Top Nigeria Super Eagles Players below 25Years
As the 2025 international football season unfolds, the Nigeria Super Eagles are set to showcase a new generation of talent. Among these promising stars are young players under 25 years old who are poised to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s future in global football. Below, we highlight the top 9 young talents to watch for, including their strengths, recent performances, and potential for the Super Eagles’ tactical evolution.
9. Papa Daniel
- Age: 23 (as of 2025)
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: Niger Tornadoes
- Profile: Papa Daniel is an exciting young midfielder making waves at Niger Tornadoes. Though relatively unknown on the international stage, his recent call-up to the Super Eagles squad has put him in the spotlight. Known for his combative nature and solid passing game, Daniel could be an asset to Nigeria’s midfield in the near future. His hunger to prove himself could make him a key player for the Super Eagles’ upcoming campaigns.
8. Jerome Akor
- Age: 25 (as of 2025)
- Position: Forward
- Club: Sevilla (New Signing)
- Profile: Jerome Akor’s recent move to Sevilla has generated buzz in Nigerian football circles. Despite limited information on his full profile, his inclusion in the national squad signifies the trust Coach Eric Chelle places in his potential. As a forward, Akor is expected to bring fresh energy and strength to Nigeria’s attacking options. His adaptability and versatility will likely be essential in his bid to break into the starting XI.
7. Lesley Ugochukwu
- Age: 20 (as of 2025)
- Position: Defensive Midfielder
- Club: Chelsea (On loan at Southampton)
- Profile: Lesley Ugochukwu is a defensive midfielder with a promising future. Born in France but eligible to represent Nigeria, Ugochukwu has been a standout talent at youth levels. His defensive prowess and physicality have already made him an integral part of Southampton’s squad, and a potential future star for the Super Eagles. His recent performances in the Premier League have garnered attention, and his potential switch to the Super Eagles could be a huge boost for the team’s midfield.
6. Tanimu Benjamin
- Age: 22 (as of 2025)
- Position: Defender
- Club: Crawley Town
- Profile: Tanimu Benjamin is a tough and disciplined center-back who is expected to rise through the ranks of Nigerian football. His performances at the domestic level for Crawley Town have already turned heads. With solid defensive skills and an impressive work rate, Benjamin is tipped to join the senior squad soon. His potential makes him an exciting prospect for the future of the Super Eagles’ defense.
5. Tolu Arokodare
- Age: 23 (as of 2025)
- Position: Striker
- Club: Gent (Belgium)
- Profile: Known for his imposing physicality and clinical finishing, Tolu Arokodare has been making waves in Belgium with Gent. His ability to hold off defenders and convert chances into goals makes him a powerful addition to the Super Eagles’ attack. Arokodare’s performances in the Belgian league have earned him significant recognition, and his rise to prominence suggests that he could play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s attacking options in the near future.
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4. Alhassan Yusuf
- Age: 22 (as of 2025)
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: Royal Antwerp (Belgium)
- Profile: Alhassan Yusuf has caught the attention of football enthusiasts with his dynamic midfield performances for Royal Antwerp. Known for his composure under pressure and ability to orchestrate play from the center of the park, Yusuf could be a key player for the Super Eagles. His ability to break up opposition attacks and create scoring opportunities makes him a valuable asset in the middle of the field.
3. Carney Chukwuemeka
- Age: 21 (as of 2025)
- Position: Attacking Midfielder/Left Winger
- Club: Chelsea
- Profile: Carney Chukwuemeka is an attacking midfielder with flair and creativity. Having made a name for himself at Chelsea, his dribbling ability and vision make him a dynamic player in the final third. Although he has represented England at youth levels, Chukwuemeka’s eligibility to play for Nigeria makes him an intriguing prospect. His natural talent and ability to unlock defenses could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s attacking unit.
2. Victor Boniface
- Age: 22 (as of 2025)
- Position: Striker
- Club: Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
- Profile: Victor Boniface is one of the brightest young talents in European football. Playing for Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga, Boniface has impressed with his raw strength, goal-scoring abilities, and technical skill. His versatility as a forward makes him a key asset to the Super Eagles’ attacking setup. Boniface’s move to a top-tier European club is a testament to his growing reputation, and he will undoubtedly play a crucial role for Nigeria in the upcoming international fixtures.
1. Gift Orban
- 1. Gift Orban
- Age: 21 (as of 2025)
- Position: Striker
- Club: TSG Hoffenheim (Germany)
- Profile: Gift Orban is an emerging talent in Nigerian football, known for his remarkable goal-scoring abilities. After a standout period at KAA Gent in Belgium, where he scored 32 goals in 52 appearances, Orban moved to Olympique Lyonnais in France in January 2024. Despite a promising start, he sought a new challenge and transferred to TSG Hoffenheim in January 2025. His pace, clinical finishing, and versatility in attack are expected to significantly bolster Hoffenheim’s offensive options.
Emerging Trends and Challenges
As these young players continue to rise through the ranks of international football, there are several factors they will need to navigate:
- Integration with Experienced Players: The blend of youth and experience is vital for success. Veterans like Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Wilfred Ndidi will play pivotal roles in mentoring these emerging talents, helping them adjust to the intensity of international football.
- Tactical Adaptability: The ability to seamlessly integrate into Coach Eric Chelle’s tactical system will be key. The Super Eagles are known for their attacking flair, but these young talents must be flexible and able to adapt to various playing styles.
- Rising Competition for Spots: With a growing pool of talent, competition for starting spots will intensify. This healthy competition could drive these young players to continue improving and push each other to reach their full potential.
Young Nigeria Super Eagles Players; the Next Generation
The Nigeria Super Eagles are ushering in a new generation of footballing talent, and these young players represent the future of Nigerian football. With a mix of raw talent, creativity, and potential, these players are set to make significant contributions in upcoming competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience will be crucial for Nigeria’s success in the coming years, and these emerging stars will be key to shaping the Super Eagles’ legacy on the global stage.
