With the 2024-2025 Premier League season billed to kick off on Friday, August 16 2024, some Super Eagles players are already raring to start the campaign on a high note.
Completesports.com‘s AUGUSTINE AKHILOMEN highlights eight Super Eagles stars who are eager to light up the new campaign with impressive displays for their respective clubs.
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
After an impressive campaign in the Championship, where he played an integral role in helping Leicester City achieve a quick return to the Premier League as champions, Ndidi will be hoping the Foxes kick off their campaign with a win.
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The Nigeria international, who made 32 appearances and scored four goals last season for Leicester City, is expected to spearhead the midfield and prevent opposition teams from causing havoc.
No doubt, Ndidi will be desperate to make a positive start for Leicester City to ensure that the team maintains their top-flight status in the Premier League.
Paul Onuachu (Southampton)
Having had a difficult time during his first spell with the club last season, Onuachu will be eager to make an impact by scoring goals for Southampton this season.
Recall that the Nigeria international was loaned out to Trabzonspor, where he won the league and scored 15 goals in 21 appearances for the club.
With his return to Southampton under new manager Russell Martin, Onuachu will be keen to repay the manager’s confidence in him with goals as the club returns to the Premier League.
Alex Iwobi (Fulham)
Rejuvenated under Marco Silva at Fulham, Iwobi, whose preseason form has been impressive, will aim to surpass his achievements from last season in the Premier League.
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Although the Nigeria international has not been particularly strong in finishing, his ability to create chances for his teammates remains a valuable asset that will come in handy this season.
Last season, Iwobi netted five goals in 30 Premier League games for Fulham.
Joe Aribo (Southampton)
One of Nigeria’s standout players in the Championship last season, Aribo, who provided creativity and goals for Southampton, will want to replicate such feats in the Premier League.
Technically proficient, the Super Eagles star’s ability to hold the ball and drive attacks will be crucial for the team in their quest for survival this season.
Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest)
Injury hampered Awoniyi’s goal-scoring prowess last season for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Known for his physical play and aerial prowess, Awoniyi will be hoping for an injury-free campaign this season.
Despite his injury, Awoniyi managed to score six goals in 20 appearances for Nottingham Forest, a record he will be keen to surpass when the Premier League kicks off this Friday.
Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
Aina had a decent campaign for Nottingham Forest last season and was solid in defense. His ability to overlap and join the attack will be expected to be useful this season.
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The Nigeria international is hoping to improve his goal-scoring record after managing just one goal for Nottingham Forest last season.
Frank Onyeka (Brentford)
Having started some of Brentford’s games from the bench last season, Onyeka will be putting everything on the field to ensure he gets regular football.
He was impactful for Brentford as they narrowly avoided relegation, a feat he will be hoping not to repeat when the Premier League commences this weekend.
The Nigeria international netted one goal in 26 Premier League appearances last season for Brentford.
Cavin Bassey (Fulham)
Big, strong, and reliable, Bassey has been one of Fulham’s most consistent defenders in the backline, making 29 appearances and scoring one goal.
The Nigeria international will be keen to raise the standard of his game and ensure the team secures the needed points against Manchester United this Friday in the Premier League’s epic kickoff.
