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Several Nigerian footballers are enjoying impressive starts to the 2026/27 season after difficult spells at their previous clubs, with Tolu Arokodare, Kelechi Iheanacho, Gift Orban and Samuel Chukwueze among those rediscovering their form in Europe.
Tolu Arokodare — Ajax
Arokodare has made an impressive start since joining Dutch giants Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The striker has scored six goals and provided three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions, quickly becoming an important part of the Ajax attack.
The 25-year-old had struggled for consistency at Wolves after making the move to the Premier League from Belgium, with his spell at the English club ending amid reports of a strained relationship.
His fortunes have changed in Amsterdam, where he has scored in four of Ajax's last five matches before Tuesday.
Arokodare initially came off the bench in his first four games but has since forced his way into the starting XI, beginning the club's last five matches.
Kelechi Iheanacho — Bursaspor
Iheanacho has also found his scoring boots again after an injury-disrupted spell at Celtic.
The Nigerian forward spent a significant portion of last season recovering from injury but still managed five goals in 13 league appearances, contributing to Celtic's domestic double.
The 29-year-old has now moved to Turkish first-division club Bursaspor, where he has enjoyed a remarkable scoring run.
Iheanacho has scored nine goals and supplied two assists in seven consecutive matches, establishing himself as the league's leading scorer.
His current form represents a significant turnaround for the experienced striker, who has regained his confidence in front of goal.
Gift Orban — Amedspor
Gift Orban's search for consistency has taken him through several European clubs, but the forward appears to have found his rhythm in Turkey.
The 24-year-old joined Lyon from Gent in January 2024 before subsequent spells at Hoffenheim and Verona.
At Amedspor, Orban has produced an explosive start, scoring six goals and recording an assist in five league matches.
His tally has placed him alongside fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen among the joint-leading scorers in the Turkish top flight.
Orban's six goals are already close to his entire haul of seven goals in 28 matches for Verona last season. He also scored seven league goals combined during his time at Hoffenheim and Lyon.
Samuel Chukwueze — AC Milan
Chukwueze is another Nigerian enjoying a fresh opportunity after a challenging period at AC Milan.
The winger joined the Italian giants from Villarreal for €21.1m in 2023 but struggled to establish himself during his first two seasons, scoring four league goals in 50 appearances.
He subsequently spent last season on loan at Fulham before returning to Milan with another opportunity to prove his worth.
The 27-year-old has responded positively to the challenge, adapting to a wing-back role under Ruben Amorim and earning praise for his performances.
He has already provided two assists in four matches this season, underlining his improved influence on the team.
With the new campaign still in its early stages, Arokodare, Iheanacho, Orban and Chukwueze are all showing signs that difficult spells at previous clubs may be giving way to career revivals.
