Nigerian internationals Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen have been named among the most influential footballers of the 2024–25 season, according to the latest report by the CIES Football Observatory, Footynaija.com reports.
The highly respected Swiss-based research body assessed players across 60 global leagues in its 506th Weekly Post, and the Nigerian trio emerged as standouts in their respective positions.
Fulham’s Iwobi, with an eye-catching index score of 87.4, was ranked the 12th most influential winger in the world.
Atalanta’s Lookman also impressed in his category as he was ranked the 10th best attacking midfielder with a score of 86.7.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray’s Osimhen, who continues to make headlines in Turkey following an excellent loan spell, was recognised as one of the top 20 centre-forwards globally, earning a joint-19th spot with an overall index score of 81.
Victor Osimhen meets President of Turkey , Recep Tayyip Erdoğan #PoojaInTurkey pic.twitter.com/xHbGgt8RII
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) May 29, 2025
The rankings are based on six key areas of performance: aerial play, ground defence, distribution, take-ons, chance creation, and finishing.
Osimhen particularly impressed with an outstanding finishing score of 86, while Lookman and Iwobi also received high marks in chance creation (85 and 76 respectively).
All three players were instrumental at club level last season, with Iwobi, Lookman, and Osimhen registering 15, 20, and 30 goal contributions respectively.
With his goals, Osimhen helped Galatasaray win the league and cup double and has been named the club’s Player of the Season.