Many African players deliver world-class performances yet remain underrated by media, fans or award panels.
In 2025, a number of such players are primed to break out, thanks to strong form, international tournaments (like the Africa Cup of Nations) and bottle-necks easing up.
We highlight five such players, analysing their style, stats, trendlines and potential — so you’ll know them before they become household names.
Football fandom is often about the big names: the household superstars. But for every global icon, there are talented players — especially from Africa — whose contributions go unnoticed, whose stories deserve telling. This article is about those players: the under-the-radar African footballers who should be more recognised, and could explode in 2025.
Why “underrated African footballer” matters
1. Visibility gap
African players often compete in less-visible leagues, or in roles that don’t grab headlines (e.g., defence, midfield) even when they perform superbly.
2. Media & award bias
Awards and media coverage tend to favour attacking players, big clubs or traditional powerhouses. Talented Africans playing outside the limelight can slip through the cracks.
3. Rising stakes in 2025
With big tournaments (AFCON, World Cup qualifiers) and deeper scouting networks, 2025 is a perfect chance for these players to shine — and finally get the recognition they deserve.
Criteria for our picks
African nationality (or eligible) and playing at professional club level in or outside Africa.
Demonstrated strong performance, but still under-recognised in global fan/award circles.
Clear potential for the year 2025 (good age, form, trajectory).
Enough data and context to talk about their stats/trends, and make reasoned predictions.
Our Featured Players
Here are five African footballers who deserve more recognition — followed by why, how and what to watch. For each: short profile, key stats & trend, what’s realistic for 2025.
1. Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare (Nigeria)
Nigerian striker born 2000, recently made his debut for the national team in 2025. He won the 2025 Ebony Shoe as best African player in Belgium.
Why underrated:At 1.97 m height, he’s physically imposing, but because he played in Belgium rather than one of the mega-leagues, many global fans don’t yet know him.
In the Belgian Pro League 2024-25 season he became top scorer. He earned his first Nigeria call-up in March 2025.
What to watch in 2025
Increase in national team minutes (Super Eagles) and possibly a move to a bigger European league.
Will he maintain his scoring rate when facing tougher defences?
Prediction: If he makes the summer transfer, he could score 12-15 league goals and become Nigeria’s second-choice striker by year’s end.
Pros/Cons (for clubs/prediction):
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong aerial presence, proven scoring in Belgium | Needs to adapt to higher league quality |
| Young (25 in 2025) so room to grow | Might need time to adjust to national team tactics |
| Already showing consistency | Risk of injuries with physical style |
2. Sani Suleiman (Nigeria)
Profile: Nigerian winger born 2006, playing for Slovak side AS Trenčín after scoring 11 goals in 15 matches for Akwa United in the Nigerian league.
Why underrated: Teenage age, playing outside top-tier leagues, but showing big potential. Many fans overlook players who have yet to make the “big move”.
Key stats/trend: 11 goals + 5 assists in 15 matches in 2023-24 season for Akwa United; selected for Nigeria U20 in 2025.
What to watch in 2025
Will he break into regular first-team action at his European club?
Will he get senior national team notice?
Prediction: By end of 2025 he could be starting for his club, and possibly make senior national team debut, becoming a name to watch for 2026.
| Pros | Cons |
| Explosive pace, strong in youth record | Very young — still raw and needs experience |
| Already scoring goals despite age | Might face adaptation challenges in Europe |
| Potential asset for future | High risk — many young talents don’t make the jump |
3. Ngal’ayel Mukau (DR Congo)
Profile: Defensive midfielder born circa 20, Belgian-trained defender now with French side Lille (LOSC). ([Confédération Africaine de Football][3])
Why underrated: Defensive mid-fielders often get less glamorous coverage, especially African ones outside attacking roles.
Key stats/trend: He moved from Belgium to Lille for around €4 million and scored a double in a Champions League match for Lille after arriving. ([Confédération Africaine de Football][3])
What to watch in 2025:
Will he become regular starter for Lille in Ligue 1 and European matches?
Will he feature for DR Congo’s senior national side and help improve their midfield stability?
Prediction: By year-end he could be a key starter, and his stock might raise — a big transfer could be on the horizon.
Pros/Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong step-up club, exposure in Europe | Young for position — needs tactical maturity |
| Already performing in big matches | National team strength (DR Congo) may not give many high-profile games |
| Good potential for transfer value | If club drops form or coach changes, risk of stagnation |
4. Anas Opkadibu Yusuf (Nigeria)
Profile: Nigerian forward born 2004, playing in Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL); top scorer in 2024-25 season with 18 goals.
Why underrated: He offers high performance in domestic African league but still little global visibility. Many overseas viewers don’t follow the NPFL closely.
Key stats/trend: 18 goals in the NPFL season including hat-tricks; selected in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2024 CHAN.
