Nigeria Super Eagles players have been making headlines across various European leagues a month before the commencement of the Africa Cup of Nations.
These Nigerian footballers are showcasing their exceptional talent and proving themselves as key players for their respective teams and coach Jose Peseiro ahead of the AFCON.
Goals are a proven signal of joy and excitement in the world of football. Nothing commands more jeers, cheers and utmost happiness than fans, coaches and pundits seeing their favourite players scoring past the opposition goalkeeper.
In-form players increase the chances of their teams winning games and eventual titles at the end of the season.
Super Eagles players have emerged as a new force in European football this campaign, giving football fans in Nigeria many happy moments and wild dreams of the country's chances at the next AFCON tournament.
In this article, we will dedicate a significant amount of attention to identifying the Super Eagles players who are performing exceptionally well a month before the AFCON showpiece in the Ivory Coast.
Let's get into the thick of the action!
Victor Boniface
Victor Boniface has been Leverkusen’s best signing of the summer and possibly one of the best signings in Europe alongside Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid.
Boniface has been in such fine form for the German outfit that he's won four consecutive Bundesliga Rookie of the Month awards.
The 22-year-old has been involved with 21 goals this season; scoring 14 and providing 7 assists across all competitions for Xabi Alonso's side. This puts Boniface as the most in-form Super Eagle a month before AFCON.
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen has been in fine form for Napoli this considering the number of times he has taken to the field for the Partenopei this term.
The 24-year-old forged a reputation for himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous strikers after scoring 26 goals in 32 league games last season as Napoli secured their first Scudetto in 33 years.
Although the African Footballer of the Year has not scored as many goals as he did at this stage last campaign, he has picked up just in time ahead of the AFCON as he has scored one and provided an assist in his last three games after his comeback from injury.
Overall, Osimhen has scored 7 goals for Napoli this season and is in fine shape for Nigeria just before the AFCON.
Gift Orban
Gift Orban has been impressive for Gent this season, scoring 11 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions for the Belgian side.
The 21-year-old forward joined the Buffalos from Norwegian side Stabaek in January, 2023 and he has been a revelation since then for Hein Vanhaezebrouck's side.
He is expected to make the Super Eagles team as Nigeria seeks for continental glory in Ivory Coast.
Ademola Lookman
Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has been in fine form for the Bergamo side. He has become a crucial piece in attack for La Dea this season.
Lookman recently bagged a brace in Atlanta's 3-2 Serie A win against AC Milan to take his tally for the season to 6 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions for Gian Piero Gasperini's side.
Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi has been a consistent performing midfielder for Fulham this season.
Since his deadline day move to the Cottagers, Iwobi has shown bright sparks with his dribbling and aggressive ball-carrying capabilities, and has netted 4 goals in 14 appearances for Fulham.
Iwobi recently scored twice in Fulham's 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest and followed that with another assist in his side's 5-0 victory against West Ham on December 10th.
Iwobi is set to play a crucial role in Super Eagles middle of the park if he can keep up his good form as the clock ticks towards the AFCON.
Other Super Eagles doing well for their clubs this season include Kelechi Iheanacho, Terem Moffi, Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu. While these players have recently not found the back of the net for their clubs, they're a proven asset for Peseiro and Nigeria in their quest to win a fourth AFCON title.
Super Eagles next match
Team Nigeria will face Equatorial Guinea in their first match of the AFCON tournament. The action will kick-start on Sunday, 14 January 2024.
The other Super Eagles fixtures in the competition will be against hosts Ivory Coast. This encounter is scheduled to take place on 15th January.
The Super Eagles will then conclude their group stage hostilities against Guinea Bissau on 22nd January.
This article was most recently revised and updated 9 months ago
