Long before Ligue 1 became a playground for the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Mason Greenwood, Nigerian stars were already making their mark in the French top flight.
France’s first division has seen it all. From rocket free-kicks to last-minute winners and even title-deciding braces, all courtesy of Super Eagles players.
In fact, some of Nigeria’s biggest football names built their reputations in France and this piece, Footynaija.com will be taking a look at the top 10 Nigerian goalscorers ever to play in Ligue 1.
10. Jay-Jay Okocha – 12 Goals (Paris Saint-Germain)
When you talk about artistry in football, you talk about Jay-Jay Okocha. Though not a prolific scorer, Okocha’s 84 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG between 1998 and 2002 brought plenty of magic.
His 12 goals may seem modest, but the way he scored—dribbling past defenders, long-range rockets and cheeky skills—made him a cult hero.
Okocha helped PSG lift the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2001, while also mentoring a young Ronaldinho during his time in Paris. His goals weren’t just goals, they were entertainment. Okocha showed that football in Ligue 1 could be as fun as it was competitive.
9. Victor Osimhen – 13 Goals (LOSC Lille)
Before conquering Serie A with Napoli, Osimhen had his breakthrough season at Lille in 2019/2020, scoring 13 goals in just 27 league games. His pace, power and clinical finishing made him an instant fan favourite at Stade Pierre Mauroy.
Although he only spent a single season in Ligue 1, Osimhen’s impact was undeniable. He was named Lille’s Player of the Season and even earned the Marc-Vivien Foe Award nomination for the best African player in Ligue 1.
His time at Lille set the stage for his record-breaking move to Napoli, where he became a Scudetto hero. He’s even extended his exploits to Turkey where he fired Galatasaray to a domestic double in 2024/2025.
8. Taye Taiwo – 17 Goals (Olympique Marseille)
Not many left-backs make this kind of list, but Taye Taiwo wasn’t your typical defender. Armed with one of the hardest shots in Europe, Taiwo smashed home 17 goals in 191 appearances for Marseille between 2005 and 2011.
During his six years at Marseille, Taye Taiwo became a key figure, winning Ligue 1, two Coupe de la Ligue titles and the Trophee des Champions. His rocket free-kicks and tireless runs down the flank made him one of the most feared defenders in France. Taiwo proved defenders could be just as dangerous in front of goal.
7. Brown Ideye – 17 Goals (Sochaux)
Before making his name in Ukraine and later at West Brom, Ideye announced himself in France with Sochaux. Between 2008 and 2010, the Nigerian striker scored 17 goals in 52 Ligue 1 appearances, leading the line with energy and power.
Though he didn’t win silverware at Sochaux, Ideye’s consistency and movement caught the eye of bigger European clubs, paving the way for his successful career abroad. He remains one of Nigeria’s underrated exports to Ligue 1.
6. Ricky Owubokiri – 18 Goals (Toulouse, Le Mans)
Ricky may not be the most famous Nigerian name on this list, but his contribution deserves recognition. The centre-forward played for Le Mans and Toulouse across two spells, scoring 18 goals in 70 Ligue 1 matches.
At Le Mans, he became a key part of their attack, chipping in with vital goals to keep the club competitive. His time at Toulouse was shorter but still impactful. Ricky might not have collected major trophies, but his sharpness in front of goal has earned him a place on our list.
5. Peter Odemwingie – 23 Goals (LOSC Lille)
Before dazzling Premier League fans, Odemwingie was making waves in France with LOSC Lille between 2004 to 2007. In 75 league appearances, he scored 23 goals, becoming one of Lille’s most important attackers of that era.
Odemwingie’s versatility—able to play as a striker or winger—gave Lille plenty of attacking options. He also played a big role in their 2005 Champions League qualification, putting the club on the European map.
Though he left without a trophy, Odemwingie’s goals were key in lifting Lille’s profile before their golden era later on.
4. Moses Simon – 33 Goals (Nantes)
Since arriving in France with Nantes in 2019, Simon has been one of the most consistent Nigerian performers in Ligue 1. The flying winger has scored 33 goals in 178 games, combining blistering pace with clever finishing.
Simon’s biggest moment came in 2022, when he helped Nantes win the Coupe de France, their first major trophy in over two decades. His ability to create and score goals has made him one of the most respected African players in Ligue 1 today.
3. Terem Moffi – 52 Goals (Lorient, OGC Nice)
If you want a modern Nigerian striker currently doing exploits in Ligue 1, look no further than Terem Moffi. The powerful forward exploded onto the scene with Lorient, scoring consistently before earning a big move to Nice.
Across both clubs, Moffi has racked up 52 goals in 139 Ligue 1 games, becoming one of the league’s most clinical finishers. He’s strong, quick and composed in front of goal. Still only in his mid-20s, Moffi could climb even higher up this list in the coming years.
2. Victor Ikpeba – 55 Goals (AS Monaco)
Dubbed the “Prince of Monaco”, Ikpeba was one of the most clinical Nigerian strikers of the 1990s. He spent six seasons at AS Monaco (1993–1999), scoring 55 goals in 170 Ligue 1 appearances.
Under legendary coach Arsene Wenger, Ikpeba flourished, winning the Ligue 1 title in 1997 and reaching the Champions League semi-finals the same year.
Individually, he won the African Footballer of the Year (1997), cementing his place among the continent’s greats. Ikpeba’s goals were the foundation of Monaco’s success in the 90s.
1. John Utaka – 59 Goals (Montpellier, Lens, Rennes)
At the very top of our list is none other than Utaka, Nigeria’s greatest Ligue 1 goalscorer. Across spells with Montpellier, Rennes and Lens, Utaka scored 59 goals in 239 Ligue 1 appearances.
His most memorable moment came in 2012, when he scored twice on the final day of the season to seal Montpellier’s first-ever Ligue 1 title. That alone etched his name into French football history.
Beyond goals, Utaka was known for his blistering pace, skillful dribbles and big-game mentality. He wasn’t just a scorer, he was a match-winner. His legacy in Ligue 1 is unmatched among Nigerian players.