The English premier league has unveiled a five man shortlist for fans to vote on which Nigerian player they think was the ‘Best Ever Nigerian Player in EPL history’
The list includes former Chelsea player John Mikel Obi, former Arsenal player Kanu Nwankwo, former Bolton Wanderers player Jay Jay Okocha, former Middleborough player Yakubu Aiyegbeni and former Chelsea player Victor Moses.
According to the Premier League’s official website, the poll was organized to recognize the impact Nigerians have had in the EPL since inception knowing that Nigerians like Odion Ighalo, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Isaac Success are currently lighting up the league.
Posting on their official website, the EPL said;
“Some exceptionally gifted players have come from overseas to light up the Premier League, and we are celebrating the talent that has arrived from some selected nations.””
“We are looking at the achievements of the Premier League’s top Nigerians, and we want to know who you think has been the best.”
A total of 42 have featured in the Premier League, more than any other African country, with Efan Ekoku being the first when he represented Norwich City in April 1993.”
“Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Isaac Success and Odion Ighalo are the five Nigerians to play in the current campaign.”
They will aim to emulate the success of two-time Premier League title winner Nwankwo Kanu, who brought a combination of skill and athleticism to the top flight.
Second to only Shola Ameobi for appearances among Nigerian players, Kanu has supplied more assists than any of his fellow countrymen, setting up 29 goals in his 273 matches.
His Premier League medal collection is matched by John Obi Mikel, who played 249 times in midfield for Chelsea over a 10-year period.
Another Nigerian to win a PL title at Stamford Bridge was Victor Moses. Converted into a right wing-back by Antonio Conte, he played a key role in the Blues’ 2016/17 triumph.
Jay Jay Okocha was one of the most skilful players to grace the Premier League. His flicks and tricks for Bolton Wanderers helped earn him the Player of the Month award in November 2003.
The highest-scoring Nigerian in the Premier League is Yakubu Aiyegbeni. A reliable goalscorer for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn Rovers, he twice scored four goals in a Premier League match during his nine top-flight seasons.
As at the time of this report, Kanu was leading the voting poll.
