Thursday nights in Europe have given us drama, passion and plenty of goals, with Nigerian players consistently turning up the heat under the floodlights.
Throughout the course of history, some of Nigeria’s best forwards have shone in European club football’s second-biggest competition and Footynaija.com runs through the top 10 greatest goalscorers to fly the green and white flag on these big Thursday nights.
10. Olarenwaju Kayode (Austria Wien, Shakhtar Donetsk) – 6 Goals
He may not be the flashiest name here, but Kayode knew how to make an impact on European nights. After moving to Austria Wien in 2015, the forward quickly became their go-to man for goals. His pace and movement caused havoc in Europa League group stages. Later, with Shakhtar Donetsk, he didn’t get as many chances due to stiff competition, but whenever he played, he delivered. No major European medals, but respect for staying consistent at this level.
9. Joseph Akpala (Club Brugge) – 6 Goals
A true Belgian Pro League warrior, Akpala made his name at Club Brugge, where he signed in 2008. Known for his work rate and clinical edge, Akpala scored some clutch goals that helped Brugge progress in tough Europa League campaigns.
8. Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Portsmouth, Everton) – 6 Goals
The man who terrorized Premier League defenders also did his thing in Europe. First with Portsmouth, where his goals helped them enjoy rare European nights, and later with Everton, who he joined in 2007. In the Europa League, Yakubu was all about strength, power and composure in front of goal.
7. Benedict Akwuegbu (Grazer AK) – 7 Goals
Akwuegbu is a Nigerian forward who became a star in Austria. Dubbed the “Austrian Bomber,” he joined Grazer AK in the late ‘90s and became a key figure in their European campaigns. While Grazer AK weren’t giants of the game, his goals gave them credibility on the continent. No flashy headlines, just pure Nigerian grit and goals.
6. Ademola Lookman (RB Leipzig, Atalanta) – 7 Goals
Lookman is the definition of a modern Nigerian baller, boasting pace, silky feet and confidence for days. He got his first taste of European football with RB Leipzig, but it’s at Atalanta where he’s really shined. Since 2022, Lookman has been scoring crucial goals in knockout rounds and most notably, three of his seven goal tally came in the 2023 final against Bayer Leverkusen.
5. Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) – 7 Goals
Ameobi spent 14 years at St. James’ Park and became a cult hero for the Toon Army. His Europa League highlights include the 2012/2013 season, where he scored big goals during Newcastle’s run to the quarter-finals. Shola wasn’t the quickest or the flashiest, but when the Magpies needed a goal in Europe? He delivered. No one can forget his calm penalties and ice-cold finishes.
4. Victor Ikpeba (AS Monaco, Borussia Dortmund) – 8 Goals
The “Prince of Monaco” makes the list at No. 4. Ikpeba joined AS Monaco in 1993 and became one of their most lethal forwards during an era when French clubs were making waves in Europe. He scored 8 Europa League goals and picked up a Ligue 1 title in 1997 along the way. His pace and ability to exploit spaces made him a nightmare for defenders. He also won the African Footballer of the Year in 1997. Just pure class.
3. Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Galatasaray) – 10 Goals
Osimhen announced himself at Lille, scoring goals that made Europe take notice. But it was at Napoli, after his big move in the summer of 2020, where he truly exploded. Ten Europa League goals to his name plus a Serie A title in 2023, Osimhen has gone on to establish himself as one of the hottest names in world football. Six goals out of his total tally came in Galatasaray colours in 24/25.
2. Victor Boniface (Bodo/Glimt, Union SG, Bayer Leverkusen) – 13 Goals
Boniface started lighting up Europe with Union Saint-Gilloise, scoring for fun in the 2022/2023 campaign but his history in the competition dates back to 2020 when he scored two goals in three appearances of Bodo/Glimt. Then came the big move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 where he notched six goals enroute Die Werkself’s final defeat to Atalanta and Lookman’s hat-trick. Boniface has competed in the Champions League since then.
1. Obafemi Martins (Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Rubin Kazan, Levante, Wolfsburg) – 13 Goals
At the top of our list sits Martins, albeit with a similar scoring record as Boniface. This man was a joy to watch courtesy of his blistering pace and rocket shots, as well as those backflip celebrations. Martins scored 13 Europa League goals across five clubs, including Inter Milan, Newcastle and Rubin Kazan. While at Inter, he picked up Serie A titles and a Coppa Italia, but his European nights, especially with Newcastle and Rubin, made him unforgettable.