Once again, Nigerian players were overlooked as Mohamed Salah picked up the 2017 Africa Player of the Year award on Thursday.
The Liverpool and Egyptian marksman fend off competition from Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for the top accolade.
Moses Victor, the closest Nigerian, was discarded from the final three-man shortlist.
Meaning the last time a Super Eagle scooped the prestigious award was Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.
But what can Nigerian stars learn from the sojourn of Salah?
Here are three.
- It pays to be patriotic
Salah is celebrated by everyone not just for his remarkable prowess at club level but for his country also. The 25-year-old has never hesitated at any opportunity to play for the Pharaohs. That he has displayed with aplomb, appearing for almost all cadres. He has found the net 32 times in 56 games, averaging a goal in every two games, qualifying the North Africans for their first World Cup final in 18 years.
- Never get scared of competition
When Salah moved to Chelsea in January 2014, many foresaw doom for the Egyptian. Indeed, the Blues under Jose Mourinho were endowed in every aspect, especially in attack. But despite his struggles, Salah showed everyone how talented he was which ultimately yielded dividends several years after.
- Slow but steady wins the race
In 2012, Salah was named the most promising talent on the continent. Then, the pacy winger just secured a move to Basel from his homeland. Though his stint at Chelsea didn’t go as planned, the 26-year-old continued his progress at Fiorentina and then Roma. He was eventually rewarded with a dream return to the Premier League. He was named the continent’s player of the year five years later, showing his incredible progress.
