The Turkish Super Lig has long been a stage where Nigerian players thrived, entertaining fans with flair, pace, and goals. From legends of the 1990s to modern stars, these men turned themselves into household names across Turkey.
In this piece, Footynaija.com counts down the top ten greatest Nigerian goalscorers in Turkish Super Lig history.
10. Samuel Eduok & David Akintola – 20 goals each
Two wingers share this spot. Samuel Eduok, who played for Kasımpaşa and BB Erzurumspor, struck 20 goals in 96 matches across four seasons. He was known for his direct play and sharp eye for goal.
David Akintola, on the other hand, became a regular presence with Hatayspor, Adana Demirspor, and Sivasspor. He netted 20 goals in 147 appearances over five seasons, using his speed and versatility to great effect.
9. Patrick Pascal – 23 goals
Patrick Pascal was a strong centre-forward who made his mark in the Turkish Super Lig with Gençlerbirliği and Altay Izmir during the late 1990s. The former Shooting Star defender managed 23 goals in 72 games across three seasons, showing the kind of efficiency that made him a Super Eagles regular at the time.
8. Olarenwaju Kayode – 25 goals
Kayode proved himself across three different Turkish clubs, scoring 25 times in 104 appearances over four seasons. Known for his quick feet and ability to press defenders, Kayode added a reliable attacking spark wherever he played.
7. Victor Osimhen & Uche Okechukwu – 26 goals each
Two very different players stand together here. Victor Osimhen, who had an impactful loan spell at Galatasaray, netted 26 goals in just 31 games in the 2024-2025 season. He has since become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.
Uche Okechukwu, on the other hand, was a towering defender who doubled as a leader at Fenerbahçe and İstanbulspor. Across 12 seasons and 250 appearances, he scored 26 goals, underlining his threat from set-pieces and his consistency as a Super Lig legend.
6. Henry Onyekuru & Aminu Umar – 28 goals each
Henry Onyekuru, who turned out for Galatasaray and Adana Demirspor, left his mark with 28 goals in 84 appearances across five seasons. His pace and dribbling made him a fan favourite, particularly during his Galatasaray days.
Aminu Umar, meanwhile, scored 28 goals in 159 appearances for Osmanlıspor and Samsunspor. His work rate and creativity stood out in six seasons of Turkish football.
A magician with the ball, Jay-Jay Okocha delighted Turkish fans during his two seasons with Fenerbahçe in the 1990s. He scored 30 goals in 62 appearances, many of them spectacular strikes that are still remembered today. Okocha’s time in Turkey was short, but it remains one of the most celebrated stints by a Nigerian player in Europe.
Emmanuel Emenike’s powerful forward play brought him success with Karabükspor and later Fenerbahçe. Across four seasons, he scored 34 goals in 94 appearances. His 2010–11 season at Karabükspor, where he scored freely, earned him his big move and cemented his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most feared strikers of the era.
Michael Eneramo was a dependable centre-forward during his Turkish years. He scored 35 goals in 115 appearances while playing for Sivasspor, Beşiktaş, Kardemir Karabükspor, and İstanbul Başakşehir across six seasons. His physical presence and composure in the box made him a difficult striker to contain.
2. Anthony Nwakaeme – 42 goals
Anthony Nwakaeme became a cult hero at Trabzonspor, where he played six seasons. In 141 appearances, he scored 42 goals and delivered assists. His 2021–22 season was particularly memorable, as he helped Trabzonspor win the league after a decades-long wait. At 36, Nwakaeme’s name still rings loudly among the club’s modern icons.
1. Isaac Promise – 65 goals
At the very top is Isaac Promise, the late Nigerian forward who represented Gençlerbirliği, Trabzonspor, Manisaspor, Antalyaspor, and Karabükspor. Over 11 seasons in the Turkish Super Lig, he scored 65 goals in 271 matches.
Promise was admired for his consistency, versatility, and ability to deliver across different clubs. His legacy lives on as Nigeria’s greatest ever goalscorer in Turkish football.