The new European season is upon us. Together with transfer business, teams are gearing forward for the campaign with intensive training regimes. Players, as well, have their eyes fixed on specific personal targets.
Nigerians aren’t left out. The country’s brightest stars will be hoping to glow better than the last rendition. Certain players, however, have a bit more proving to do. Here are the top three.
1 – Elderson Echiejele
It’s been awful stagnate last-four years for Echiejele. The 30-year-old has watched helplessly as his stock crash since joining Monaco. After four successive fruitless loan spells away, he is back in France.
Echiejele is in the final year of his contract with the Municipality club. He must prove his worth to Leonardo Jardim and Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr. Failure to do so may ultimately spell doom for both his club and national careers.
2 – Oghenekaro Etebo
Just a few Stoke City fans knew Ogenekharo Etebo before the World Cup. They certainly do now. Although his first name may prove a little unpopular at the Britannia. Etebo dazzled his way to the hearts of Stoke faithful with exceptional dribbling in Russia. No player racked up more per game.
Still, there’s a mammoth task ahead of him. Etebo is quite unfamiliar to the rigours of English football. He must adapt quickly to gain the confidence of the fans. Well, if he doesn’t, ask Ahmed Musa.
3 – Leon Balogun
Just like Etebo, Leon Balogun will have the first feel of English football. Unlike his compatriot, however, the 30-year-old has a much sterner task on his hand as he will play in the Premier League with Brighton.
This is quite an unfamiliar terrain for Balogun. He has spent his entire career in Germany – kitting for six different club sides. Brighton isn’t the biggest sides in England’s top-tier, hence the Seagulls will be banking on their Nigerian import for safety.
