The 2018 English Premier League kicked off last Friday and Nigerian Players featured for their respective teams in the most exciting league in the world. We presents six Nigeria international’s who are raring to take the English Premier League by storm in the 2018/19 season.
Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City):ย Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho made a good impact in pre-season with Leicester City scoring four goals in three games. Iheanacho will be out to justify his big money move from Manchester City in his second season at the club after largely playing as a substitute last season for the Foxes.
Iheanacho has got a good goal-scoring ratio for the Super Eagles despite not having the best of outing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He will be looking to get back to top form on the goal-scoring form, for Leicester City. Heโs tipped by many to lead the Foxes’ attack in their opening game against Manchester United on Friday, August 10, at Old Trafford. If he can stay in good form and take his chances in attack, there’s a good possibility he could rival Jamie Vardy as the club’s leading scorer for this season.
Alex Iwobi (Arsenal):ย Everyone expected Alex Iwobi to shine at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, but he failed to sparkle. He will no doubt be looking to make 2018/19 a stellar season for him having signed a new deal at Arsenal. Iwobi has been in and out of the first team since he made his debut in 2015 and he is condemned to fight for his place in the new look Arsenal side under Unai Emery. The 22 year old Nigerian forward has scored eight league goals and provided 10 assists in 65 appearances for Arsenal.
Victor Moses (Chelsea):ย The Nigerian winger had two outstanding seasons under sacked manager Antonio Conte playing as a wing-back, but he will need to prove himself all over again like he does when a new manager arrives at the club. New coach Maurizio Sarri has played him in his original role on the wings in pre-season which could limit his chances of regular action this term as he will be up against Pedro Rodriguez, Willian and Hazard for a place in the starting X1. Moses has scored 20 goals in 218 English Premier League games since he made his debut in the league in 2009. He has won the English Premier League and the English FA Cup.
Isaac Success (Watford):ย Isaac Success has all the attributes of a top-class striker, but he is yet to show his prowess in the English Premier League with Watford since joining from Granada two years ago due to injuries and his off the field lifestyles.
In recent pre-season games, he was in good shape for Watford but still, his goal-scoring ratio probably isn’t as good as he would have hoped it to be. He’s yet to replicate his form at Granada with the Hornets. He will no doubt be looking to improve upon his tally this coming season if he stays at the club beyond the transfer deadline day. Success has made 19 appearances and has scored once , which is a far cry from his true abilities.
Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion):ย The Nigerian defender joined Brighton Hove Albion on a two year deal after an impressive outing with Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The 30-year-old will be out to banish his injury history and prove he can fit into the rigours, pace and physicality of the English game when he makes his EPL debut for the Seagulls this weekend against Watford.
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City):ย Ndidi has been an integral part of the Leicester City’s midfield since he joined the club. The 21-year-old was one of the outstanding players at Leicester City last season and he was rewarded for his hard work winning The Foxes’ young player of the year award for the 2017/18 season.
In his third season at the club, the Nigeria international will be hoping to be Leicester City’s main man this season and also become one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders. He has already made 50 appearances in the EPL for the Foxes.
