Soccer is still the most popular sport which people love to follow around the world. This is certainly true in Nigeria and the whole of Africa where millions of people love to keep an eye on what is happening. It is now thought that there are around 3.5 billion soccer fans globally! It is not only watching games which people enjoy either – sports betting in soccer is big around the world as well. It seems fans love to get more involved via online sportsbooks to bet on the outcome of games – the betrivers site is now a very popular one for soccer fans to wager with.
Those who follow the beautiful game in Africa will love to see players from the continent making their mark at the highest levels. While there are several leagues in the world where this is happening, it is perhaps the English Premier League that tops the list. But who are the top African stars plying their trade there at the moment?
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Alex Iwobi 
Fans of the Super Eagles will know all about this talented attacking midfielder. Iwobi is a regular for the national team and he has built up a decent career in the English Premier League to date. Born in Lagos, Iwobi joined the Premier League club Arsenal in 2004 when still a young boy. He rose through the ranks in North London to eventually become a key member of the first-team squad.
Known for his pace, direct style of play and quick feet, he was often someone who could make a difference in games for the Gunners. This made his shock move to EPL rivals Everton in the summer of 2019 something of a surprise. In all, he played 100 games for Arsenal and scored 11 goals before making the £28 million switch to Merseyside.
Sadio Mane 
Another top African player who plies his trade in the EPL currently is Sadio Mane at Liverpool. Born in Senegal, Mane is a forward who has the pace to burn, great movement and a real eye for goal. He started his career at Metz in France and at Red Bull Salzburg in Austria before moving to the top level of English football in 2014 with Southampton.
Mane made a big impact there and this earned him a big-money move to Liverpool in 2016. So far he has played 108 games for Liverpool and has scored 54 goals. He was also a key member of the Liverpool side that won the Champions League in the 2018/19 season, the UEFA Super Cup in 2019, and finished 2nd in the Premier League in 2018/19.
Mohammed Salah 
When you talk about current African players in the top tier of English football, this man has to be mentioned. Playing in the same Liverpool team as Mane, they have formed a front three with Roberto Firmino, a trio that has terrified defenses for the last few years. Salah was born in Egypt and showed promise as a footballer from a young age. Known for his dribbling, speed, and finishing, he has since gone on to be a world-class talent.
He initially made his name at the Swiss club Basel before completing a move to England with Chelsea in 2014. This did not quite work out though and he had to resurrect his career at Roma before moving to Liverpool in 2017. With 63 goals from 88 appearances, his impact has been obvious! As per Mane, this player was crucial in Liverpool lifting the Champions League in 2018/19 and the UEFA Super Cup in 2019.
Wilfred Ndidi 
Nigeria is a country with a proud history of its players making the grade in England’s Premier League – Wilfred Ndidi is the latest in a long line to impress. A hard-tackling, hardworking midfielder who can also pass well. Ndidi has been a revelation since breaking into the Leicester team. Still only young, the potential this player has for club and country is huge. He initially came to prominence with the Belgian side Genk before moving to Leicester in 2017. Since then he has gone on to play 100 games and has become a vital member of the team. Ndidi has played a major role in maintaining the team’s current form under manager Brendan Rodgers.
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African stars are lighting up the Premier League
As the above shows, there are some seriously good players from Africa who have moved successfully to the EPL. Nigerians will be pleased to see that some of our very own players are amongst them! One thing is for sure – these players and others who will surely follow are central to the excitement and drama that soccer in England is famous for.
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