Published on by Andrew Randa
The year 2024 has been a whirlwind for Nigerian football, filled with remarkable achievements and some challenges.
At the start of the year, the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on gold, finishing second at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
On the women’s front, the Super Falcons made history by qualifying for both the Olympic Games and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
While the Super Eagles had a slightly bumpy ride, they managed to secure qualification for the next AFCON, showcasing resilience under pressure.
Enyimba also brought pride to the nation by reaching the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, cementing their status as one of Nigeria’s top clubs.
In youth football, the Flamingos and Falconets held their own at the FIFA U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups, while the Flying Eagles soared to victory in the WAFU B U-20 Men’s Tournament.
As we enter 2025, there is hope and optimism that Nigerian football will continue its upward trajectory.
Here are some predictions for what lies ahead in Nigerian football this year.
The FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025, with the Super Eagles aiming to overturn their shaky start and secure a spot at the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Currently, Nigeria sits fifth in their six-team group, with just two points from four games.
2024 was a good year, we’re doubling everything in 2025. Thank you @ChippaUnitedFC 🌶, thank you @ng_supereagles 🦅 🇳🇬, thanks to all my fans. Let’s do more!! #nwabali #safehands #happynewyear pic.twitter.com/beYJqRMEnC
Group leaders Rwanda, along with South Africa and Benin, are on seven points, separated by goal difference.
Despite the odds, 2025 promises a resurgence.
The Super Eagles are tipped to win all their remaining six matches, pulling off a miraculous comeback to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
After falling to Morocco in the semi-finals of the last WAFCON, the Super Falcons are on a mission to reclaim their dominance.
Although the team is in a rebuilding phase, their recent accolades, including the award for Africa Women’s Team of the Year, show they remain a force to be reckoned with.
This year, the Super Falcons will go all the way to the WAFCON final, and recapture their spot as the continent’s elite women’s team.
Ademola Lookman’s meteoric rise continues, with the Nigerian forward spearheading Atalanta’s charge for their first Serie A title.
Following his Europa League triumph and recognition as Africa’s best player, Lookman has maintained his stellar form, contributing nine goals and five assists in 15 league matches.
With Atalanta tied on points with Napoli at the top of Serie A, Lookman’s leadership and brilliance are expected to guide the Bergamo-based club to a historic league title.
Having come close in previous seasons, Remo Stars are poised to make history by clinching their first NPFL title.
Currently leading the table with 36 points at the halfway mark, the Ikenne-based club, under the astute guidance of coach Dan Ogunmodede, looks unstoppable.
With reinforcements expected during the transfer window and a display of remarkable consistency, Remo Stars will emerge as champions of the 2024/25 NPFL season.
Victor Osimhen’s exploits at Galatasaray have made him one of Europe’s hottest transfer targets.
Despite ruling out a winter move, the Super Eagles star has attracted interest from top clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
By the summer of 2025, Osimhen is predicted to move to the English Premier League, taking his goal-scoring prowess to one of football’s most competitive leagues.
Galatasaray welcome Victor Osimhen from the short holiday with a birthday cake 🎂
A club & more 🔥🇳🇬pic.twitter.com/yy7p4Hdr6i
After being overlooked in 2024, Victor Boniface is set for a redemption arc in 2025.
The Bayer Leverkusen striker, who was instrumental in their unbeaten Bundesliga campaign last season, is expected to regain top form and dominate in the coming year.
With his undeniable talent and determination, Boniface is primed to claim the African Footballer of the Year award, following in the footsteps of compatriot Ademola Lookman.
Struggling North-Central neighbours Nasarawa United and Lobi Stars have endured a torrid season in the NPFL. Nasarawa United languish at the bottom of the table with 19 points, while Lobi Stars are just a point ahead.
Off-field issues, including crowd trouble and administrative instability, have compounded their woes. Unfortunately, the lack of significant improvements suggests both clubs are destined for relegation.
📜 How the year closes on the table after 19 Matchdays
– @RemoStarsSC leads the league going into the new year
– Nasarawa United sit at the bottom
– Current champions @Rangers_Intl are in 4th place
– Plateau United, Lobi Stars & Akwa United also in the dropzone
19/38✅ #NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/QFCMvxIYSQ
Though it seems impossible at the moment considering their position on the log in their group, Enyimba will a lot of people and make it to the semis of the competition.
Their resurgence will start in their next game against Black Bulls of Mozambique at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
From being rooted to the bottom of Group D with just a point after three games, they will turn-around their campaign and make it out of the group.
Unarguably the best goalkeeper on the continent, Nnadozie has continued to shine for hr club Paris FC and the Super Falcons.
This year, she will do better than she did last year and will also have a stellar showing at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
With what she is poised to achieve in 2025, she will win the award for the third straight year when the annual awards come around.
Andrew Randa
Andrew Randa is a veteran Nigerian sports journalist with over 20 years of experience covering the beautiful game across Africa. Andrew served as a Media Officer for Nigeria’s U-20 Men’s National Team for three years, offering a unique perspective on the future stars of Nigerian football.
Beyond reporting, Andrew is a pioneer in sports graphics creation within Nigeria. His expertise extends to sports kit design, making him a true multi-faceted talent in the African sports landscape.
Andrew’s experience is vast, with collaborations encompassing prestigious names like Kickoff, SuperSport, the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation), and the NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League)
LATEST ARTICLES
Popular content
You May Also Like
African football, our passion
Afrik-Foot, with a rich history of over 13 years of covering African football and Nigerian football, is a reliable source for news on events like the Africa Cup of Nations, NPFL and CAF Champions League. The platform also keeps you updated on the Super Eagles and other African players in Europe and African clubs.
