There hadn’t been much recent movement of Nigeria national football team players to the English Premier League. However, Odion Ighalo has changed everything.
In the biggest Nigeria football news of the decade so far, he joined Man Utd on loan in January. Critics doubted how often the Super Eagles forward would play, but he’s already achieved three starts and four goals.
Elsewhere, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho have made valuable contributions for third-placed Leicester. And Alex Iwobi is waiting for his chance at Everton after getting injured at the start of Carlo Ancelotti’s reign.
betpawa.ng have looked at which Nigeria national football team stars could be next to move to the Premier League:
Victor Osimhen (Lille)
The striker is enjoying a magnificent first season in France, scoring 13 times in 25 Ligue 1 starts. He has netted 37% of his team’s goals. That percentage is only beaten by Habib Diallo (Metz), Wissam Ben-Yedder (Monaco) and Moussa Dembele (Lyon).
Though Osimhen is open to a second campaign at Lille, coach Christophe Galtier expects top clubs to test his resolve.
Premier League leaders Liverpool are one of the names being mentioned, yet Tottenham would potentially make the most sense.
Spurs’ need is greatest after having their lack of attacking depth exposed by injuries to Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. Additionally, several of their most senior coaches have worked with the 21-year-old before.
Jose Mourinho took both assistant head coach Joao Sacramento and goalkeeper coach Nuno Santos from the French side in November.
Lille have sold numerous players to the Premier League’s elite in the last decade. These include Gervinho (Arsenal), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Divock Origi (Liverpool) and Nicolas Pepe (Arsenal).
Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal)
Despite having scored the opening goal in an Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final, Chukwueze is just 20-years-old.
At such a young age, the winger is already experiencing his second season in Villarreal’s first team. He’s found it trickier than the first, but transfer links to Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City highlight his potential.
His refusal to let a dip in form affect him should impress those considering a transfer offer. He said: “I’m actually not bothered because it is still a learning process for me. I know very soon what I have been practising will start manifesting.”
It is believed that a Premier League club would have to spend at least £30 million to buy Chukwueze. This must be hard to take for Arsenal, as Nigeria football news reports claim they almost signed him for £4 million in 2017.
The Gunners already have plenty of young attacking talent being given a chance by Mikel Arteta. Therefore, a transfer to one of the other top Premier League sides may be more likely.
Two of Chelsea’s wide forwards, Willian and Pedro, are in their 30s. Leroy Sane is always rumoured to be leaving Man City. And Liverpool might appreciate high-quality young cover for Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Joe Aribo (Rangers)
Aribo recently provided the key contribution in arguably Rangers’ most high-profile game of the season.
The 23-year-old came off the bench with his team losing at home to Braga in the first Europa League knockout round. A little later, he played a one-two, took the ball past four players and scored an outstanding equalising goal.
His side went on to win and did so again in the second leg. As their round-of-16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen started badly, it may prove the highlight of their run in the competition.
Rangers haven’t performed as well in domestic sports events. They’re out of both cups and a long way behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. A trophyless campaign might see manager Steven Gerrard depart and could create doubt over the midfielder’s future.
Southampton have signed a player from either Celtic or Rangers in six of the last nine seasons. Will the midfielder, who has already scored twice for the Nigeria national football team, be their next?
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