Victor Osimhen is arguably the face of Nigerian football in the year under review, but other players like Victor Boniface have had quite a good 2023 that has kept them in the spotlight.
Generally, Nigerian forwards have showcased exceptional scoring form in 2023 across the major European top-flight football leagues.
While players like Osimhen and Gift Orban have done wonders in 2023 – Boniface, Taiwo Awoniyi, Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho are also one of the most scoring Super Eagles in 2023.
Many others are living up to expectations in the various leagues they play in.
In this article, we'll delve deeper into the goal scoring performances of Nigerian players and their impactful contributions to their team's journey in 2023.
Nigerian top scorers in 2023
Victor Osimhen
Osimhen is the joint-highest goal-scoring Nigerian in 2023 across all competitions for Napoli and the Nigerian national team, with a total of 32 goals: 27 for Napoli and five for the Nigeria national team.
Osimhen's contribution helped Napoli to win a first Serie A title in 33 years. His six goals in the 2023/24 season have also helped Napoli climb to fourth on the league table.
He is also being linked to a possible move away from Naples next summer and is estimated to bring €100 million for Napoli.
Gift Orban
Most people don't know that Gift Orban scored as many goals as Osimhen did in 2023. Yes, the Gent striker netted in their recent 4-1 win over Zorya Luhansk in the Europa Conference League to take his tally for 2023 to 32 goals.
His goal contributions has helped Gent to sit 3rd on the Belgian Pro League and have also earned his team a place in the Knockout stages of the ECL.
Victor Boniface
Another Nigerian making a name for himself is Leverkusen striker Boniface. The former Union SG player has proven to be a goal threat for opposition teams in 2023.
He has a tally of 30 goals in 2023 with 17 coming at Union SG in Belgium, 12 goals for Xabi Alonso's side, Bayer Leverkusen and one for the Nigeria Super Eagles. His goal contributions this season have currently kept Leverkusen on top of the Bundesliga table.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Leicester City forward Iheanacho sits deservedly in number three position of Nigeria's top goal scorers in 2023.
When called upon this year, Iheanacho has proved his worth for both club and country to establish himself as a key figure in attack. He has a combined total of 15 goals, with 13 coming in Leicester's shirt while two for the Super Eagles
Iheanacho is closely followed by Terem Moffi who plays for Lille in France. Moffi has scored 13 goals for his club and one goal for Nigeria in 2023.
Top Nigerian goal scorer in all competitions – 2023
Note: These values are as of 1 December 2023.
| Player | 2023 goals for Nigeria | 2023 goals for club | 2023 total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Osimhen | 5 | 27 | 32 |
| Gift Orban | 0 | 32 | 32 |
| Victor Boniface | 1 | 29 | 30 |
| Kelechi Iheanacho | 2 | 13 | 15 |
| Terem Moffi | 1 | 14 | 14 |
| Ademola Lookman | 1 | 12 | 12 |
| Taiwo Awoniyi | 1 | 10 | 11 |
| Samuel Chukwueze | 1 | 9 | 10 |
This article was most recently revised and updated 11 months ago
