What do Ajax’s golden era, Feyenoord’s cup runs and Eredivisie’s most unpredictable seasons have in common? Well, Nigerians were right in the thick of the action. For decades, the Netherlands has been a second home for Super Eagles stars, producing moments of magic and unforgettable goals.
From iconic legends who conquered Europe to underrated heroes who quietly made history, Footynaija.com brings back some golden memories with a count down of the top 10 greatest Nigerian goalscorers in Dutch top flight history.
10. Uche Nwofor – 12 Goals (VVV-Venlo, SC Heerenveen)
Nwofor arrived in the Netherlands with a reputation as a promising striker. He signed for VVV-Venlo in 2011, scoring some crucial goals during their Eredivisie campaigns.
Over two seasons, Nwofor bagged 10 goals in 32 appearances before moving on to SC Heerenveen, where he added 2 more goals to his tally.
Though he never reached superstar status, his pace and movement gave defenders nightmares and his stint in the Eredivisie remains a fond memory for Venlo fans who appreciated his fighting spirit.
9. Chuba Akpom – 14 Goals (Ajax Amsterdam)
Akpom’s Eredivisie story is fresh but impactful. The former Arsenal academy product signed for Ajax in 2023 and hit the ground running.
Playing mostly as a backup striker, Akpom still managed to score 14 goals in 41 appearances across competitions, proving he could deliver when called upon.
Despite this, the 29-year-old striker fell out of favour at Ajax and he has been shipped out on loan to EFL Championship side Ipswich Town.
8. Wasiu Taiwo – 17 Goals (De Graafschap, MVV Maastricht)
Taiwo might not be the first name that comes to mind when you talk of Eredivisie stars, but his consistency deserves respect. After moving to the Netherlands in the mid-90s, he enjoyed spells at De Graafschap and MVV Maastricht,
Taiwo combined physical strength with clever positioning to score 17 goals in total. He was never a flashy player, but was a reliable forward who always gave everything and earned the love of the fans with his hard work and determination.
7. Finidi George – 18 Goals (Ajax Amsterdam)
Finidi is a true Ajax legend. Joining the club in 1993, the elegant winger became part of the iconic team that conquered Europe in the mid-90s. He scored 18 Eredivisie goals for Ajax, but his impact went far beyond numbers.
With his trademark pace, pinpoint crosses and ability to score from the wing, Finidi helped Ajax win three Eredivisie titles (1994, 1995, 1996) and the 1995 UEFA Champions League. He’s remembered not just as a scorer, but as a key architect of Ajax’s golden era.
6. Garba Lawal – 20 Goals (Roda JC Kerkrade)
Lawal spent six solid seasons at Roda JC, making 155 appearances and scoring 20 goals. The versatile midfielder joined the club in the late 90s and quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his energy and tireless running.
While he wasn’t always the headline grabber, Lawal was crucial in Roda JC’s KNVB Cup triumph in 1997. His ability to pop up with important goals and cover every blade of grass made him an unsung hero of the Eredivisie.
5. Mike Obiku – 21 Goals (Feyenoord, AZ Alkmaar)
Obiku brought power and presence to the Dutch league. The Nigerian striker played for Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar, scoring 21 goals across both clubs. His most memorable spell came with Feyenoord, where he was part of the squad that won the KNVB Cup in 1995.
Obiku wasn’t just about goals though as his physicality made him a nightmare for defenders and his charisma on the pitch earned him cult-hero status among Feyenoord fans.
4. Nwankwo Kanu – 25 Goals (Ajax Amsterdam)
Before he became a Premier League icon, Kanu was an Ajax superstar. Joining the club in 1993, the lanky striker scored 25 goals in 54 appearances for the Amsterdam giants.
His elegance, silky skills and ability to score big goals helped Ajax dominate domestically in both Dutch league and Cup competitions as well as in Europe.
With three Eredivisie titles, a Champions League medal (1995) and the UEFA Super Cup, Kanu left Ajax as one of the most technically gifted forwards in their history.
3. Bartholomew Ogbeche – 36 Goals (SC Heerenveen, Willem II)
After struggling in France and England, Ogbeche found his rhythm in the Netherlands. He scored 29 goals for Heerenveen before adding 7 more for Willem II, making him one of the most prolific Nigerians in the league’s history.
Though he never won major silverware, Ogbeche’s goalscoring instincts and ability to deliver for mid-table teams earned him respect across the Dutch football scene
2. Cyriel Dessers – 36 Goals (FC Utrecht, Heracles Almelo, Feyenoord)
Dessers is proof that persistence pays off. After spells with Heracles Almelo and Utrecht, where he scored the bulk of his Eredivisie goals, Dessers made a high-profile move to Feyenoord, adding more goals and European heroics to his resume.
His 36-goal tally makes him one of Nigeria’s most dangerous forwards in Dutch football history. Add his KNVB Cup win with Feyenoord and top scorer accolades in cup competitions, and Dessers has written his name in the Eredivisie record books.
1. Tijani Babangida – 49 Goals (VVV-Venlo, Roda JC, Ajax, Vitesse)
The flying winger started his Dutch adventure with VVV-Venlo, but it was his time at Ajax that defined his legacy. Babangida’s blistering pace and eye for goal saw him rack up 49 Eredivisie goals, the most by any Nigerian player.
During his time at Ajax, he lifted two Eredivisie titles (1998, 1999) and the KNVB Cup, while also leaving defenders chasing shadows week after week. Whether at Roda JC or Vitesse, Babangida always brought flair, speed and goals.