Nigeria has produced several strikers who have left their mark in Major League Soccer (MLS), with Fanendo Adi standing out as the most prolific of them all.
From experienced veterans like Obafemi Martins to younger names like Sunusi Ibrahim, these players have brought Nigerian flair to the American game.
In this piece, Footynaija.com counts down the top ten greatest Nigerian goalscorers in Major League Soccer (MLS) history.
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10. Emmanuel Ekpo – 5 Goals
Emmanuel Ekpo, a central midfielder, scored 5 times in 108 MLS appearances for Columbus Crew between 2008 and 2011. He was more recognised for his passing and defensive work than his goals, but his consistency in midfield helped the Crew remain competitive during his four-year stay.
9. Chinoso Offor & Ben Iroha – 6 Goals Each
Two Nigerians share this spot. Chinoso Offor, 25, has found the net 6 times in 71 MLS appearances across stints with Chicago Fire and CF Montréal (2021–2023). On the other hand, Ben Iroha, best remembered as a Super Eagles left-back in the 1990s, also registered 6 goals during his two seasons with San Jose Clash (1996–1997) and DC United. His numbers were impressive considering his defensive role, and his performances in the early years of MLS helped set the pace for other Nigerians to follow.
8. Bright Dike – 7 Goals
Bright Dike, a powerful centre-forward, netted 7 goals in 34 MLS appearances, primarily with Portland Timbers (2010–2014). Injuries curtailed his progress, but whenever fit, his physical presence and eye for goal made him a handful for defenders.
7. Orji Okwonkwo – 9 Goals
Former U-17 World Cup winner Orji Okwonkwo made his MLS impact with Montreal Impact in 2019–2020, scoring 9 goals in 43 appearances. Playing as a winger, he brought speed and directness to his side, and though his American adventure was brief, he made a strong impression during his loan spell.
6. Ibrahim Aliyu – 11 Goals
At just 23, Ibrahim Aliyu has already scored 11 times in 88 appearances for Houston Dynamo (2023–2025) and Columbus Crew. The forward is steadily improving season by season, representing the new generation of Nigerian talent making their mark in the United States.
5. Kennedy Igboananike – 12 Goals
Kennedy Igboananike, the ex-AIK striker, played for Chicago Fire (2015–2016), where he scored 12 goals in 56 games across two MLS seasons. Known for his pace and sharp movement in the box, Igboananike’s time in America may have been short, but he left a decent scoring record.
4. Sunusi Ibrahim – 13 Goals
At only 22 years old, Sunusi Ibrahim has already scored 13 goals in 92 appearances for CF Montréal (2021–present). With youth on his side and more seasons ahead, the versatile forward has the potential to climb higher up this list if he maintains his development.
3. Willy Agada – 23 Goals
Willy Agada, 25, has quickly made himself known in MLS, scoring 23 goals in 81 matches across stints with Sporting Kansas City (2022–2025) and Real Salt Lake. His consistency in front of goal and instinctive finishing make him one of the league’s most promising Nigerian strikers.
2. Obafemi Martins – 40 Goals
Former Super Eagles star Obafemi Martins was a sensation at Seattle Sounders (2013–2015), scoring 40 goals in just 80 MLS appearances. With a goal ratio of one every two matches, Martins combined his European pedigree with speed, power, and trademark somersault celebrations. He is still remembered as one of the Sounders’ greatest imports.
1. Fanendo Adi – 58 Goals
Topping the list is Fanendo Adi, who struck 58 times in 166 MLS appearances across Portland Timbers (2014–2018), FC Cincinnati (2019), and a short spell with Minnesota United and Columbus Crew. The 34-year-old carved his name into league history with his aerial dominance, strength, and eye for goal. Adi’s tally not only makes him Nigeria’s top MLS scorer but also one of the most consistent strikers in the competition’s history.
