Four Nigerian footballers have been named among the world’s top 300 most impactful players for the 2024/25 season, according to a new ranking released by the Swiss-based CIES Football Observatory. The list evaluates players from the top 60 global leagues based on their statistical contributions in key performance areas.
Topping the Nigerian contingent is Fulham’s midfield dynamo, Alex Iwobi, who was ranked 37th globally and 12th among wingers, with an impressive index score of 87.4. Iwobi’s influential campaign in the Premier League not only earned him the highest rating among Nigerian players but also saw him become the first Nigerian to feature in all 38 Premier League matches across two separate seasons — a milestone he previously achieved in the 2022/23 season.
Playing a vital role across midfield and wide positions for Fulham, Iwobi contributed 9 goals and 6 assists, created 12 big chances, averaged 1.6 key passes per game, and maintained 80% pass accuracy. He also averaged 52.2 touches per game and had a CIES chance creation score of 76. His balanced scoring — four goals with his left foot and five with his right — and tireless off-ball contributions were key to Fulham’s notable wins over sides like Tottenham and Manchester United.
Next in line is Ademola Lookman, the reigning CAF African Footballer of the Year, who earned an index score of 86.7, placing 48th globally and 10th among attacking midfielders. The Atalanta star had a standout season, scoring 15 goals and providing 5 assists in Serie A, and delivered a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final, securing the club’s first European title.
Lookman’s performance metrics are equally impressive: he scored 85 in both chance creation and finishing, averaged 2.0 key passes, 2.6 shots per game, and had an expected assist value of 7.89, highlighting his status as Nigeria’s most statistically efficient offensive player. With Premier League giants like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool reportedly interested, Atalanta has placed a €50m valuation on the winger.
Victor Osimhen ranks third among Nigerian players with an index score of 81, placing 159th overall and 20th among centre-forwards. Although the CIES ranking only covers domestic league performances, Osimhen’s overall contribution to Galatasaray — where he is on loan from Napoli — was exceptional. He netted 37 goals across all competitions, setting a new record for the most goals scored by a foreign player in a single Turkish season.
Despite his elite finishing score of 86 (ninth-best globally), Osimhen’s distribution and defensive metrics were relatively lower, consistent with his primary role as a goal poacher. Galatasaray is reportedly preparing a club-record €15 million per year contract to retain him amid strong interest from other European clubs.
Calvin Bassey rounds out Nigeria’s top four, ranked 257th globally and 49th among centre-backs, with an index score of 78.2. The 25-year-old defender enjoyed a resurgence at Fulham following a rocky stint at Ajax, establishing himself as a defensive pillar with 35 Premier League appearances and over 3,000 minutes played.
Bassey demonstrated strong passing ability, with a 90% pass accuracy (including 86% in the opponent’s half), and averaged 4.8 recoveries per match. His performance data reflects solid contributions in aerial duels (score of 58), distribution (74), and ground challenges. Bassey’s form has reportedly drawn the attention of Barcelona, who are considering him for a defensive reinforcement.
The CIES global ranking is topped by Mohamed Salah, while Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Pedri González follow in second and third. For defensive roles, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool lead the pack. In the attacking midfield category, Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen tops the list, while Kylian Mbappé and Viktor Gyökeres headline the centre-forward rankings.