With a population of more than 200 million, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation, and one of the greatest sporting nations. Football happens to be a staple, with thousands of top Nigerian exports playing professional football in foreign countries, including Europe’s elite leagues such as the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, and the French Ligue 1. However, there is a host of other good players plying their trade outside these major leagues.
William Troost-Ekong – PAOK (Greece)
Troost-Ekong
The Nigerian national team captain needs no introduction, having been crowned the best player in the recently concluded AFCON in Ivory Coast. The centre back was key in the Super Eagles journey to the finals, and continues to excel for PAOK in the Greek Super League.
Troost-Ekong’s exploits both at club and country levels have seen several top European clubs sending scouts to watch him. The Greek league is available for betting on BeMyBet, the international betting experts.
Chidera Eduke – Royal Antwerp (Belgium)
Chidera Eduke
If what Chidera Eduke is doing for Royal Antwerp in Belgium is anything to go by, his parent club CSKA Moscow could be getting a lot of money for the winger in the next transfer window. The 26-year-old has been one of the most dependable players as Royal Antwerp battles both domestically and on the European front, getting likened to one of Nigeria’s greatest, Jay Jay Okocha.
Odion Ighalo – Al Wehda (Saudi Arabia)
Odion Ighalo
Odion Ighalo, a powerful and clinical striker, has enjoyed a diverse career that has taken him from Europe to Asia. Following his time in England’s Premier League, Ighalo ventured to China before making the move to Saudi Arabia to join Al Hilal, and then Al Wehda.
Ighalo’s eye for goal and ability to hold up play have made him a valuable asset for Al Wehda, with his goal-scoring exploits helping the club compete at the highest level domestically and in continental competitions.
Ahmed Musa – Sivasspor (Turkey)
Ahmed Musa
Ahmed Musa, renowned for his blistering pace and attacking flair, has made waves in both European and non-European leagues. After successful spells with clubs in Russia, England, and the Middle East, Musa currently plies his trade with Sivasspor in the Turkish top flight.
Musa’s impact in Turkey has been immense, with his speed and technical ability causing headaches for opposition defenses. His contributions have played a crucial role in his club’s pursuit for top honors domestically.
Joe Aribo – Southampton (England)
Joe Aribo
Joe Aribo’s journey to the top has been incredible. His star shone brightest when he moved from Charlton Athletic to Rangers in the Scottish Premier League. He was part of Steven Gerrard’s Invincibles who won the SPL without testing defeat.
Aribo will be an important player for Southampton as they look to qualify for the English Premier League either through automatic qualification or via the play-offs.
We can go on and talk about hundreds of top Nigerian talents playing in different parts of the globe, but the five mentioned in this article should do for now. It goes to show how the country boasts a huge pool of talent, which is not only in football, but in other sports disciplines as well.
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