Nigeria continues to produce some of the best footballers across Europe’s big leagues. From the likes of the well-known Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen to Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, the country is certainly brimming with world class talent. In this piece, we look at the top 3 Nigerian players at the moment (in ascending order) and how they impact the Nation’s chances at the upcoming African Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast. Remember, You can bet on your favourite teams and favourite Nigerian players on Betking, Nigeria’s best online sports betting platform. We are committed to giving you the best betting tips and best odds to help you win big.
**3. Alex Iwobi (Fulham)** Iwobi’s summer swap of Everton for Fulham has turned out to be an inspired decision. The Super Eagles midfielder became almost undroppable at Everton before his departure, turning into one of the most underrated box-to-box midfielders in the Premier League. That, along with the opportunity to once again manage the player he signed for Everton from Arsenal informed Marco Silva’s decision to bring the Nigerian midfielder to Craven Cottage. And what a decision that has proved to be. Iwobi has never been a player who fills up the stat sheet with goals and assists but his value to Fulham is immense, regardless. Despite scoring just three goals in 14 appearances this season, Iwobi’s impact is seen in his boundless energy and endless pressing. The 27-year-old is in the top 3 for final third recoveries of all Fulham players this season (11) and is a potent option when defending from the front. He is also in the top 10 for recoveries (50) while winning 50% of his duels, a high number for an offensive midfielder. During the African Cup of Nations tournament, Iwobi will be relied upon to replicate his sparkling club form and provide plenty of opportunities for Nigeria’s star-studded attack. He was one of the Super Eagles best players in qualification and will be first choice in midfield, where he has built a fine relationship with Leicester City’s Wilfried Ndidi. The Super Eagles do not have a single player with the same skill-set as Iwobi, a blend of strength, energy and an uncanny ability to keep the ball in tight spaces. He will be crucial to Nigeria’s hopes of winning the tournament. Take advantage of Betking’s Professional betting tips and back Iwobi to lead Fulham to a top-half finish in the Premier League.
**2. Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)** Boniface has quickly become the favorite of many Bundesliga supporters, winning fans over with his brilliant performances week in, week out for Bayer Leverkusen. His ability to lead the line expertly has helped catapult Xabi Alonso's team to the top of the Bundesliga, and when he is not scoring, his movement and selflessness creates room for the likes of Florian Wirtz and Jonas Hoffman to thrive. The Nigerian striker has 12 goals from 16 appearances across all competitions for Leverkusen this season, and when you watch him play, it’s easy to see why. Quick, strong, aggressive and a menace in the box, the 22-year-old has all the tools needed to succeed at the highest level. The underlying stats further explain his offensive potential and give us even more insight into how deadly he could be moving forward. [According to Fbref](https://fbref.com/en/comps/20/shooting/Bundesliga-Stats#all_stats_shooting), Boniface has taken the most shots in Bundesliga (60) and has the second most shots on target (21). That’s a positive sign, as it means he’s consistently getting into good positions to score. His 7 league goals have come from an xG of 10.1, which means he may need to brush up on his finishing, but it is important to remember he is still only 22. Furthermore, his average shot distance of 16.1 yards shows he does his damage in the box, which increases his chances of scoring consistently. He has been named Bundesliga player of the month once and Rookie of the month three consecutive times, the first player to do so since Erling Haaland for Borussia Dortmund in 2020 — this goes to show just how integral he has been to Leverkusen’s excellent form. He is yet to score for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in his 3 appearances so far, but he has looked lively and will be an excellent partner for Victor Osimhen in Ivory Coast. An Osimhen- Boniface attack is certainly scary for any defence, and Nigerians will be banking on the red-hot Leverkusen man to bang in the goals required to lead the nation to glory at next year’s AFCON.
**1. Victor Osimhen (Napoli)** Osimhen is Nigeria’s biggest chance of victory in Ivory Coast and is undoubtedly the Super Eagles’ most talented footballer. The Napoli goal-machine is currently the frontrunner for the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, a testament to his outstanding performances over the last 12 months. Despite off-field distractions and managerial changes at Napoli, he’s sustained his exceptional form from the previous season into the current campaign, netting 6 goals in 10 games before picking up an injury while on national duty. Osimhen has had an outstanding 2023, leading Napoli to their first scudetto in three decades, scoring 26 league goals and bagging the coveted Pichichi award. There is also the school of thought that suggests the club would have advanced further than the quarter finals of the Champions League if the Nigerian striker was fit and available for both fixtures against AC Milan. The 24-year-old averages 4.33 shots per game, the third highest in the league, and as long as he keeps shooting at that pace, he will always be among the goals. Amidst transfer controversies and a challenging summer, Osimhen's commitment and focus on scoring have been unwavering. Despite the injury setback, Napoli’s marksman will be aiming for a second straight Capocannoniere, with injuries and a rampaging Lautaro Martinez the only current obstacles. Additionally, his pivotal role in Nigeria's qualification for the African Nations Cup, marked by his record-breaking 10 goals, positions him as a key figure for the Super Eagles in their quest for glory in Cote d’Ivoire next year. Osimhen's remarkable achievements make him a deserving favorite for the African Footballer of the Year, and he will be the biggest threat to every other nation at AFCON 2023. Looking for high odds on Betking? Back Nigeria to win the AFCON outright for unbelievable value.
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