Top 6 Nigerian Players Lighting Up the EPL

4 years ago

Top 6 Nigerian Players Lighting Up the EPL

Nigeria is known for creating world-class footballing talents. Like many other African nations, Nigeria has produced players that are instrumental to the success of many clubs in the English Premier League. The country boasts of some of the best wingers and forwards to have graced the EPL, helping teams to win games as Betway punters make some cash.

1. Isaac Success

Isaac Success joined Watford in 2016 in the most expensive deal of that time as the Hornets coughed a £12.5m transfer fee. So far, he appeared 12 times and scored one goal for the club. Isaac is capped at the youth international level as he was part of all Nigerian youth national teams. He is among the biggest Nigerian youth talent who have a future in the national team.

2. Nwankwo Kanu

Kanu is another legendary Nigerian player who played at a world-class level. He joined Arsenal in 1999 and netted 17 goals in 50 appearances that season. Kanu is well-known for his 15-minute hat-trick against Chelsea. After Thierry Henry joined Arsenal, Kanu moved to West Bromwich Albion, where he stayed for two years before a move to Portsmouth. Furthermore, he is among the most decorated Nigerian players.

3. Odion Ighalo

An instrumental player in Watford’s promotion campaign back in 2015, OdionIghalo is among the few Nigerian players to dominate the Betway English Premier league bets on different matches. The following season, he scored 15 times and was named player of the month in December. However, the next season wasn’t as successful as the preceding one, and he made a move to the Chinese Super League. Ighalo was part of the Nigerian Olympics team, which won a bronze medal in 2016.

4. Celestine Babayaro

Babayaro joined Chelsea from Belgian giants Anderlecht in 1997 and left a deep mark in the club and the Premier League as well. He made over 200 appearances for Chelsea and scored five times. While with the Blues, he won the UEFA Cup, FA Cup, and the Super Cup. Babayaro continued with his excellent performance in Newcastle United. Babayaro is among the best Nigerian full-backs and was part of the team that won a gold medal in the 1996 Olympic Games.

5. Shola Ameobi

Shola is among the most constant Nigerian players in the EPL era. He spent 14 years at Newcastle United, and made 312 appearances and found the back of the net 53 times. Interestingly, Shola made most of his appearances from the bench in the Premier League. Although he was qualified to play for England and although he made a few appearances for England U-21, Shola played for the Nigerian senior team and also played in the 2014 World Cup.

6. Victor Anichebe

Victor is a product of Everton’s youth setup, and he made his first Premier League appearance against Chelsea at just 17 years old. During his time with the Toffees, he netted 26 goals in 131 appearances and has been awarded Everton’s Reserve player of the year. He later moved to West Bromwich Albion in 2013, where he stayed for three seasons before moving to Sunderland. Furthermore, Anichebe has been part of the Nigerian national team at all levels.