© Afrik-Foot – 2025
Published on by Andrew Randa
The year 2024 has been a whirlwind for Nigerian football, filled with remarkable achievements and some challenges.
At the start of the year, the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on gold, finishing second at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
On the women’s front, the Super Falcons made history by qualifying for both the Olympic Games and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
While the Super Eagles had a slightly bumpy ride, they managed to secure qualification for the next AFCON, showcasing resilience under pressure.
Enyimba also brought pride to the nation by reaching the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, cementing their status as one of Nigeria’s top clubs.
In youth football, the Flamingos and Falconets held their own at the FIFA U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups, while the Flying Eagles soared to victory in the WAFU B U-20 Men’s Tournament.
As we enter 2025, there is hope and optimism that Nigerian football will continue its upward trajectory.
Here are some predictions for what lies ahead in Nigerian football this year.
The FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025, with the Super Eagles aiming to overturn their shaky start and secure a spot at the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Currently, Nigeria sits fifth in their six-team group, with just two points from four games.
2024 was a good year, we’re doubling everything in 2025. Thank you @ChippaUnitedFC 🌶, thank you @ng_supereagles 🦅 🇳🇬, thanks to all my fans. Let’s do more!! #nwabali #safehands #happynewyear pic.twitter.com/beYJqRMEnC
Group leaders Rwanda, along with South Africa and Benin, are on seven points, separated by goal difference.
Despite the odds, 2025 promises a resurgence.
The Super Eagles are tipped to win all their remaining six matches, pulling off a miraculous comeback to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
After falling to Morocco in the semi-finals of the last WAFCON, the Super Falcons are on a mission to reclaim their dominance.
Although the team is in a rebuilding phase, their recent accolades, including the award for Africa Women’s Team of the Year, show they remain a force to be reckoned with.
This year, the Super Falcons will go all the way to the WAFCON final, and recapture their spot as the continent’s elite women’s team.
Ademola Lookman’s meteoric rise continues, with the Nigerian forward spearheading Atalanta’s charge for their first Serie A title.
Following his Europa League triumph and recognition as Africa’s best player, Lookman has maintained his stellar form, contributing nine goals and five assists in 15 league matches.
With Atalanta tied on points with Napoli at the top of Serie A, Lookman’s leadership and brilliance are expected to guide the Bergamo-based club to a historic league title.
Having come close in previous seasons, Remo Stars are poised to make history by clinching their first NPFL title.
Currently leading the table with 36 points at the halfway mark, the Ikenne-based club, under the astute guidance of coach Dan Ogunmodede, looks unstoppable.
With reinforcements expected during the transfer window and a display of remarkable consistency, Remo Stars will emerge as champions of the 2024/25 NPFL season.
Victor Osimhen’s exploits at Galatasaray have made him one of Europe’s hottest transfer targets.
Despite ruling out a winter move, the Super Eagles star has attracted interest from top clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
By the summer of 2025, Osimhen is predicted to move to the English Premier League, taking his goal-scoring prowess to one of football’s most competitive leagues.
Galatasaray welcome Victor Osimhen from the short holiday with a birthday cake 🎂
A club & more 🔥🇳🇬pic.twitter.com/yy7p4Hdr6i
After being overlooked in 2024, Victor Boniface is set for a redemption arc in 2025.
The Bayer Leverkusen striker, who was instrumental in their unbeaten Bundesliga campaign last season, is expected to regain top form and dominate in the coming year.
With his undeniable talent and determination, Boniface is primed to claim the African Footballer of the Year award, following in the footsteps of compatriot Ademola Lookman.
Struggling North-Central neighbours Nasarawa United and Lobi Stars have endured a torrid season in the NPFL. Nasarawa United languish at the bottom of the table with 19 points, while Lobi Stars are just a point ahead.
Off-field issues, including crowd trouble and administrative instability, have compounded their woes. Unfortunately, the lack of significant improvements suggests both clubs are destined for relegation.
📜 How the year closes on the table after 19 Matchdays
– @RemoStarsSC leads the league going into the new year
– Nasarawa United sit at the bottom
– Current champions @Rangers_Intl are in 4th place
– Plateau United, Lobi Stars & Akwa United also in the dropzone
19/38✅ #NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/QFCMvxIYSQ
Though it seems impossible at the moment considering their position on the log in their group, Enyimba will a lot of people and make it to the semis of the competition.
Their resurgence will start in their next game against Black Bulls of Mozambique at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
From being rooted to the bottom of Group D with just a point after three games, they will turn-around their campaign and make it out of the group.
Unarguably the best goalkeeper on the continent, Nnadozie has continued to shine for hr club Paris FC and the Super Falcons.
This year, she will do better than she did last year and will also have a stellar showing at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
With what she is poised to achieve in 2025, she will win the award for the third straight year when the annual awards come around.
Andrew Randa
Andrew Randa is a veteran Nigerian sports journalist with over 20 years of experience covering the beautiful game across Africa. Andrew served as a Media Officer for Nigeria’s U-20 Men’s National Team for three years, offering a unique perspective on the future stars of Nigerian football.
Beyond reporting, Andrew is a pioneer in sports graphics creation within Nigeria. His expertise extends to sports kit design, making him a true multi-faceted talent in the African sports landscape.
Andrew’s experience is vast, with collaborations encompassing prestigious names like Kickoff, SuperSport, the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation), and the NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League)
LATEST ARTICLES
Popular content
You May Also Like
African football, our passion
Afrik-Foot, with a rich history of over 13 years of covering African football and Nigerian football, is a reliable source for news on events like the Africa Cup of Nations, NPFL and CAF Champions League. The platform also keeps you updated on the Super Eagles and other African players in Europe and African clubs.
© Afrik-Foot – 2025
