Sports News of Saturday, 12 September 2020
Source: brila.net
While the English Premier League has become renowned for its array of stellar imports, no African country has been more highly represented than Nigeria.
Since the inaugural 1992-93 season, when launching the Premier League entirely changed the outlook of English football’s top division, 42 Nigerians have represented a wide variety of clubs up until the recently concluded 2019-20 campaign.
Given that Leicester City are priced at 9/1 Premier League betting odds for the top four, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho are two current Nigerian internationals who could star in the competition this season.
However, when it comes to being ranked amongst the greatest Nigerians to grace the Premier League, the Leicester City due still have plenty of work to do. Let’s take a look at some legendary players who made an unforgettable impression in the English top-flight.
Most Appearances
Shola Ameobi
According to the record books, no Nigerian player has featured in more English top-flight games than Shola Ameobi, who registered a total of 297 Premier League appearances. 293 were in the famous black and white shirt of Newcastle United, along with 4 outings during a brief spell with Crystal Palace during the 2014-15 season.
Perhaps even more impressive is that Ameobi spent 14 seasons with Newcastle United, making a total of 393 appearances in all competitions, whilst also contributing 75 goals and 39 assists.
Welcome to the @NU_Foundation Hall of Fame - the one and only Shola Ameobi! #NUFC #125YearsUnited pic.twitter.com/WDlUE2vtqp
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 7, 2017
???? | Happy birthday - and happy retirement - Yakubu! #EFC #FeedTheYak pic.twitter.com/sj9xoNQIvq
— Everton (@Everton) November 22, 2017
???? #OnThisDay, 21 years ago... we signed the one and only Kanu! ????????
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 15, 2020
???? Here are five of @papilokanu's best Arsenal goals - but which will forever be your favourite? ???? pic.twitter.com/C7qGUhfmfG
'@Mikel_John_Obi, he scores when he wants!' ???????? pic.twitter.com/UZxbHnufcR
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 22, 2020