Meet the Finalists Contending for Nigerian Football’s Biggest Individual Honours

The race to crown the finest Nigerian footballers of the 2025/26 season has officially entered its final stage.

EaglesTracker has unveiled the finalists for the 2026 EaglesTracker Awards, The list features players who delivered standout performances and lit up leagues across Europe and beyond during another memorable campaign for Nigerian football.

The finalists include league champions, goalscorers, standout defenders, dependable goalkeepers and emerging young talents who impressed for their clubs during the 2025/26 season. Their nominations are based on EaglesTracker’s editorial assessment, with performances evaluated using statistics, consistency, league competitiveness and team success.

With winners set to be announced between July 20 and July 22, the finalists now stand one step away from claiming some of Nigerian football’s most prestigious independent honours.

Goalkeeper of the Season

The Goalkeeper of the Season category features four outstanding performers who impressed in different ways throughout the campaign.

Chiamaka Nnadozie: She once again demonstrated why she remains one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers, producing eight clean sheets and recording an impressive 73 per cent save rate in 23 appearances for Brighton.

Nnadozie has previously won the award in 2023, 2024 and 2025, making her a three-time consecutive winner, and has been shortlisted for the award yet again in 2026. 

Maduka Okoye: The goalkeeper enjoyed another incredible campaign with Udinese, keeping ten clean sheets across 30 league matches.

Aside from Vincent Enyeama who had 17 Clean sheets, Maduka Okoye is the only Nigerian male goalkeeper to have kept 10+ clean sheets in a single season.  

Arthur Okonkwo: The newly welcomed Super Eagles goalkeeper played an important role in Wrexham’s 2025/26 season, making 130 saves in 44 appearances while recording ten clean sheets.

Chijioke Aniagboso: Completing the shortlist is Chijioke Aniagboso, whose remarkable season with Chornomorets saw him register an outstanding 17 clean sheets and an exceptional 82.7 per cent save rate while helping his club secure promotion to the Ukrainian top-flight league.

Defender of the Season

Five defenders have earned nominations after producing commanding performances throughout the season.

Calvin Bassey

Calvin Bassey once again proved why he remains one of Nigeria’s most dependable defenders with another consistent campaign at Fulham. 

The Super Eagles centre-back made 32 appearances, contributing one goal while maintaining his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most reliable one-on-one defenders. He averaged 2.4 tackles per 90 minutes, the highest among the finalists, alongside 0.7 blocks and 0.7 interceptions per game, showing  his aggressive defensive style and ability to win duels. 

Although he finished the season without silverware, Bassey’s consistency against top-flight opposition earned him a place among this year’s finalists. Bassey last won the award in 2022 when he was crowned Eagles Tracker defender of the season while he was with Rangers. 

Semi Ajayi

Semi Ajayi enjoyed a solid season with Hull City. The experienced defender featured in 24 matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist as Hull secured success through the EFL Championship Play-offs. 

Defensively, Ajayi averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.5 blocks and 0.6 interceptions per 90 minutes, showing his reading of the game and willingness to put his body on the line. His experience and leadership at the back played an important role in Hull’s campaign and promotion to the Premier League. 

Chibuike Nwaiwu

Few defenders enjoyed a campaign as impressive as Chibuike Nwaiwu. The Trabzonspor centre-back established himself as one of Nigeria’s brightest defensive prospects after making 32 appearances, scoring three goals and adding one assist while helping the Turkish side lift the Turkish Cup. 

His defensive numbers were equally outstanding, averaging 2.3 tackles, 2.5 blocks, the highest among the finalists, and 0.9 interceptions per 90 minutes, also the best in the category. 

At the beginning of the season, not many would have believed Chibuike Nwaiwu would have made the finalist. 

Emmanuel Fernandez

Emmanuel Fernandez enjoyed a breakthrough season with Rangers, producing impressive performances at both ends of the pitch. 

