2016 wasn’t particularly amazing for Nigerian footballers.
Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa all struggled in the Premier League while the likes of Elderson Echiejile and William Troost-Ekong have more or less become nomads.
However, some others were able to hold their own in the year under review.
Here are three of them.
- Victor Moses
It’s nearly impossible to highlight Chelsea’s incredible run in the Premier League this season without acknowledging the contributions of Victor Moses. The 26-year-old is flourishing as a wing-back under Antonio Conte after three torrid loan spells away from the club. Moses has started all of the Blues’ last 12 games scoring thrice and doesn’t look like halting anytime soon.
“Moses has great quality, technique, physical strength and the ability to cover 70 metres of the pitch. I find it incredible that somebody like him could have been underrated,” Conte confessed.
- John Owoeri
John Owoeri is certainly not amongst Nigeria’s big shots but the 29-year-old has done enough to be classified among the best in 2016. Owoeri, who featured alongside the likes of Mikel, Taye Taiwo and Chinedu Obasi at the 2005 FIFA U20 World Cup, shockingly went under the radar after that tournament.
However, the former Sunshine Stars forward has managed to revive his career since his move to Swedish side, Hacken. The Nigerian finished 2016 as top scorer in the league with 16 goals making him the fourth best marksman in Europe which automatically ranks him as Nigeria’s finest.
- Wilfred Ndidi
Wilfred Ndidi: Has made more tackles + interceptions (56) than any other player in the Europa League this season pic.twitter.com/MhIly70f9p
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) November 30, 2016
Leicester City-bound Wilfred Ndidi is definitely Nigeria’s best midfielder in the year under review. The 20-year-old who made over 30 appearances last term for Genk continued his progress in the Belgian League with superb displays this season.
Ndidi, known for his versatility, was named the third best youngster in Belgium and also won the award for the league’s best goal. The Nigerian was named in the Europa League’s Team of the Group stage after racking up the most interceptions and tackles in the competition.
