Top Nigerian Female Footballers This Season

From penalty saves in France to goals in Spain, Nigerian female footballers have made their presence felt across Europe and beyond this 2024/25 season. 

These women have not only flown the country’s flag high but also proved that Nigerian talent is something the world needs to keep watching. Here’s a look at some of the standout stars of the season, women who truly owned the pitch.

Chiamaka Nnadozie – Paris FC (France)

If you’re talking about top performers this season, Chiamaka Nnadozie’s name must be on the list and probably at the top. The Super Falcons goalkeeper had a big season with Paris FC, and what a way to end her time there.

In what became a historic moment for the club, Nnadozie saved two penalties in a tense shootout against PSG to help Paris FC lift their first major trophy in almost 20 years. 

That’s not just big, it’s legendary. Across the season, she kept 10 clean sheets in 19 league matches and had a save rate of over 78%.

Christy Ucheibe – Benfica (Portugal)

Consistency is the name of Christy Ucheibe’s game. Once again, she helped Benfica dominate in Portugal, winning both the league and cup titles again.

She may not always grab headlines, but her presence in midfield has been key. Ucheibe scored twice and assisted once in the league, plus one more goal in the cup. 

She even featured in UEFA Women’s Champions League matches, showing she’s a steady force on the European stage.

Rinsola Babajide – Tenerife (Spain)

Rinsola Babajide has found her groove in Spain. This season, she hit double digits in goals and added five assists, making her one of the most effective players for Tenerife.

She was involved in 37.5% of her team’s goals, which says a lot. With 10 goals in 26 games, she finished among the league’s top scorers and proved she’s a striker that knows how to deliver.

Gift Monday – Tenerife/Washington Spirit (Spain/USA)

Though she only spent half the season at Tenerife before heading to the U.S., Gift Monday still managed to impress.

In just 19 games, she scored 10 goals and ended up as joint top scorer at the club alongside Babajide. Now in the NWSL with Washington Spirit, Monday’s future looks bright and her impact in Spain was loud enough to earn her a spot on this list.

Jennifer Echegini – Paris Saint-Germain (France)

Jennifer Echegini didn’t waste time settling in at PSG after moving from Juventus. In her first season, she scored nine goals across all competitions and provided four assists.

Though the team didn’t win the league or cup, Echegini’s performances were a big plus. The 24-year-old midfielder showed confidence, flair, and finishing traits that make her one to watch.

Rasheedat Ajibade – Atletico Madrid (Spain)

Ajibade made history as the first-ever winner of Spain’s Women’s Player of the Month award but the season didn’t go entirely as planned. An injury slowed her down, yet she still finished with seven goals and three assists in 22 games.

It was also her final season with Atletico Madrid. Despite the setback, her leadership and influence remained strong as Atletico finished third in the league.

Honourable Mentions

• Toni Payne had a slow start after moving to Everton from Sevilla, but she still managed one goal and five assists in her debut season in England.
  
• Tosin Demehin switched to Galatasaray in Turkey, though details on her performances are limited.
  
• Francisca Ordega made a move to Saudi Arabia to play for Al-Ittihad, joining up with fellow Nigerian Ashleigh Plumptre.