The centre-back featured in 31 matches and finished the campaign with an eye-catching five goals, the highest goals tally among all the shortlisted defenders. Defensively, he averaged 1.7 tackles, 1.4 blocks and 0.7 interceptions per 90 minutes, 

He was also voted Rangers player of the 2025/26 season, and named in the Scottish team of the season. 

If he eventually wins the award, he will become the second Rangers player to win the Eagles Tracker defender of the season award after Calvin Bassey. 

Shukurat Oladipo

Shukurat Oladipo’s nomination comes after an outstanding campaign with AS Roma Women, where she played a key role in one of the club’s most successful seasons in recent years. 

The Nigerian defender made 31 appearances as Roma completed a domestic double by winning the Serie A and Coppa Italia. While she did not register a goal or assist, her defensive contribution was immense, averaging 1.5 tackles, 2.0 blocks and 0.6 interceptions per 90 minutes. 

Midfielder of the Season

The midfield category brings together five players who influenced games in different but equally effective ways.

Alex Iwobi

Alex Iwobi continued to be Fulham’s creative heartbeat with another influential campaign in the Premier League. 

The Super Eagles midfielder made 33 appearances, scoring four goals and providing three assists, while consistently driving his side forward in possession. 

His average of 1.8 chances created per 90 minutes was the highest among the shortlisted midfielders, showing his creativity and ability to unlock opposition defences. 

Wilfred Ndidi

Wilfred Ndidi once again showcased the defensive qualities that have made him one of Nigeria’s most dependable midfielders. 

The Beşiktaş midfielder featured in 27 matches, scoring two goals while providing stability in the middle of the park. He averaged 2.6 tackles per 90 minutes, the highest among the finalists, alongside 1.6 interceptions per 90 minutes, also the best in the category. 

His ability to recover possession, break up opposition attacks and shield the defence made him a key figure throughout the campaign in the Turkish Süper Lig

Frank Onyeka

Frank Onyeka enjoyed an impressive season with Coventry City, helping the club secure the EFL Championship title and also helped his team gain promotion to the Premier League. 

The midfielder made 23 appearances, contributing one goal and three assists while playing an important role on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he averaged 2.1 tackles and one interception per 90 minutes, while also creating 0.8 chances per game. 

His season was really outstanding, considering the fact he was on the bench at the beginning of the season before making that loan move from Brentford to Championship side Coventry City which eventually paid off. 

Jennifer Echegini

Jennifer Echegini continued her rise as one of Nigeria’s brightest midfield talents with another outstanding season at Paris Saint-Germain. 

The 24-year-old made 34 appearances, scoring six goals and providing four assists to finish as the most productive attacking midfielder on the shortlist.

She also averaged 1.4 chances created per 90 minutes while contributing 1.3 tackles per game, showing her willingness to contribute defensively as well. Her all-round performances made her one of PSG’s standout players throughout the campaign, and she is also the only woman shortlisted for this award in the category. 

Raphael Onyedika

The previous winner of the award, Raphael Onyedika, capped another consistent season by helping Club Brugge win the Belgian Pro League title. 

The defensive midfielder featured in 36 matches, the most among the finalists, while contributing three goals and one assist. His defensive numbers remained impressive, averaging 2.0 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per 90 minutes, while his composure in possession helped Brugge control games throughout the season. 

Forward of the Season

Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen is back among the finalists after another outstanding season with Galatasaray. 

The Super Eagles striker made 33 appearances, scoring 22 goals and providing eight assists as he helped the Turkish giants lift the Turkish Süper Lig title. Beyond his goalscoring this season, Osimhen averaged 1.1 chances created per 90 minutes and recorded a 46.4 per cent shot accuracy.  

Osimhen is no stranger to this award. Having previously won the Forward of the Season honour in 2022/23 after firing Napoli to a historic Serie A title and again in 2024/25 following a dominant campaign with Galatasaray, he is now chasing a third crown. Another triumph would further cement his status as the most successful player in the award’s history.

Moses Usor

Moses Usor enjoyed the most productive season of his career, emerging as one of Nigeria’s standout attacking performers at LASK. 

