The wait is finally over! The highly anticipated 2024/25 English Premier League season has kicked off with a bang, and Nigerian football fans are eager to see how their Super Eagles stars will fare in the new campaign.
The opening match saw Manchester United welcome Fulham to Old Trafford, with two Nigerian players, Alexander Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, leading the charge for the Londoners.
Though Friday’s match ended in a lone goal defeat for Iwobi and Bassey, there is reason for optimism that the Nigerian players in the Premier League will do well.
As the season unfolds, we taking a closer look at the six Super Eagles stars to watch out for in the Premier League.
1. Alex Iwobi: The Premier League Veteran
With a career spanning over a decade in the Premier League, Alex Iwobi is no stranger to the English top-flight league. The talented midfielder has had stints at Arsenal, Everton, and now Fulham, where he has established himself as a key player.
Last season, he notched up five goals and two assists, a testament to his skill and dedication.
At Old Trafford on Friday, Iwobi’s brilliance was undeniable even if he could not save his team from defeat. Hopefully there will be better days ahead for Iwobi and his Fulham teammates.
2. Calvin Bassey: The Rugged Defender
Born in Italy but raised in London, Calvin Bassey has come a long way since his days at Leicester City’s academy. With spells at Rangers and Ajax under his belt, he joined Fulham in 2023 and has been a rock-solid presence in the defense. His goal against Manchester United last season was a highlight of his campaign. Having settled fast enough to life at the Craven Cottage, Bassey should play a key role as Fulham look forward to another respectable campaign in the top flight.
3. Wilfred Ndidi: The Defensive Midfield Maestro
After a season in the EFL Championship, Wilfred Ndidi is back in the Premier League with Leicester City. The Nigerian defensive midfielder has signed a new three-year deal with the club, committing himself to the cause under new manager Steve Cooper. Though he would be without his compatriot Kelechi Iheancaho who has since made a switch to LaLiga, Ndidi will be keen to avoid another relegation headache this season with the Foxes.
4. Taiwo Awoniyi: The Striker’s Struggle
Taiwo Awoniyi’s Premier League journey has been marked by injuries, but the talented striker remains determined to make his mark. After an uneventful stint at Liverpool followed by a largely successful season at Union Berlin, he returned to England with Nottingham Forest. Despite missing part of pre-season due to injury, Awoniyi is ready to unleash his goal-scoring prowess.
5. Ola Aina: The Chelsea Academy Graduate
Ola Aina’s football journey began at Chelsea Academy, where he progressed through the ranks before moving to Torino in 2019. A return to England with Nottingham Forest in 2023 saw him help the club avoid relegation on the final day of the season. Aina’s versatility and skill make him a valuable asset to his team which has earned him an extended contract.
6. Frank Onyeka: The Tank
Frank Onyeka, fondly known as “The Tank,” has been a mainstay in Thomas Frank’s midfield at Brentford. Since joining the club in 2021, he has been instrumental in their success. However, rumors suggest he may be leaving the club this summer, with Girona showing interest.
These six Super Eagles stars are not the only “Nigerians” in the Premier League, as Chelsea boasts an impressive array of talents with Nigerian heritage, including Carney Chukwuemeka, Noni Madueke, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Lesley Ugochukwu, all of whom are eligible to represent the Super Eagles through their parents.
As the Premier League season unfolds, Nigerian football fans will be eagerly watching their Super Eagles stars soar to new heights. Will they make a significant impact, or will they struggle to find their footing? Only time will tell
