Iwobi tops Nigerian contingent of global most impactful players

Iwobi

Four Nigerian players have earned places in the global list of top 300 most influential footballers of the 2024/25 season by CIES, after standing out with strong performances for their clubs.

Headlining the quartet is Fulham’s talisman and ever-reliable engine, Alex Iwobi, whose standout performances in the Premier League earned him a top-40 global ranking and the highest index score among Nigerian players.

The ranking, released by Swiss-based CIES Football Observatory, evaluates players in the world’s top 60 leagues based on their statistical impact in six critical areas: aerial play, ground defence, distribution, take-ons, chance creation, and finishing, combined with minutes played and team performance.

The 29-year-old quietly scripted a remarkable season at Craven Cottage. In what is now a historic feat, the midfielder became the first Nigerian player to feature in all 38 Premier League games in two different seasons, having first achieved the milestone in the 2022/23 campaign. His adaptability across Fulham’s midfield and wide areas has made him indispensable.

Statistically, Iwobi posted 9 goals and 6 assists, contributing directly to 15 of Fulham’s goals. Beyond scoring, his creative instincts saw him create 12 big chances, average 1.6 key passes per game, and maintain an 80 per cent pass accuracy.

In a team often pressed back by top-six opponents, Iwobi’s composure and transitional play stood out, with 52.2 touches per game and a robust chance creation score of 76 by CIES.

The former Arsenal man also showed technical balance, with four goals via his left foot and five from his right, while his relentless off-ball work supported Fulham’s notable victories over Tottenham and Manchester United.

Coming behind Iwobi is the reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, whose 86.7 index score sees him ranked 48th globally and 10th among attacking midfielders.