Over the years, Nigerian footballers have stamped their authority in Ukraine’s Premier League. From the explosive pace of Julius Aghahowa to the consistent impact of Lucky Idahor, these players lit up stadiums with their goals and influence.
In this countdown, Footynaija.com ranks the ten greatest Nigerian goalscorers in the league’s history, grouped by their tallies.
10. Edward Anyamkgh, Olarenwaju Kayode, Anthony Alegbe – 3 goals each
At the foot of the list are three Nigerians who each netted three times in Ukraine. Veteran Edward Anyamkgh left his mark in the mid-90s with 38 appearances. Olarenwaju Kayode, remembered for his stint at Shakhtar Donetsk (2018-2023), struck three times in only 16 outings. Anthony Alegbe, a defender, chipped in with the same tally over 92 matches.
Related Post
9. Sunny Kingsley and Onyekachi Nwoha, Dele Adeleye – 4 goals each
The four-goal bracket belongs to Sunny Kingsley, who managed 53 appearances as a second striker for Metalurh Donetsk, and Onyekachi Nwoha, who bagged his four in just 34 games. They are joined by Dele Adeleye, a no-nonsense centre-back who still found the net four times in 46 matches.
8. Samson Iyede and Michael Odibe – 5 goals each
Samson Iyede enjoyed a short but lively spell across 53 games for Chornomorets and Vorskla Poltava, while centre-back Michael Odibe matched him with five goals in 35 matches. Both are remembered more for their consistency than their scoring, but their names remain on the goalscoring list.
7. Olabiran Blessing Muyiwa (Benito), Michel Babatunde, Emmanuel Dennis, Harrison Omokoh – 6 goals each
This group highlights a mix of roles. Winger Benito scored six in 55 games for two clubs, including Dynamo Kyiv, Babatunde provided goals from midfield in 82 matches for Volyn Lutsk and Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih (2011-2015), while Emmanuel Dennis showed his sharpness with six strikes in just one season at Zorya Luhansk (2016-2017). Centre-back Harrison Omokoh, with 181 games, proves that defenders can also contribute.
6. Lukman Haruna – 8 goals
Lukman Haruna made his name at Dynamo Kyiv, where his eye for long-range shots helped him tally eight goals in 55 matches across four seasons. He later represented Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup.
5. Michael Chidi Alozie and Ayila Yussuf – 12 goals each
Two very different players share this spot. Michael Chidi Alozie was a centre-forward who scored 12 in 79 appearances. Ayila Yussuf, a dependable defender and midfielder, matched that total over 131 games in 12 seasons, becoming a respected figure at Dynamo Kyiv.
4. Brown Ideye – 34 goals
Brown Ideye’s move to Dynamo Kyiv in 2011 was a turning point in his career. In just 74 matches across three seasons, he fired home 34 goals. His time in Ukraine set the stage for his later exploits in Greece and beyond.
3. Julius Aghahowa – 35 goals
Aghahowa’s backflips remain iconic in Ukrainian football. Over nine seasons with Shakhtar Donetsk and Kayserispor, he scored 35 goals in 110 appearances. His speed and clinical finishing made him one of Nigeria’s most recognisable exports.
2. Emmanuel Osei Okoduwa – 37 goals
Okoduwa enjoyed seven seasons in Ukraine, featuring for clubs like Vorskla Poltava and Metalurh Donetsk. With 37 goals in 135 games, he earned respect as a consistent forward, remembered for his finishing and movement in the box.
1. Lucky Idahor – 54 goals
Standing alone at the top is Lucky Idahor. Over 11 seasons and four different clubs, including Karpaty Lviv and Dynamo Kyiv, Idahor scored 54 goals in 221 appearances. His longevity and knack for important goals secured his status as Nigeria’s greatest scorer in the Ukraine Premier League. Now 44, his record still inspires young strikers.
