The SCORENigeria Top 30 series continues with another set of five top performers from the past season overseas.
10: Alex Iwobi
Midfielder
Everton
38 Appearances, 2 Goals, 8 Assists
It was another spirited battle against relegation by Alex Iwobi and Everton this past campaign in the Premier League and again they escaped the dreaded drop by the closing weeks of the season. Iwobi, 27, was the shining light even in this laboured campaign as to be named Player of the Season. He caught the eye with a new role in central midfield, where his movement and boundless energy shone through. He posted a career-high eight assists this past season. Iwobi still has a year left on his contract at Goodison Park and it is left to be seen where his next destination will be.
9: Zaidu Sanusi
Defender
FC Porto
18 Appearances
Last October, the left back extended his contract till June 2027 to underline his importance at Portuguese giants FC Porto. However, injury limited his appearances in the league to 18, but he enjoyed a better run in the UEFA Champions League, where he scored in eight appearances. He crowned the season by landing the Cup with Porto.
8: Alhassan Yusuf
Midfielder
Antwerp
22 Appearances, 2 Assists
The hard running midfielder enjoyed his most successful campaign in Europe last season when Antwerp won both the league and cup in Belgium. But for a mysterious ankle injury, he would have played a lot more games as he has become a key player for his club. But despite his consistency he has been overlooked by a Super Eagles team, whose midfield has lacked the drive and energy he has brought to Antwerp.
7: Victor Boniface
Striker
Union St.Gilloise
31 Appearances, 7 Goals, 7 Assists
The big, left-footed striker recorded a breakthrough debut season in Belgium following his transfer from Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt. He did enough in the Belgian league, where his modest club again punched above their weight and even came close to snatching the championship. But it was in the UEFA Europa League that Boniface showed he can roll with the big boys. He finished as joint top scorer of the competition with six goals and two assists as Union reached the last eight. A Super Eagles invite should not be far in coming now.
6: Taiwo Awoniyi
Striker
Nottingham Forest
27 Appearances, 10 Goals, 1 Assist
He was one of the main reasons Forest will play a second straight season in the Premier League after his 10 goals, most of them match winners, made this possible. He could have further justified his big transfer from the Bundesliga but for injury that forced him to the sidelines for several months. His eye-catching form in May earned him a recall to the Super Eagles. Forest will again be among the teams to battle against relegation in the new season and again it is expected their Super Eagles striker will rise to the occasion to keep them afloat.
