As the second half of the season hots up in major European leagues, Owngoalnigeria.com takes a look at the Nigerian players who were impressive for their respective clubs during the course of the first round of game.
Adebayo Adeleye (Goalkeeper) – The shot stopper emerged from the youth team of second division Israeli side Hapoel Katamon to the first team and immediately established himself as first choice. So far he has kept goal in 20 games for promotion chasing Katamon who are third on the log standing in the Isreali second division.
Ola Aina – The Torino defender has impressed mightily this season. He has grown in strength from game to game and that has made many to accept the fact that he knew what he was doing when he decided to accept a permanent transfer to the Serie A side after a successful loan spell two seasons ago.
Jamilu Collins – Ever present for Paderborn this season. Although his form for the national team has been mixed off late. He is one of the shinning light of Paderborn poor season where they are battling to remain in the German top flight.
William Troost-Ekong – King Kong as he is called in Italy has been very impressive for Udinese this season. The manner which he started the season slowed down few weeks ago but his performance against AC Milan where he kept Zlatan Ibrahimovic quiet showed he only suffered a minor blip as he is back to his best.
Semi Ajayi – The man that can do no wrong for West Brom at both ends of the pitch. His season has however suffered a setback following the red card he suffered against West Ham last weekend. Beyond that he is presently in the list of the best defenders in the English Championship.
Wilfred Ndidi – Nothing that hasn’t been said about how important he is to Leicester City but the way he has steadily improved over the years particularly this season has been phenomenal. By far Nigeria’s best player at the moment.
Alex Iwobi – Presently out injured but did show what he is all about when he was fit for Everton. Even though his performance still divides opinion, majority believe he has been a positive addition to the team as he most time stand out even when the team is struggling.
Joe Aribo – His selection is a weird one considering the fact that he has played mostly from the wing lately for Rangers. It’s worthy to note though that he is still among one of the Super Eagles players who have enjoyed a steady run of games since the start of the season.
Moses Simon – Presently enjoying the form of his life at Nantes where he is on loan from Levante. Simon has more goal contribution than any other Nantes player with seven assists and six goals to his name this season. His form has been remarkable.
Samuel Chukwueze – In ahead of red hot Cyriel Dessers on the strength of the fact that he plays in the Laliga. When he has played he has been a bit inconsistent but on his day he is magical as said by his club captain Santi Cazorla.
Victor Osimhen – He knows where the back of the net is like every striker but the ease with which he gets there has set Ligue 1 on fire. Still by far the best Nigerian forward this season although Kelechi Iheanacho resurgence at Leicester City could threaten his spot in the second half of the season.
