Four Nigerian footballers have secured spots in the global top 300 most influential footballers list for the 2024/25 season, according to the Swiss-based CIES Football Observatory, after delivering standout performances for their respective clubs.
Topping the group is Fulham’s dependable and dynamic midfielder, Alex Iwobi. His impressive displays in the Premier League earned him a spot within the top 40 worldwide rankings, with the highest index score among Nigerian players.
The CIES ranking evaluates footballers across the world’s top 60 leagues by analyzing their impact in six key performance areas: aerial play, ground defense, distribution, take-ons, chance creation, and finishing. This analysis is further refined by considering minutes played and overall team performance.
Iwobi achieved an index score of 87.4, placing him 37th globally and 12th among wingers, highlighting his significant influence for Fulham this season.
The 29-year-old midfielder has quietly put together an exceptional campaign at Craven Cottage. Marking a historic milestone, Iwobi became the first Nigerian to complete every minute of all 38 Premier League matches in two separate seasons, previously accomplishing this feat in 2022/23. His versatility in playing both midfield and wide positions has made him an essential asset for Fulham.
Statistically, Iwobi has contributed 9 goals and 6 assists, directly influencing 15 goals for his club. His creativity shines through with 12 big chances created, an average of 1.6 key passes per game, and an impressive pass accuracy rate of 80%.
In a squad often pushed back by higher-ranked Premier League sides, Iwobi’s calmness on the ball and effectiveness during transitions have been notable, with an average of 52.2 touches per game and a CIES chance creation score of 76.
The former Arsenal player demonstrates balanced technical ability, scoring four goals with his left foot and five with his right, while his relentless off-the-ball work contributed to key victories against Tottenham and Manchester United.
Following closely is Ademola Lookman, the current African Footballer of the Year, who earned an index score of 86.7. This places him 48th worldwide and 10th among attacking midfielders.
Lookman, who recently returned to Nigeria with his CAF award, has enjoyed his most accomplished season yet at Atalanta, tallying 15 goals and 5 assists in Serie A. He solidified his reputation further by scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final, securing Atalanta’s first major European trophy.
His flair and explosiveness on the flanks are evident from his equal score of 85 in both chance creation and finishing, making him Nigeria’s most dangerous offensive player based on CIES data.
Beyond his numbers, Lookman has attracted interest from top Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool. Atalanta has placed a €50 million valuation on the Nigerian attacker.
Lookman’s statistics suggest he is entering his prime, averaging 2.0 key passes, 2.6 shots per game, and a significant expected assist value of 7.89—metrics that reflect a complete and modern attacking player.
Third among Nigerian players is Victor Osimhen, who, despite uncertainties about his club future, ranks 159th globally with an index score of 81, and 20th among center-forwards.
Although CIES statistics focus solely on domestic league performances, Osimhen’s overall impact at Galatasaray has been exceptional.
The 26-year-old forward, on loan from Napoli, set records in Turkey by netting 37 goals across all competitions, becoming the highest-scoring foreign player in a single season in Turkish football history.
His finishing score stands out at 86, the ninth highest worldwide. However, his distribution (24) and ground defense (36) scores are relatively low, reflecting his role as a prolific goal poacher. Galatasaray is reportedly offering him a club-record contract worth €15 million per year to keep him.
Rounding out Nigeria’s influential quartet is Calvin Bassey, Fulham’s center-back, who has enjoyed a significant resurgence this season. He is ranked 257th globally and 49th among center-backs, earning a score of 78.2.
At 25, Bassey has established himself as a key defensive figure at Craven Cottage, bouncing back strongly from an inconsistent period at Ajax. This season, he played 35 league matches, logging over 3,000 minutes, and was rated the fourth-best center-back in England by Data MB.
Bassey’s index score reflects strong abilities in distribution (74) and aerial duels (58), with solid contributions in tackling and ground duels.
He started 34 out of 35 Premier League games, averaging nearly 89 minutes per match, boasting a 90% pass accuracy overall, and 86% pass accuracy in the opposition half. His duel success rate of 62% and 4.8 recoveries per match highlight a composed and confident defender, instrumental in Fulham’s impressive wins over Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham.
His progress has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona reportedly interested as they seek to strengthen their defense.
The CIES ranking itself is topped by Mohamed Salah, with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Pedri González rounding out the top three. Liverpool defenders Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold lead defensive rankings. Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen tops attacking midfielders, while Kylian Mbappé leads the center-forward rankings ahead of Viktor Gyökeres.