The winger featured in 35 matches, registering 15 goals and 10 assists as the Austrian side completed a domestic double by winning the Austrian Bundesliga and Austrian Cup. 

He averaged 2.0 chances created and 1.9 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, depicting his creativity and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations

Paul Onuachu

Paul Onuachu rediscovered his goalscoring touch with a remarkable season for Trabzonspor. 

The giant striker made 33 appearances and finished as the highest scorer among the finalists with 26 goals, while also contributing two assists. He posted a 48.5 per cent shot accuracy, the best in the category, underlining his efficiency in front of goal. 

Although he averaged 0.8 chances created per 90 minutes, his primary role was to finish opportunities, and he did so consistently throughout the campaign. His goals played a key role in Trabzonspor’s Turkish Cup triumph, making him one of the strongest contenders for the award.

Femi Azeez

Femi Azeez continued his impressive rise with Millwall, producing one of the most complete attacking campaigns among the finalists. 

The winger made 37 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists while consistently creating opportunities for his teammates. 

His average of 2.1 chances created per 90 minutes was the highest among the finalists, while 1.5 successful dribbles per 90 minutes shows his ability to take on defenders and create openings from wide areas. 

Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman maintained his high standards with another productive campaign at Atlético de Madrid and Atalanta. 

The forward featured in 43 matches this season for both clubs, the most among the finalists, scoring 12 goals and adding six assists across all competitions. 

He also averaged 1.6 chances created and 1.6 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, demonstrating his ability to influence games through both creativity and direct attacking play. 

Atlético finished the season without a major trophy, after losing to Real Sociedad in the Copa Del Rey final. 

 

Young Player of the Season

The Young Player category awards  the next generation of Nigerian stars already making headlines across Europe.

Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, Chornomorets goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso, Slavia Praha midfielder David Moses, AS Roma defender Shukurat Oladipo, and versatile attacker Emmanuel Ayaosi all produced campaigns well beyond their years.

Their performances showed the remarkable depth of young Nigerian talent emerging across Europe’s top competitions.

And hence, after their impressive performance during the 2025/26 season, they have been shortlisted for the Young player of the season award. 

 

Revelation of the Season

Every season produces new stars, and the Revelation of the Season shortlist celebrates those who took the biggest leap forward.

Defender Emmanuel Fernandez enjoyed a breakthrough season with Rangers, exciting winger Zadok Yohanna, Austrian double winner Moses Usor, Roma defender Shukurat Oladipo, and Czech Cup winner Emmanuel Ayaosi each enjoyed breakthrough campaigns that established them among Nigeria’s rising stars.

 

Women’s MVP

Women’s football once again occupies a central place at the EaglesTracker Awards. The award was not a category in the Eagles Tracker inaugural awards in 2022, but in 2023 the award category was introduced and Asisat Oshoala won the award that year. 

The finalists include Benfica midfielder Christy Ucheibe, Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Jennifer Echegini, Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, AS Roma defender Shukurat Oladipo, and Al Hilal striker Asisat Oshoala.

Christy Ucheibe won the award in 2025, after winning the Portuguese double with Benfica Women. 

If she wins the award yet again this year, she will become the first player to have won the award back-to-back. 

Each enjoyed impressive seasons for their respective clubs, whether through trophies, leadership, defensive excellence or goalscoring exploits.

 

Men’s MVP

The Men’s MVP award recognises the best overall Nigerian performer of the season regardless of position.

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, midfielder Alex Iwobi, striker Paul Onuachu, and Turkish league champion Victor Osimhen make up a shortlist.

Maduka Okoye

Maduka Okoye earned his place among the Men’s MVP finalists after another dependable campaign with Udinese. 

The Super Eagles goalkeeper made 30 appearances, keeping 10 clean sheets as he continued to establish himself as one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers between the posts. 

His composure, command of the penalty area and ability to deliver in key moments made him one of Udinese’s standout players throughout the season, earning him recognition in the race for the biggest individual honour.

Chibuike Nwaiwu

Chibuike Nwaiwu had a breakthrough campaign during the 2025/26 season, and  has seen him emerge as one of Nigerian football’s brightest defensive prospects. 

