4 Nigerian Players Likely To Be Crowned World Footballer Before 2020

kemi

Social Member
On Tuesday 25th October 2016, France Football, the sole organisers of the 2016 Ballon d’Or released a 30-man list of nominees for the 2016 awards. Unsurprisingly, no Nigerian made the list.

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Similarly, in the list released by CAF, weeks back, only 3 Nigerian players were named. Worse still there is a serious doubt that neither of Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa nor Kelechi Iheanacho would make the last 5. Does this infer that Nigeria is bereft of top footballing talents?

Below are 4 Nigerian players who could be the next Messi, Ronaldo in coming years:



1. Kelechi Iheanacho

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The Imo State-born striker made a good start to his career at both national and club level. Iheanacho featured in the Nigerian team of the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup with a performance that earned him 2013 CAF Most Promising Talent of the Year and interest from European clubs. He signed for Manchester City in 2014 and in the following season, he raked in 14 goals from 35 appearances, mostly as substitute. He has 8 already this season. A consistency of this form and regular top flight play may shoot Iheanacho to Prestigious FIFA Awards.


2. Gbolahan Salami

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The Former Warri Wolves Striker only needs a top flight football to prove his worth at highest stage. Last weekend, Salami netted the opener in Kuopion Palloseuraoy (KuPS) match bringing his tally to 13 this season. With his 13th goal, he broke the club’s goalscoring record formerly held by Ilja Venalainen (2012) and Peter Sampoalso (2001) with 12 goals each.


3. Alex Iwobi

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The Arsenal golden boy has been in scintillating form this season breaking into Arsene Wenger’s first 11 with his huge talent. After playing youth football for England, Iwobi elected to play for Nigeria and made his senior debut on 8 October 2015. With a good run of form, the sky is the beginning for Iwobi.


4. Odion Ighalo

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Ighalo finished the 2015/2016 as one of the top goalscorers in English Premier League with 15 goals. With a move to a Champions League playing club, the former Julius Berger striker could be up for the biggest football awards.
 
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