Reims, France)

Another rising star plying his trade in the same league is Hafiz Umar Ibrahim. At just 19 years old, Hafiz is turning heads with his good performance for Stade Reims. The forward’s recent performances have earned a place in the starting lineup against Still-Mutzig in Coupe de France.

With his incredible display at the 73^rd Virraggio Cup, where he emerged as the top scorer with 10 goals, he has attracted the interest of Europe’s elite clubs like Chelsea, Bodo Glimt, and Stromsdoddset.

As Ibrahim continues to grow, his future seems bright, making him a young star to watch in the future.

Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen, Czech Republic)

Rafiu Durosinmi plays for Viktoria Plzen, and his talent has not gone unnoticed. Although his transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt in January of 2024 did not come to fruition, he has had exemplary performances so far. 

Durosinmi is a fan favourite at Viktoria Plzen, having netted 15 goals in competitions, including the UEFA Europa Conference League. He was also named Player of the Month twice in 2024. With his incredible playmaking and scoring abilities, the forward is likely to go higher places in the future.

Adeshina Ayodele (LOSC Lille, France)

A graduate of Beyond Limits Football Academy, Adeshina Ayodele is highly rated for his goal threat in the box. His remarkable moment came in the Creative Champions Cup, where he scored 5 goals in a game—a feat never achieved in the competition’s history.

This achievement, together with exceptional performances at the Viareggio Cup, was enough to secure him a 5-year contract at the French club LOSC Lille. The club has nurtured notable Nigerian talent, such as:

• Vincent Enyeama
• Osaze
• Odemwingie
• Victor Osimhen

Therefore, it is safe to say that Shina’s potential and career progress is in great hands.

Gift Orban (Hoffenheim, Germany)

As a forward who plays in the Bundesliga, his time in Germany has been nothing sensational. Orban has shown dazzling performance to Hoffenheim fans with his sharp finishing and instinctive play.

Known for his agility and goal threat, the prolific striker became one of the key players for Hoffenheim this season. He bagged 16 goals in the Bundesliga last season and was awarded the Bundesliga Rookie of the Year.

Orban’s ability to produce something out of nothing has made him appear on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs. He is among the young stars to watch out for in 2025.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)

Dele-Bashiru is a talented central midfielder who plays for Lazio in Seria A. The former Manchester City academy product arrived on loan from Hatayspor and had a breakout season in 2024. So far, he has contributed two goals and two assists in the Europa League.

With his remarkable performances, Lazio is considering making the deal permanent since he has become a key player for them. As such, 2025 could become one of the best in his career as he could cement his place in the national team.

Key qualities defining Nigeria’s young football stars

The greatest footballers of Nigeria were great because of specific attributes. Next-generation talents have also shown these qualities when playing. The table below highlights them