As the 2024/25 Second Tier European Leagues season progresses, several young talents are making their mark. Here are three standout U23 Nigerian players who have been turning heads with their performances. Chibuike Nwaiwu from Wolfsberger, Anthony Dennis from Göztepe and Salim Fago Lawal from Istra 1961 are analyzed based on data from Comparisonator platform. Their impressive statistics highlight their influence on the pitch and their potential for future success.
Powered by CompaGPT, an advanced AI tool by Comparisonator, this analysis transforms complex football data into clear, actionable insights. With its latest feature, CompaGPT redefines squad analysis, providing an instant, in-depth view of team performance. In just seconds, it highlights standout players, identifies emerging young talents, and detects areas that need reinforcement.
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Chibuike Nwaiwu (CB – ’03) – Wolfsberger AC
Chibuike Nwaiwu‘s CompaGPT Parameters League Duels report:
Chibuike Nwaiwu ranks first among center-backs, averaging 19.33 duels per match, outperforming Dominik Baumgartner, who averages 17.68. This indicates his high involvement in duels, suggesting a proactive defensive style that can disrupt opposition plays and maintain pressure in defensive situations. Leading the category with 12.43 duels won per match, Nwaiwu surpasses Baumgartner’s 11.29. This demonstrates his effectiveness in winning challenges, a key trait for maintaining defensive solidity and regaining possession. With 2 offensive ground duels won per match, Nwaiwu leads the rankings, indicating his capability to challenge effectively higher up the pitch, providing defensive cover during offensive transitions.
Chibuike Nwaiwu demonstrates exceptional strength in ground duels, both offensive and defensive, as well as overall duels won per match, highlighting his proactive and effective defensive capabilities. While he leads several duel categories, focusing on improving aerial involvement and success can further enhance his all-round defensive contributions, making him a more formidable presence in the backline.
Chibuike Nwaiwu (CB – ’03) – Wolfsberger AC


Anthony Dennis (CMF – ’04) – Göztepe
Anthony Dennis‘s CompaGPT Parameters League Defensive report:
Anthony Dennis leads the league with an average of 5.72 ball recoveries in the opponent half per match, ranking 1st among 43 players in the CMF position. Compared to Lucas Torreira, who follows with 5.07, Dennis demonstrates exceptional ability in regaining possession in advanced areas, contributing significantly to his team’s counter-pressing strategy and disrupting opponent’s build-up play.Ranking 1st for shots blocked with 0.41 per match, Dennis shows his ability to effectively interrupt goal-scoring attempts. His performance exceeds that of Mortadha Ben Ouanes, who averages 0.40, indicating Dennis’s contribution to his team’s defensive solidity and ability to protect the goal in critical moments. Dennis is 2nd with an average of 6.79 counterpressing recoveries per match, closely trailing Novatus Miroshi’s 7.29. His high ranking in this category signifies his effectiveness in quickly regaining possession following a turnover, which is crucial in maintaining pressure and controlling the game tempo.
Anthony Dennis’s best ranking parameters include his ability to recover balls in the opponent half and box, shots blocked, overall defensive actions, and counterpressing recoveries, all of which demonstrate his strengths in proactive defense and transitional play. These attributes indicate his potential to excel in a high-pressure, aggressive midfield role that prioritizes quick turnovers and defensive resilience. Areas for improvement may include reducing ball losses and enhancing ball security, particularly in his own half, to further elevate his overall performance.
Anthony Dennis (CMF – ’04) – Göztepe


Salim Fago Lawal (CF – ’03) – Istra 1961
Chibuike Nwaiwu‘s CompaGPT Parameters League Duels report:
Salim Fago Lawal excels in dribbling, leading his position with 3.71 dribbles per match, surpassing the next best, Toni Fruk, at 3.2. Additionally, he ranks first in ball carrying with an average of 0.64 per match, well ahead of Marko Dabro at 0.36. These statistics highlight his adeptness at maintaining possession and navigating through defenses, which can be instrumental in creating opportunities and destabilizing opposition structures. Leading in progressive runs with 1.57 per match, Lawal surpasses Toni Fruk’s 1.28. This ability indicates his strength in advancing play and transitioning the team from defense to attack, making him a valuable asset in high-tempo offensive strategies.
Salim Fago Lawal’s most notable strengths lie in his dribbling and ball-carrying abilities, evidenced by his top rankings in these areas. His proficiency in progressive runs further underscores his capability to drive forward play. However, there is room for improvement in his finishing, assisting, and shooting accuracy, which could enhance his overall offensive contribution.
Salim Fago Lawal (CF – ’03) – Istra 1961

