Top 7: Nigeria’s best players of 2025-26 Championship season including Super Eagles target

Several Nigerian footballers enjoyed an eventful and highly competitive campaign in the 2025/26 Championship season, a league widely regarded as one of the toughest in world football, Soccernet.ng reports.

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka celebrated promotion with Coventry City and Chuba Akpom played his part in helping Ipswich Town secure their Premier League status. However, a number of other Nigerians delivered more consistent performances across the campaign.

Using detailed performance data from the campaign, here are the seven highest-rated Nigerian players in the division, based on WhoScored ratings.

Nigeria's best players in the Championship 2025/26

David Ozoh, Derby County. (Rating: 6.51)

At number seven is David Ozoh, who impressed during his second loan spell at Derby County from Crystal Palace. The 20-year-old midfielder made 33 appearances and scored twice, establishing himself as a strong physical presence in the heart of midfield.

Averaging around one tackle per game, Ozoh provided defensive balance, although his discipline occasionally let him down, as reflected in seven yellow cards. His most eye-catching display came in a commanding 2-0 win over Stoke City, where he dictated the tempo and earned a 7.46 rating.

Currently an England youth international, Ozoh remains eligible for Nigeria and is widely viewed as close to a potential Super Eagles call-up.

Arthur Okonkwo, Wrexham. (Rating: 6.63)

Next is Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham, who recorded a 6.63 rating across a demanding season between the posts.

Standing at 198cm, the former Arsenal goalkeeper featured 39 times and kept ten clean sheets, while making an impressive 111 saves. His reflexes and penalty-saving ability stood out, particularly in a heroic performance against Swansea City, where he earned an outstanding 8.3 rating in a 1-0 victory.

Like Ozoh, Okonkwo has represented England at youth level but he has completed a FIFA-mandated switch and is being closely monitored as a potential addition to Nigeria’s goalkeeping options.

Semi Ajayi, Hull City. (Rating: 6.69)

In fifth place sits Semi Ajayi, whose experience proved crucial for Hull City.

Featuring in 22 matches, Ajayi contributed a goal and an assist, while averaging an impressive 5.1 clearances per game. His aerial dominance, aided by his 193cm frame, made him a constant threat during set-pieces and a reliable figure in defence.

One of his standout performances came against Oxford United, where he delivered a commanding display rated at 7.73 and earned Man of the Match honours.

Ajayi remains a regular member of the Super Eagles squad and the former West Brom man played a vital role as Nigeria clinched bronze medal at the 2025 AFCON.

Ryan Alebiosu, Blackburn Rovers. (Rating: 6.76)

At number four is Ryan Alebiosu, who enjoyed a breakthrough season with Blackburn Rovers. Operating primarily as a right wing-back, Alebiosu featured in 39 matches, contributing one goal and five assists.

His attacking intent and technical quality made him one of the most dynamic players in his position, particularly in dribbling and crossing situations.

His best performance came against Millwall, where he delivered an assist and completed four successful dribbles in a 7.85-rated display. His form earned him his first senior Nigeria call-up during the campaign, eventually claiming a bronze medal at the AFCON.

Femi Seriki, Sheffield United (Rating: 6.81)

Third on the list is Femi Seriki of Sheffield United, who emerged as one of the most exciting full-backs in the league.

Making 29 appearances, Seriki contributed one goal and six assists as he proved dangerous with his attacking instincts and quality delivery from wide areas. His ability to overlap and provide consistent support in the final third made him a key asset.

A defining moment came in a 2-1 comeback win over Derby County, where his defensive recovery runs and attacking contributions were central to the result.

His performances have placed him firmly on the radar for a first Super Eagles invitation.

Caleb Okoli, Leicester City (Rating: 6.83)

In second place is Caleb Okoli, who stood out with his quality despite Leicester City’s demotion to League One.

Featuring in 29 matches and scoring once and providing one assist, the powerful centre-back was often the sole spark in defence for the Foxes who struggled from start to finish.

Arguably Okoli's finest display came in the last match of the campaign in a narrow 1-0 away victory over Blackburn Rovers, where his flawless one-on-one defending ensured a clean sheet.

With several top-flight clubs monitoring his progress, Okoli could be on the way out of Leicester City this summer.

Femi Azeez, Millwall (Rating: 7.36)

Topping the list is Femi Azeez, who emerged as the most statistically impressive Nigerian player in the Championship this season.

Interestingly, 24-year-old is the highest-rated player overall and has already been named in the Team of the Tournament.

The Millwall winger made 35 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists. His 19-goal contribution ranks among the finest in the division while his high volume of key passes and successful dribbles made him one of the league’s most dangerous wingers.

His standout moment came in a 3-1 victory over Hull City, where he produced a goal and an assist in a near-perfect performance.

With such explosive form, Azeez is now strongly tipped for a first Super Eagles call-up this month, offering a fresh and dynamic option to Nigeria’s attacking ranks.