Here’re the Top 5 Nigerian Stars in the English Premier League this Season.
Nigerian players have left an enduring legacy in the English Premier League, with iconic figures like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and John Obi-Mikel etching their names into the league’s history.
While the names may have changed, the influence of Nigerian talent remains strong in the Premier League.
In this article, we highlight the top five Nigerian players currently making their mark in the league, ranking them from one to five.
1. Taiwo Awoniyi – Nottingham Forest
At the top of our list is Taiwo Awoniyi, the 25-year-old Super Eagles forward, who has been making waves as a standout talent in the Premier League.
In the previous PL campaign, Awoniyi emerged as Nottingham Forest’s leading scorer, finding the net ten times in 27 appearances.
His exceptional form, including a late-season burst of six goals in four games, played a crucial role in securing Forest’s top-flight status.
With his power, pace, and goal-scoring ability, Awoniyi has quickly become a key figure in Nottingham.
2. Alex Iwobi – Fulham
Alex Iwobi, a Super Eagles star, made a surprising move from Everton to Fulham over the summer.
He was a key player in Everton’s midfield, making 123 Premier League appearances for the club.
Before his move, Iwobi scored six goals and provided 11 assists. Born in Lagos but raised in London, Iwobi chose to represent Nigeria over the Three Lions, influenced by his legendary uncle, Jay Jay Okocha.
With 63 caps and ten goals, Iwobi remains a pivotal figure in the Nigerian midfield.
3. Calvin Bassey – Fulham
Calvin Bassey, a former Rangers defender, joined Fulham this summer after a challenging season in Dutch football with Ajax.
Known for his speed and tough-tackling style, Bassey made the switch to South London in a €21 million deal from the Dutch giants.
His breakthrough season with Rangers in Glasgow, including a strong Europa League run, caught the attention of clubs across the continent.
Bassey has already made three appearances for Fulham, although he saw red in his first start at Arsenal.
4. Frank Onyeka – Brentford
Frank Onyeka has been a dependable presence in Brentford’s emerging Premier League squad, contributing to the team’s impressive performances in the previous season.
Known for his combative midfield prowess, the 25-year-old Nigerian has been a valuable asset since joining Brentford from Midtjylland in the summer of 2021.
With 12 caps for the Super Eagles, Onyeka has accumulated nearly 50 Premier League appearances during his two-year spell in London.
5. Ola Aina – Nottingham Forest
The versatile 26-year-old Nigerian defender, Ola Aina, made his return to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest this summer.
Aina, who previously played for Fulham and Torino, brings a wealth of experience with over 100 Serie A appearances and 30 caps for Nigeria.
Known for his speed and intelligent wing-back play, Aina adds defensive strength to the Forest rearguard.
He has already made five appearances at the City Ground this season.
These Nigerian stars continue to shine in the English Premier League, representing their country and making significant contributions to their respective clubs.
Their skills, determination, and versatility have made them standout figures in the world’s most popular football league, and fans around the world eagerly watch their performances week after week.
Nigerian football has a bright future in the Premier League, with these talents leading the way.
.
