As the world of football keeps growing in demand, financial needs haven’t remained stagnant and most leagues are coming up with incentives and going all out to the previously untapped markets. Africa has emerged as one of such markets targeted by the big leagues and the big clubs, mostly in Europe.
Nigeria, being the most populous country in Africa, at over 200 million inhabitants, has formed a massive base for the big leagues. A BBC survey in 2015 revealed 26 million Twitter followers of Premier League teams in Africa, with Arsenal leading. A big chunk of these came from West Africa, and largely, Nigeria.
So, one would ask, why the huge interest from Nigeria? It is very simple, Nigeria has had a number of their topmost stars featuring in the Premier League, whose marketing has also been top notch. From Augustine Okocha, to John Obi Mikel. Aiyegbeni Yakubu and Victor Moses; Joseph Yobo, Nwankwo Kanu and many more. The Premier League has been their hub and they’ve had remarkable success.
The Premier League matches are also set at very friendly times for Nigeria. The West African nation has a standard GMT +1 time, whereas England ranges between GMT 0 and +1 depending on the season which means Match Day timings are very friendly.
While a number of top Nigerian internationals have passed through the Premier League, there are still more in it at the moment. At least seven top Nigerian players were confirmed by their clubs for the Premier League this season, and this weekend they will be in action with their teams.
Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho will be gunning for some action when their team, Leicester City takes on Brighton on Sunday. After their impressive push and win over Sheffield United, the Foxes are being tipped to pip Brighton.
At Crystal Palace, Eberechi Eze had a good outing, providing an assist as Crystal Palace smashed West Bromwich Albion 5-last weekend. After playing full time, he will be hoping for another good game when they welcome league leaders Tottenham Hotspur.
Alex Iwobi was also up for 90 minutes as his team, Everton played out a 1-1 draw with Burnley. He is likely to start again against Chelsea at home this weekend, though Chelsea, with a good run of form, are heavily tipped to collect three points from this game.
The biggest game of the weekend will see Manchester United host Manchester City on Saturday. The only Nigerian in the picture here, Odion Ighalo has been frozen and mostly is on the periphery at United. The expectations that he may play a part here are very slim. With United struggling at home this season, a win for their arch rivals is favored by most bookies.
Ola Aina, at Fulham will also have a big task when his team welcome the league champions, Liverpool right after their 2-0 loss to Manchester City. Fulham, who just returned to the top flight, are definitely the underdogs here.
Meanwhile, at West Bromwich Albion, Semi Ajayi will be hoping to lift his team after the 5-1 thrashing by Crystal Palace. West Brom, who are also back after seasons in the Championship, will play away at Newcastle United.
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