PulseSports30, an annual football ranking that recognises the 30 best-performing Nigerian footballers from across the globe, is back again.
PulseSports30 makes a return for the fourth year, recognising the 30 best-performing Nigerian footballers from the 2024/2025 football season.
A non-discriminatory annual ranking, PulseSports30 considers footballers of Nigerian heritage who performed excellently either in Africa, Asia, Europe, North/South America, or Oceania.
Every day, we will reveal a batch of five players who made our list until we get to number one.
We continue this year’s ranking by revealing players ranked between 25-21
25. Samuel Chukwueze
)
While AC Milan’s 2024/25 campaign was underwhelming, having missed out on all European competitions next season after an eighth-placed finish, Samuel Chukwueze showed glimpses of his talent with 5 goal involvements (3 goals, 2 assists) in Serie A.
However, his overall impact was limited by injuries, inconsistent form, and reduced playing time. Despite his potential, Chukwueze’s season fell short of expectations, making his inclusion among Nigeria’s best, a debatable one.
24. Stanley Nwabali
)
Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper Nwabali had a memorable 2024/2025 football season, with the Chippa United star being a rock at the back for the South African Premier Division side, featuring in 23 league matches.
He finished the season with nine clean sheets an conceded just 20 goals in those 23 appearances. He also produced an outstanding 82 saves, many of which were important in helping Chippa United secure valuable points across the season.
Nwabali was also in action for the Super Eagles in four African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers games and kept three clean sheets to help Nigeria qualify for the showpiece in Morocco later this year.
23. Josh Maja
)
Having failed to crack double figures in goals in English football for Fulham in the 2020-21 season (three goals), Stoke City in 2021-22 (one) and West Brom in 2023-24 (one), Josh Maja was fourth-time lucky in year two at the Baggies, scoring 12 times in 26 Championship appearances.
As the team’s primary forward, Maja’s role was centred on leading the line and providing a consistent goal threat.
A notable aspect of his performance was his clinical finishing, with 12 goals from an xG of 10.0, indicating he outperformed his expected goals by 2.0, further highlighting his efficient finishing.
Unfortunately, Maja, who scored the first hat-trick in the Championship last season (against QPR in the opening gameweek), had his season curtailed by injury.
Having been seventh and in contention for a playoff place, West Brom’s season dipped without their leading marksman, doubly magnifying the Nigerian’s importance in the West Midlands.
22. Ibrahim Olawoyin (Çaykur Rizespor)
)
Nigeria forward Ibrahim Olawoyin, wearing the coveted number 10 jersey, helped turn around the fortunes of Çaykur Rizespor under the guidance of coach İlhan Palut.
Olawoyin featured in 32 league games and 2 cup games, making a total of 34 appearances across all competitions, contributing six goals and nine assist for Çaykur Rizespor in a successful campaign that included a late push for European qualification.
He did not feature for the Super Eagles during the season but is making a strong case for his inclusion in the team, after propelling Rizespor to a 9th-place finish in the league.
21. Anas Yusuf
)
Anas Yusuf, a Nigerian left winger from Lafia, was the NPFL’s top scorer in the 2024/2025 season with 18 goals.
His performance, including 14 open-play goals and three penalties, helped Nasarawa United finish 12th with 52 points.
In all, Anas Yusuf notche 18 goals and two assist in 34 NPFL games, overshadowing veteran Super Eagles stars like Rabiu Ali, Ahmed Musa, and Brown Ideye.
