The world of football in 2023 witnessed the rise of several young talents who are poised to make a lasting impact in the game. PUNCH Sports Extra’s JOHNNY EDWARD takes a look at some of these emerging Nigerian young stars to watch in 2024
Akor Adams (Montpellier)
At just 23 years, Adams has already made a name for himself with his exceptional performances in the Ligue 1 with Montpellier. Before his move to France last year, he scored 15 times in as many Eliteserien games and has since hit the ground running at Montpellier, chasing Kylian Mbappé in the Ligue 1 scoring charts. He is currently the third highest scorer in the French with seven goals. His move to France has further solidified his status as a key player for Montpellier, contributing significantly to their success in various competitions this season.
Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen)
Despite his failed move to Eintracht Frankfurt in January, Durosinmi’s exceptional talent and groundbreaking achievements has caused a stir in the football world.
The 6ft 4ins striker who has scored nine goals for Czech side Viktoria Plzen this season, including six in nine league games is one player to watch in 2024.
Deborah Abiodun (Pittsburgh Panthers)
Dubbed as the Super Falcons next big star, Abiodun impressed in her only game at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. Despite her young age, she has made a significant impact Pittsburgh Panthers in the United States, scoring six goals in 22 appearances. She was unfortunate to lose out on the CAF Women’s Young Player of The Year award to to Morocco and Lille’s Nesryne El Chad at the recent 2023 CAF Awards.
Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen)
The Nigeria international is already one of the most promising young Nigerian footballers in the world. The Bayer Leverkusen winger joined from Southampton in the summer as a replacement for Moussa Diaby after he helped Burnley to the 2022/23 Championship title. Tella was the club’s top-scorer with 17 goals in 39 league appearances that year as Burnley romped the division and collected 101 points in the process. He started the following season brightly with Southampton, scoring one goal and registering another assist in three outings before Leverkusen got his signature on 27 August, 2023.
Igho Ogbu (Slavia Prague)
Ogbu has been a major driving force behind the Slavia Prague’s Fortuna Liga title charge this season. The ever consistent defender has only missed two games this season due to illness and suspension in the Czech league this term.
The Nigerian defender who was a surprise exclusion from the Eagles AFCON bound squad has made 25 appearances for Slavia this term scoring two goals from his defensive position. The 23-year-old was a member of the Slavia Prague team that emerged victorious in the final of the Czech Cup in 2023, beating rivals Sparta Prague 2-0 to lift the trophy – his third career title.
Kingdom Osayi (Doma United)
Osayi has emerged as a standout name in the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign.
The talented goalkeeper has impressed with his excellent performances, streaks and stats, one of which is a staggering 10 clean sheets in so far which has helped the rise of Doma United to the third position in the NPFL.
Not only has Osayi proven to be an excellent shot-stopper for United, he’s also shown that he is an impressive ball-playing goalkeeper as he has allowed Doma to execute their passing from the back with panache. He boasts of two assists this season.
Opeyemi Ajakaiye (Delta Queens)
Ajakaye who followed up her performance with the Falconets squad at the FIFA U-17 World Cup tournament in India in 2022, finishing as the top scorer at the recently concluded 2023 WAFU B U20 Women’s Cup in Ghana with six goals, is one Falcons star to watch this new year.
Her exploits helped the Delta-based club to win the Nigeria Women’s Premier League NWFL AND saw her earn an invitation to the Falcons team. She made her debut for the nine-time African champions in a 2024 Olympic qualifier against Ethiopia in Adis
Ababa.
