The 2024-25 Turkish Super Lig is shaping up to be an exciting season, with 12 Nigerian players ready to shine. These Super Eagles stars, from seasoned veterans to emerging talents, are set to leave a mark in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
Victor Osimhen has joined reigning champions Galatasaray on a year-long loan, following a lengthy transfer saga. The Nigerian striker, who won the Serie A Golden Boot last season, is expected to be one of the standout players in the league and is eyeing a permanent move to a bigger European club by next summer.
Bright Osayi Samuel continues to impress at Fenerbahce, having already made 141 appearances and scored six goals since joining in 2021. Under new coach Jose Mourinho, the team is eager to reclaim the league title from Galatasaray, making an Osimhen vs. Osayi-Samuel title race all the more intriguing.
Kenneth Omeruo is a key player for Kasimpasa, the club he joined permanently in 2023. After spending years on loan in Turkey, Omeruo will be aiming to help his team improve on their strong fifth-place finish last season.
Ibrahim Olawoyin and Babajide David Akintola have been pivotal for Çaykur Rizespor. Both midfielders joined the club in recent seasons, with Olawoyin moving in 2023 and Akintola linking up in 2024.
Anthony Nwakaeme has returned to Trabzonspor after a brief stint in Saudi Arabia, where he previously enjoyed great success with the club during his first spell.
Other Nigerian players set to make an impact include Jonathan Okoronkwo at Hatayspor, Funsho Bamgboye, who joined the same club in 2024, Anthony Uzodimma at Kayserispor, and promising young midfielder Anthony Dennis at Goztepe. Godfrey Bitok Stephen and Gabriel Obekpa also recently joined the Turkish Super Lig, with Stephen at Gaziantep FK and Obekpa at Bodrum FK.
Editorial
The growing influence of Nigerian footballers in European leagues, especially the Turkish Super Lig, is a testament to the talent coming out of the country. With 12 Super Eagles stars playing in Turkey this season, Nigeria’s impact on the global football scene is more evident than ever. As fans, we take pride in watching our players excel and raise the profile of Nigerian football.
Victor Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray is perhaps the most high-profile transfer of the summer, and it underscores the calibre of players Nigeria continues to produce. Osimhen’s presence in the Turkish league, combined with the talents of established players like Bright Osayi-Samuel and Kenneth Omeruo, ensures that Nigerian football will be well represented at the top levels of Turkish football this season.
What’s exciting is the variety of players representing Nigeria in the Turkish Super Lig. From defenders like Kenneth Omeruo to creative midfielders like Ibrahim Olawoyin and Babajide Akintola, the range of Nigerian talent is impressive. Each of these players brings a unique style to the game, and their contributions will be crucial to their teams’ success.
This season, the prospect of seeing these Nigerian stars compete against each other is thrilling. Watching Osimhen face off against Osayi-Samuel in a title race, or seeing younger talents like Jonathan Okoronkwo and Funsho Bamgboye make their mark, will add an extra layer of excitement for Nigerian fans. As their performances unfold, we are reminded of the incredible depth of talent within Nigerian football, and we look forward to seeing how these players will shape the 2024-25 Turkish Super Lig.
Did You Know?
- Nigeria has produced more professional footballers playing in the Turkish Super Lig than any other African country.
- Victor Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray is his first loan spell since he left Lille in 2020.
- Bright Osayi Samuel was a key part of Fenerbahce’s Turkish Cup victory in 2022-23, marking his first major trophy in Turkish football.
- Kenneth Omeruo has played in five different European countries, including Spain, England, and Turkey.
- Anthony Nwakaeme helped Trabzonspor win their first league title in 38 years during his first stint with the club.
