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The 2024–25 season has been a memorable one for Nigerian footballers across Europe, particularly the strikers. Three forwards stood out by topping the scoring charts in their respective leagues, proudly flying the Nigerian flag high.
From Turkey to Belgium and Scotland, these players showed incredible consistency and sharpness in front of goal.
Here is a closer look and ranking of the top Nigerian Golden Boot winners of the season based on their league performances, quality of opposition, and overall influence at club level.
1. Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray (25 Goals, Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot)
When Osimhen made a surprise move to Galatasaray in the summer of 2024, eyebrows were raised. After shining at Napoli and being linked with top Premier League clubs, many wondered if the Turkish league would be a step down. But Osimhen used the platform to remind everyone why he is one of the best strikers in Europe.
In just his first season in Turkey, he bagged 25 league goals, clinching the Super Lig Golden Boot and guiding Galatasaray to yet another league title. His goals came in all forms, including headers, volleys, and penalties, and he proved a nightmare for defenders with his explosive pace and movement.
Despite arriving with pressure and expectation, he delivered a dominant campaign, silencing critics and proving his class once again.
Now, with Champions League football returning to Istanbul, Osimhen’s name is back in the mix for a potential move to a European giant, though Galatasaray are desperate to keep hold of their new talisman.
2. Tolu Arokodare – Genk (21 Goals, Belgian Pro League Golden Boot)
Arokodare has gone from a relatively unknown name to the top scorer in Belgium. The towering striker enjoyed a brilliant campaign with Genk, finishing with 21 goals to his name in the Belgian Pro League, a massive improvement from the previous year when he scored 12.
Standing at 6’6”, Arokodare used his physicality to great effect, bullying defenders and dominating in the air. But he also showcased improved footwork, sharper finishing, and better link-up play.
Arokodare’s form was central to Genk’s push for European football, and his consistency across the season stood out. He scored in back-to-back fixtures on several occasions and developed a knack for arriving at the right place at the right time.
His progress has not gone unnoticed either, with several Bundesliga and Ligue 1 clubs believed to be tracking him ahead of the summer window.
He also earned a first call-up to the Super Eagles this year due to his form, making his debut in Nigeria's 2-0 victory over Rwanda.
3. Cyriel Dessers – Rangers (18 Goals, Scottish Premiership Golden Boot)
It has been a rollercoaster season for Dessers at Rangers, but he finished on a high by clinching the Scottish Premiership Golden Boot with 18 goals. After a mixed first year in Glasgow, the Nigerian striker settled in well this term and became a reliable figure up front under Barry Ferguson.
Dessers started the season quietly, but once he found his rhythm, he became one of the most clinical finishers in Scotland. His poacher’s instinct stood out, with a lot of his goals coming from inside the box, often off smart runs and quick touches.
He also made key contributions in big fixtures, including goals against Aberdeen and Hibs, helping Rangers maintain pressure on rivals Celtic in the title race.
Though Rangers missed out on the league title, Dessers’ improvement was one of the club’s success stories. He was more confident and more involved in build-up play, looking settled both on and off the pitch.
With his future looking more secure now, Dessers will be keen to carry this form into Europe and continue pushing for a Super Eagles recall.
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