Nigeria-eligible U23 football talents are making waves across Europe, according to the latest rankings from CIES Football Observatory, a Neuchatel-based research group that tracks young players’ performances in 67 leagues worldwide. The study, which uses Impect data to evaluate players across eight key game areas, also considers competitive level, match results, and playing time. Several Nigerian-born or Nigeria-eligible players have secured top positions, highlighting their growing influence on the global stage.
Michael Kayode, a defender on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation, ranks ninth among U23 outfield players in the Premier League. The Brentford star earned an index score of 82.6, showcasing his consistent form and impact in England’s top division. His performances have drawn attention from Super Eagles selectors, who are closely monitoring his development.
In Italy’s Serie A, Honest Ahanor, an Italy U21 international of Nigerian descent, is ranked 15th with an index of 79. He is also under consideration by manager Eric Chelle, adding to the growing list of young talents linked to the Nigerian national team. Ahanor’s strong performances have placed him among the elite young players in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
In Scotland, Jayden Meghoma, a left-back on loan from Brentford to Rangers, is among four Rangers players in the top six of the Scottish Premiership rankings. He recorded an index score of 75.7, demonstrating his adaptability and contribution to the Light Blues’ campaign. His inclusion reflects the increasing presence of Nigerian youth in top Scottish football.
In Turkey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, a newly capped Nigeria international, stands out as the top U23 centre-back in the Turkish Super Lig and ranks second overall, behind teammate Christ Inao Oulaï. Anthony Dennis of Göztepe SK also made the list, placing seventh in the same league. Their performances have added depth to Nigeria’s defensive options at the international level.
Other notable names include David Moses of Slavia Prague, who is second in the Czech 1. Liga, Mukhtar Adamu of Odds BK ranked 20th in the Norwegian First Division, and Shola Ogundana of Dynamo Kyiv, who sits 16th in the Ukrainian Premier League. These players represent a new wave of Nigerian talent gaining recognition across diverse European leagues.
Globally, Lamine Yamal of Barcelona leads the rankings as the best U23 player, followed by Kenan Yıldız of Juventus and Warren Zaïre-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain. The CIES rankings underscore the rising competitiveness of young Nigerian players on the international scene, with several now positioned to represent the Super Eagles in the near future. Their continued development could play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s football future.
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