Victor Osimhen has been the main name at the top of Nigeria’s attack for several years. His goals for club and country have made him one of the most recognised Nigerian forwards of his generation. UEFA currently lists him as Nigeria’s leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League, with 16 goals in the competition.
But Nigeria cannot depend on one striker forever. Football constantly produces new players, and several Nigerian forwards are now building their careers across Europe and attracting attention with their performances. Some are already playing at a high level, while others are only beginning to establish themselves. Here are five Nigerian strikers and forwards worth watching as Nigeria looks towards the next generation.
1. Rafiu Durosinmi
Rafiu Durosinmi has taken an interesting route through European football. The Lagos-born striker developed in the Czech Republic with Karviná before making his move to Viktoria Plzeň. His time at Plzeň helped him gain valuable European experience, including appearances in UEFA competitions. He scored 23 league goals for the Czech club across his time there before moving to Pisa in Italy in January 2026.
Durosinmi then returned to Belgium with Genk for the 2026/27 season. He made an excellent start, scoring five goals in his first seven league appearances according to Opta’s current figures. At 23, the 1.92-metre forward still has plenty of time to develop. His height gives him an advantage in aerial situations, while his experience in several European leagues is helping him learn different styles of football.
2. George Ilenikhena
George Ilenikhena is one of the youngest names on this list and has already experienced some major moments in European football. Born in Lagos and raised in France, Ilenikhena came through the French system before joining Monaco. He made 51 appearances for Monaco and scored 10 goals before leaving for Al-Ittihad in February 2026. One of his biggest moments came in the Champions League when he scored the winning goal against Barcelona in Monaco’s 2-1 victory.
The 20-year-old has also made a fast start to the 2026/27 Saudi Pro League season. The league reported that he had scored four goals in the opening seven rounds, including two against Al-Nassr. Nigeria has also moved to bring him into the senior setup. He received his first Super Eagles call-up for the September 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
3. Owen Oseni
Owen Oseni’s rise has been less predictable, but his progress in English football has earned him international recognition. The 23-year-old striker had a breakthrough season with Plymouth Argyle and scored 10 goals in his first season with an English Football League club. His late-season form included three goals in Plymouth’s final four League One matches.
That form earned Oseni his first Nigeria call-up in May 2026. He was selected for the Unity Cup and the friendly matches against Poland and Portugal. Oseni still has plenty to prove at the highest level, but his development shows how players can emerge from outside Europe’s biggest leagues and earn their opportunity with the Super Eagles.
4. Akor Adams
Akor Adams is slightly older than the other players on this list, but he remains an important part of Nigeria’s next attacking group. The 26-year-old has already played in Norway, France and Spain. His time at Sevilla produced 10 goals and four assists in 37 appearances across all competitions before he moved to Venezia in July 2026.
Adams has now taken another step by moving to Serie A. He scored his first league goal for Venezia against Fiorentina in September and has started the club’s opening five Serie A matches, according to Opta’s current data. His experience could be particularly useful for Nigeria because he is already familiar with different European football environments.
5. Moses Usor
Moses Usor is not a traditional number nine, but his ability to play in attacking positions makes him another Nigerian forward worth watching. The 24-year-old has been playing for LASK in Austria and was part of the club’s successful 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign. He finished that season with 13 league goals and five assists, according to Opta data.
His form has continued into the new campaign. Current Opta figures show Usor with two Bundesliga goals and three assists in 2026/27, while he has also featured in LASK’s Champions League campaign. Usor offers something different from a conventional target man. His movement, pace and ability to contribute goals and assists can give Nigeria another attacking option alongside a central striker.
Nigeria’s Search for the Next Generation
Osimhen remains the most established name among Nigeria’s centre-forwards, but the players coming through behind him are beginning to create more options. Durosinmi is gaining experience in Belgium, Ilenikhena is developing after his move from Monaco, Oseni is building his reputation in England, Adams is now competing in Serie A, and Usor is producing goals and assists in Austria. None of them should be expected to simply replace Osimhen. Each player has a different profile, career path and level of experience. But together, they show that Nigeria has several forwards who can continue developing and compete for important roles in the years ahead.
