Nigeria has a proud history of exporting talent across Europe, and the Austrian Bundesliga has long been a welcoming home for Super Eagles stars. From powerful strikers to tricky wingers, Nigerians have written their names into Austrian football with decisive goals and unforgettable moments.
In this piece, Footynaija.com takes a look at the top ten greatest Nigerian goalscorers in the history of Austria’s Bundesliga.
10. Sunday Emmanuel, Haruna Babangida and Chibuike Nwaiwu – 2 Goals
A cluster of Nigerians have managed to find the net twice in the Austrian Bundesliga, showing brief but memorable spells in the competition. Sunday Emmanuel, remembered for his lively presence at Admira Wacker, made his mark with two strikes during his time in Austria.
Haruna Babangida, once tipped for greatness after coming through Barcelona’s La Masia, added his name to the list with his pair of goals for Kapfenberger SV in 2012.
The most recent among them, Chibuike Nwaiwu, has also opened his Bundesliga record with two finishes for Wolfsberger AC, ensuring his inclusion in this group.
9. Yusuf Otubanjo – 3 Goals
Otubanjo has found the net three times across his career in Austria. A forward who featured for Rheindorf Altach (loan) and LASK (2018–2019), he is known for his movement in the box and sharp finishing.
8. Tosin Dosunmu – 4 Goals
Former Nigeria international Tosin Dosunmu enjoyed a short but notable spell in Austria, scoring 4 goals in 23 matches for Austria Wien (2002–2003). Quick and direct, Dosunmu’s time was brief, but he added another Nigerian footprint in the league before moving on to Belgium where he shone brighter.
7. Rabiu Afolabi & Moses Usor – 5 Goals Each
At number 7 are two players with very different roles. Rabiu Afolabi, a commanding centre-back, scored 5 goals across 122 appearances for Austria Wien and Red Bull Salzburg (2003–2011), often popping up from set-pieces.
On the other hand, Moses Usor, a lively right winger, has already bagged 5 goals in just 56 games for LASK Linz since 2023. While Afolabi was known for defensive solidity, Usor is one for the future with plenty of time to climb higher up this list.
6. Frank Daniels & Emeka Eze – 6 Goals Each
Two Nigerians are tied with 6 goals. Frank Daniels was a short-term striker option Rapid Vienna and St. Polten (1993-1994), scoring 6 goals in just 13 matches.
Meanwhile, Emeka Eze showed flashes of brilliance across 42 matches for Sturm Graz (2017-2021), scoring 6 times. While none stayed long enough to dominate, their contributions remain part of Nigeria’s Austrian Bundesliga story.
5. Olushola Olumuyiwa Aganun – 17 Goals
An underrated name, Olushola Aganun built a solid career in Austria, netting 17 goals in 97 matches. While never the most prolific, his consistency across several seasons made him a dependable attacking option.
4. Bright Edomwonyi – 21 Goals
A mobile forward with a knack for popping up in key games, Bright Edomwonyi scored 21 goals in 127 Austrian Bundesliga matches for clubs like Sturm Graz and Austria Wien. Though not always first-choice, he carved a reputation as a hardworking striker who gave his all.
3. George Datoru – 23 Goals
George Datoru spread his career across four different Austrian clubs, tallying 23 goals in 184 games. His versatility and durability made him a valuable squad man, though he often sacrificed personal stats for the team’s benefit.
2. Olarenwaju Kayode – 30 Goals
Before stints in Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine, Olarenwaju Kayode enjoyed a brilliant spell in Austria. He struck 30 goals in just 67 appearances for Austria Wien (2015–2017), finishing as the league’s top scorer in 2017. Kayode’s relentless energy made him one of the most feared strikers of his era in the league.
1. Benedict Akwuegbu – 46 Goals
At the summit is Benedict Akwuegbu, the legendary Nigerian forward who spent almost a decade in Austria. Between 1999 and 2006, Akwuegbu represented Grazer AK, Kärnten, and SV Ried, scoring 46 goals in 145 matches.
Nicknamed the “Austrian Bomber,” he was loved for his aerial presence and leadership on the pitch. His legacy remains unmatched among Nigerian players in Austria’s Bundesliga.
