This exciting series beaming the spotlight on the Top 30 Nigerian performers overseas continues.
15: Raphael Onyedika
Defensive Midfielder
Club Brugge
31 Appearances
The 22-year-old midfielder enjoyed a successful debut season in Belgium following his switch from Danish club FC Midtjylland even if his team Club Brugge failed to retain the championship. He made 26 appearances in the regular season and another five outings in the championship playoffs. He also played a key part in Club’s progress in the UEFA Champions League, where they reached the knockout rounds for the first time in a long time. This is his fourth year in Europe and in the coming season a lot more will be expected of him as Club attempt to reclaim top spot in Belgium.
14: Calvin Bassey
Defender
Ajax Amsterdam
25 Appearances, 1 Goal, 3 Assists
The energetic defender came through a baptism of fire at Dutch giants Ajax after he became the club’s most expensive defender ever when they signed him from Rangers for 23 Million Euros. Besides 25 appearances in the league, Bassey also made five appearances in the cup as well as six appearances in the UEFA Champions League, where he accounted for two assists. A Super Eagles since March 2022, he now has 10 caps for Nigeria.
13: Moses Simon
Forward
FC Nantes
34 Appearances, 5 Goals, 4 Assists
The speedy winger was again consistent for ‘The Canaries’ this past season with his fair share of goals and assists in Ligue 1. He also made eight appearances in the Europa League in the season under review. He hit a century of games for his club in November. He only has a year left on his contract and Nantes will have to lower their valuation of the player so that he does not walk away a free agent next year. His commitment for the Super Eagles remains very evident since his debut eight years ago.
12: Kelechi Iheanacho
Striker
Leicester City
28 Appearances, 5 Goals, 5 Assists
‘Senior man Kiels’ was named Leicester City Player of the season this past campaign. In his favourite competition, the FA Cup, he netted thrice in as many appearances. He has now scored a record 18 goals in 24 appearances in the famous cup competition. Generally, he improved on his numbers from the previous season, but unfortunately Leicester City were eventually relegated from the Premier League after eight years.
11: Chuba Akpom
Striker
Middlesbrough
38 Appearances, 28 Goals, 2 Assists
The former Arsenal ace posted his most successful season as a professional to be named Player of the English Championship. A change in position from centre-forward to second striker was the magic as he finished top of the goals charts with 28 goals. This is a remarkable transformation as in the previous season he had only managed one appearance – 19 minutes of action – in the same competition. His club Middlesbrough featured in the promotion playoffs thanks to his goals, but failed to stage a return to the Premier League.
