SCORENigeria continues the exciting series of rating the performances of Nigerian stars overseas this past season.
20:Bruno Onyemaechi
Defender
Boavista (Portugal)
29 Appearances, 1 Goal, 1 Assist
The left-footed central defender or left back impressed at Portuguese club Boavista this past season so much so that his loan transfer from Feirense was made permanent thereafter. It was a form that earned him several Super Eagles call-ups as well. Altogether the 24-year-old Onyemaechi made 29 appearances in the Portuguese top division, scoring a goal (vs Portimenense) and providing an assist (vs Pacos Ferreira). His Super Eagles debut will not be long in coming.
19: Bright Osayi-Samuel
Defender
Fenerbache (Turkey)
23 Appearances, 1 Assist
This 25-year-old former QPR star has continued to establish himself at Turkish giants Fenerbache, who are back to top reckoning after a slump. This has since been rewarded by the Super Eagles, who have already capped him four times since his debut last November against Portugal in a friendly. He crowned an eventful campaign by helping his Istanbul club win the Turkish Cup at the expense of Basaksehir.
18: Kevin Akpoguma
Defender
TSG Hoffenheim
28 Appearances
The vastly experienced central defender is one of a handful of Nigerian players who play regularly in the German Bundesliga. Last season, he made his most appearances for Hoffenheim – 28 – and was subsequently handed a new contract that will keep him at the club till June 2026. He now has eight Super Eagles since he made his debut in October 2020 against Algeria in a friendly in Austria.
17: Paul Onuachu
Striker
Genk (Belgium/Southampton
30 Appearances, 16 Goals
This past season was a mixed bag for the giant striker – He continued where he left off the previous season by again scoring for fun in Belgium (16 goals in 19 appearances), before he made a dream transfer to Southampton, where the goals dried up and the club eventually relegated from the Premier League. He made 11 appearances for Southampton but failed to register a goal or an assist. He is now a subject of a transfer away from England after this Premier League nightmare.
16: Nathan Tella
Winger
Burnley
39 Appearances, 17 Goals, 5 Assists
The 23-year-old winger, who has pledged his international allegiance to the Super Eagles, made a huge success of his loan spell at Burnley from Southampton this past season – 17 goals and five assists in 39 appearances in the English Championship. He also netted twice in five appearances in the FA Cup. Burnley are back to the Premier League as worthy champions of the English second-tier league. Burnley will very much want to have their lucky charm back, but will Southampton out price him?