What to watch in 2025:
A move to a more visible league (Europe) could put him on the radar.
If he gets senior national team call-up and scores, his recognition will jump.
Prediction: He might secure a transfer mid or late 2025; could score 10+ goals in his first European season and make his senior national debut.
Pros/Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Proven goal-scorer in domestic league | NPFL level is lower — adaptation required |
| Young and has time to grow | Less experience abroad so risk of struggle |
| Big potential for future | May be overshadowed by established overseas players |
5. Seko Mohamed Fofana (Ivory Coast)
Profile: Ivorian midfielder born 1995, experienced club career (Udinese, Lens, Al-Nassr) and moved to Rennes in 2025.
Why underrated: While known in certain circles, Fofana’s contributions are still under-appreciated globally — especially compared to flashy attackers. His role is more subtle: pressing, distribution, defensive vs attacking balance.
Key stats/trend: Scored opening goal in the AFCON 2023 group stage; made his Ivorian national team debut in 2017; solid club spells in Europe.
What to watch in 2025:
If he becomes linchpin for Rennes, he may raise his profile.
In the Ivorian national team, his experience could be key for upcoming qualifiers/tournaments.
Prediction: He could reclaim a starring role, possibly earn leadership status at club, maybe captaincy; his consistent performance may lead to global recognition.
Pros/Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Experienced, balanced midfielder | Slightly older (30 in 2025) — less “under-the-radar” youth story |
| Performs in top European leagues | Might be reaching peak — less “breakout” and more “under-appreciated” |
| Could mentor younger players while shining | If team struggles, his role may be less visible |
Trends & analysis: What they collectively tell us
Youth influx: Younger African players are increasingly playing in Europe earlier, giving more runway for recognition.
Broader positions: Not only attackers — midfielders and defenders from Africa are doing well; recognition is catching up slowly.
Visibility challenge: Players in lesser-publicised leagues (Belgium, Slovakia, NPFL) still get less global focus, even if the talent is real.
National team boost: Major tournaments like AFCON help “showcase” these players; 2025 offers that stage.
Transfer pipeline: As clubs look globally, the “underrated African” category is a resource — we may see more transfers in 2025 raising profiles.
Betting / Prediction Considerations (Pros & Cons)
>Note: This is not money-advice. Football betting involves risk. Predictions are driven by form & trends, not guarantees.
| Factor | Pros | Cons |
| Player performance rise | These players show upward trajectory; early mover advantage (less expectation) | Risk of plateau; injuries; club change might disrupt form |
| Transfer / breakout potential | Strong upside if they deliver and market value increases | Transfer may mean adaptation time or bench time |
| National team recognition | Big tournaments can rocket a player’s stock | National teams can mis-manage or play them out of position |
| Media / fan attention drop | Being underrated means value might be “undiscovered” | Being under the radar also means less information — riskier assumptions |
FAQ – People Also Ask
Q: Why are some African footballers underrated?
A: Several reasons: they play in less-visible leagues, their roles aren’t flashy (defender/midfielder), they’re younger and less marketed, or they come from countries with lower global football media coverage. Visibility affects recognition.
Q: How does 2025 present a special opportunity?
A: Because of big tournaments (e.g., AFCON), more scouting in Africa, and clubs increasingly investing in African talent — so players who were under-the-radar can shine now.
Q: Can an African player go straight from a domestic league to top-tier Europe and succeed?
A: Yes — but it depends on adaptation, physical and mental readiness, support network, language/culture change, and playing time. The jump is real, and some players take time.
Q: What should fans look out for when tracking underrated players?
A:
Increase in goals, assists, or defensive stats.
Consistent starting appearances.
Transfers to stronger leagues.
National team involvement Under-20 and youth tournaments can be early indicators.
Q: Are predictions reliable for football?
A: No — they are educated projections based on form, trend and context. Many variables (injuries, coaches, transfers) affect outcomes. Always treat predictions with caution.
We’ve highlighted five African footballers (Arokodare, Sani Suleiman, Mukau, Anas Yusuf, Fofana) who are under-recognised yet show strong promise for 2025.
Each has a unique story: youth breakout, domestic league supremacy, European step-up or tactical undervalue.
For fans, scouts or betting enthusiasts, these are names to watch — but remember: recognition doesn’t guarantee instant superstardom.
Use trends, context and stats to follow their progress. Keep an eye on national team call-ups, transfers and season stats.
If you enjoyed this deep dive, bookmark this article and revisit mid-2025 to check how our picks are doing. Share it with your fellow football fans, especially those who love discovering hidden gems. Comment below: which underrated African player you believe will break out in 2025? Let’s talk about it!
Disclaimer:
Football is unpredictable. The predictions and analysis offered here are for insight and entertainment only — they do not guarantee performance or investment return. Always do your own research before making decisions.
Thank you for reading — here’s to celebrating the next African stars who deserve more recognition!
