In a remarkable season of achievements, Napoli’s most important Nigerian import ever, Victor Osimhen has etched his name in Serie A history.
With his recent goal against Fiorentina, Osimhen surpassed George Weah of Liberia as the highest-scoring African player in the league.
This feat is particularly noteworthy since Weah is the only African recipient of the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.
However, Osimhen is not the lone Nigerian to have made a significant impact in Italian football.
In this report, Soccernet.ng delves into the statistics and accomplishments of Nigeria’s top 10 all-time leading scorers in Serie A, highlighting their contributions and milestones.
Victor Osimhen – 47 goals, 79 games
Leading the pack is Victor Osimhen, the prodigious center-forward representing SSC Napoli.
At 24, Osimhen has already amassed an impressive 47 goals in 79 appearances over three seasons, solidifying his place as Nigeria’s most prolific scorer in Serie A.
Simy Nwankwo – 31 goals, 101 games
Following closely behind Osimhen is Simy, a skilled center-forward who has played for two clubs in Serie A.
Now at 31 and in Serie B, Simy can look back with pride at a career that saw him net 31 goals in 101 matches over four seasons, showcasing his potency in front of the goal.
Obafemi Martins – 28 goals, 88 games
Obafemi Martins, a renowned center-forward who plied his trade at FC Internazionale, sits at the third spot on the list.
Despite leaving Italian football several years ago, Martins’ significant contribution during his time in Serie A, tallying 28 goals in 88 appearances over four seasons, remains remarkable.
Stephen Makinwa – 16 goals, 120 games
Stephen Makinwa, a journeyman center-forward who played for five clubs in Serie A, occupies the fourth position.
Over eight years, Makinwa recorded 16 goals in 120 matches, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net consistently throughout his time in Italy.
Victor Obinna – 14 goals, 69 games
Victor Obinna, an intelligent attacker who represented two clubs in Serie A, secures the fifth spot.
Excelling at Chievo Verona, Obinna contributed 14 goals in 69 appearances over four seasons, exhibiting his proficiency in both scoring and creating opportunities.
David Okereke – 14 goals, 62 games
Cremonese’s exciting forward, David Okereke is placed at the sixth position.
At just 25 years old, Okereke has demonstrated great potential, scoring 14 goals in 62 matches over two seasons, hinting at a bright future in Italian football.
Ademola Lookman – 13 goals, 28 games
In only his debut season in the Italian Serie A, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman occupies the seventh spot on the list.
At the age of 25, Lookman has already made an impact in the top flight , netting 13 goals in 28 appearances during an impressive individual and collective campaign.
Christian Obodo – 9 goals, 198 games
Christian Obodo, a central midfielder who played for three clubs in Serie A, sits at the eighth position.
Obodo’s career spanned an impressive ten seasons in Italy, during which he scored nine goals in 198 matches, showcasing his versatility and attacking prowess from midfield.
Joel Obi – 8 goals, 142 games
Joel Obi, another central midfielder who represented three clubs in Serie A, secures the ninth spot on the list.
Obi notched eight goals in 142 appearances, impressing with his technical skills and ability to contribute in the attacking third.
Cyriel Dessers – 6 goals, 26 games
Completing the list is Cyriel Dessers, a center-forward who currently plays for US Cremonese. Despite his relatively short stint in Serie A, Dessers has already made an impact, scoring six goals in 26 appearances during his debut season.
Dessers’ inclusion in the top 10 highlights his ability to find the back of the net and hints at his potential for further success in the league.
Nigeria’s top 10 all-time top scorers of Serie A
- Victor Osimhen: 47 goals in 79 appearances.
- Simy: 31 goals in 101 appearances
- Obafemi Martins: 28 goals in 88 appearances
- Stephen Makinwa: 16 goals in 120 appearances
- Victor Obinna: 14 goals in 69 appearances
- David Okereke: 14 goals in 62 appearances
- Ademola Lookman: 13 goals in 28 appearances
- Christian Obodo: 9 goals in 198 appearances
- Joel Obi: 8 goals in 142 appearances for three clubs.
- Cyriel Dessers: 6 goals in 26 appearances
Nigeria has produced a wealth of talented footballers who have made their mark in Serie A, and Victor Osimhen’s recent achievement as the highest-scoring African player in the league further solidifies their legacy.