The Trabzonspor defender featured in 32 matches, scoring three goals and providing one assist while helping the club lift the Turkish Cup. Defensively, he averaged 2.3 tackles, 2.5 blocks and 0.9 interceptions per 90 minutes, leading the finalists in both blocks and interceptions. 

His impressive all-round displays have earned him nominations in multiple categories, including the race for Men’s MVP.

Alex Iwobi

Alex Iwobi once again demonstrated his importance to Fulham with another influential Premier League campaign. 

The midfielder made 33 appearances, scoring four goals and registering three assists, while averaging 1.8 chances created per 90 minutes, the highest among the finalists. 

Although Fulham ended the season without a trophy, Iwobi remained one of the club’s most creative and consistent performers.

Paul Onuachu

Paul Onuachu enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his career, leading Trabzonspor’s attack with 24 goals and two assists in 33 appearances. 

His goals proved decisive as the Turkish side lifted the Turkish Cup, further strengthening his credentials for the award. Onuachu knows what it takes to win this honour, having been crowned EaglesTracker Men’s MVP in 2020/21 after a historic 33-goal campaign for Genk. Five years later, he returns to the shortlist with another outstanding goalscoring season and the opportunity to become only the second player to win the award more than once.

Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen returns to the Men’s MVP shortlist after another exceptional season with Galatasaray. The Super Eagles striker scored 22 goals and provided six assists in 33 appearances, playing a leading role as the club successfully defended the Turkish Süper Lig title. His consistency in front of goal and influence in decisive moments placed him among Europe’s most effective forwards.

History is also on Osimhen’s side. Having previously won the EaglesTracker Men’s MVP award in 2022/23 following Napoli’s historic Serie A triumph and again in 2024/25 after another dominant campaign with Galatasaray, the 27-year-old is chasing a third title. Another victory would see him extend his record as the most decorated player in the history of the award.

 

Fans’ Footballer of the Season 

One of the most anticipated awards this year will once again be decided by supporters.

Unlike the editorially judged categories, the Fans’ Footballer of the Season places the final decision entirely in the hands of football fans.

Ten finalists, five men and five women, will compete in a knockout tournament beginning with two play-in matches before progressing through the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.

The opening play-in fixtures will see Maduka Okoye face Shukurat Oladipo, while Chibuike Nwaiwu takes on Asisat Oshoala for places in the last eight.

Top seeds Paul Onuachu and Chiamaka Nnadozie await the winners, while heavyweight clashes between Jennifer Echegini and Victor Osimhen, and Alex Iwobi against Christy Ucheibe, headline the quarter-final stage.

Unlike the other EaglesTracker Awards, the Fans’ Footballer of the Season is decided entirely by supporters, giving football fans the final say on who deserves to be recognised for their performances during the 2025/26 campaign.

Since the award was introduced in 2019/20, it has been won by some of Nigeria’s biggest stars. Cyriel Dessers claimed the inaugural honour after an impressive season with Heracles Almelo, before Paul Onuachu won it in 2020/21 following his prolific campaign with Genk. Moses Simon succeeded him in 2021/22 after helping FC Nantes win the Coupe de France, while Victor Osimhen lifted the award in 2022/23 after his historic Serie A-winning season with Napoli.

Ademola Lookman became the winner in 2023/24 after inspiring Atalanta to UEFA Europa League glory, while Osimhen reclaimed the crown last season following another outstanding campaign with Galatasaray, making him the only two-time winner in the award’s history.

This year’s race features 10 finalists, split evenly between the men’s and women’s game.

The men’s finalists are Maduka Okoye, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Alex Iwobi, Paul Onuachu and Victor Osimhen, while the women’s shortlist comprises Chiamaka Nnadozie, Shukurat Oladipo, Jennifer Echegini, Asisat Oshoala and Christy Ucheibe.

With the winner determined solely by public votes, supporters will once again have the opportunity to back their favourite Nigerian footballer when voting opens during the EaglesTracker Awards week.