2024 has been a outstanding yr for Nigerian soccer. The nation’s prime gamers have made headlines and achieved historic milestones. From particular person awards to membership victories, these gamers have showcased the expertise and depth of Nigerian soccer.
Nigeria celebrated one other CAF Males’s Participant of the Yr win, with Ademola Lookman following in Victor Osimhen’s footsteps as Africa’s finest. The Tremendous Eagles additionally secured a commendable second-place end at AFCON 2023.
eSporty correspondent Nsikakabasi Akpan presents 10 of Nigeria Tremendous Eagles most interesting footballers who’ve shone brightly in 2024:
10. Calvin Bassey
Calvin Bassey continued to impress at Fulham after transferring from Ajax. He performed a significant position in Fulham’s respectable Premier League end and was indispensable for Nigeria at AFCON, enjoying all seven video games. This season, he’s ever current for Fulham. A superb yr for the defender who endured a lot criticism in 2023.
Nsikakabasi Akpan: “Bassey’s physicality and composure have made him a rock on the again. He’s a pacesetter within the making.”
9. Wilfred Ndidi
Ndidi rediscovered his type in 2024, serving to Leicester Metropolis safe Premier League promotion. With six targets and 6 assists, he had his finest season but and stays a key determine in Leicester’s midfield this season.
Nsikakabasi Akpan: “Ndidi’s return to type has been essential for Leicester and Nigeria. His work price and defensive intelligence stand out.”
8. Maduka Okoye
Okoye proved his value at Udinese, turning into a dependable presence in purpose. He featured in 36 of Udinese’s 37 matches and saved one among three penalties confronted.
Nsikakabasi Akpan: “Okoye’s performances in Serie A present his development. He has revived his profession in 2024 after a darkish interval at Watford.”
7. Victor Osimhen
Osimhen’s 2024 could not have been his finest, however his numbers had been nonetheless spectacular. He scored 17 targets for Napoli and has been in nice type at Galatasaray, with 12 targets and 4 assists in 15 appearances.
Nsikakabasi Akpan: “Even in a median yr by his requirements, Osimhen stays a purpose machine. His transfer to Galatasaray has rejuvenated him.”
6. Stanley Nwabali
Stanley Nwabali shone at AFCON 2023, conceding simply three targets from open play and delivering heroics within the semi-final shootout towards South Africa. He has been constant for Chippa United within the DSTV Premiership.
Nsikakabasi Akpan: “Nwabali’s rise has been phenomenal. His calmness underneath strain is a good asset for Nigeria.”
5. Alex Iwobi
Iwobi stays one among Nigeria’s most dependable midfielders. At Fulham, he has contributed 5 targets and three assists this season, whereas his vitality and creativity had been very important at AFCON 2023.
Nsikakabasi Akpan: “Iwobi’s versatility makes him invaluable. His capacity to create probabilities and defend is phenomenal.”
4. Ola Aina
Ola Aina had a implausible yr, excelling for each membership and nation. He earned a spot within the AFCON 2023 Workforce of the Match, serving to Nigeria hold 4 clear sheets. At Nottingham Forest, Aina has been a key participant, beginning all 18 Premier League video games, scoring twice, and averaging 86 minutes per match.
Nsikakabasi Akpan: “Aina’s consistency is outstanding. His versatility and defensive contributions have been very important for Nottingham Forest and the Tremendous Eagles.”
3. William Troost-Ekong
Troost-Ekong led Nigeria to the AFCON closing, incomes Participant of the Match honours. His three targets, together with an important winner towards Ivory Coast, highlighted his management and defensive solidity.
Nsikakabasi Akpan: “Troost-Ekong’s management qualities are unmatched. He’s the spine of the Tremendous Eagles.”
2. Victor Boniface
Boniface performed a key position in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title win, scoring 21 targets and offering 10 assists. Though damage stored him out of AFCON, he has returned strongly this season.
Nsikakabasi Akpan: “Boniface’s all-round recreation is world-class. He’s one among Europe’s most fun forwards.”
1. Ademola Lookman
Hail the king!!!!!! Nigeria’s finest, Africa’s primary, Ademola Lookman had an unforgettable 2024, successful the CAF Participant of the Yr award. He starred for Atalanta, scoring a hat-trick within the Europa League closing, and shone for Nigeria at AFCON 2023.
Nsikakabasi Akpan: “Lookman has been phenomenal. His performances for Atalanta and Nigeria show he’s on the prime of his recreation.”
These gamers haven’t solely introduced glory to themselves however have additionally made Nigeria proud on the worldwide stage. Their achievements underline the nation’s wealthy footballing heritage and promise a good brighter future.
