African footballers. Nigerian footballers are no strangers when it comes to playing for the premier league at different levels. Jay Jay Okocha is one of the most notable names in football, playing for Bolton Wanders and Hull City. Also another known footballer is Nwankwo Kanu who played for Arsenal, West Brom and Portsmouth.
Here are 7 Nigerian Footballers in the English Premier League:
Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi, born 3 May 1996, is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Everton and the Nigeria national team.
Iwobi began his career at Arsenal, making 149 appearances and scoring 15 goals, and winning the FA Cup in 2017, as well as scoring in the 2019 UEFA Europa League Final. In August 2019, he transferred to Everton for an initial £28 million fee.
Wilfred Ndidi
Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi (born 16 December 1996) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Leicester City and the Nigeria national team. Ndidi is known for his defensive prowess and long range strikes.
His talents have seen him attract interest from other top EPL clubs such as Manchester United.
Emmanuel Dennis
Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis (born 15 November 1997), is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Nottingham Forest and the Nigeria national team.
Emmanuel was Watford’s main man before signing with Nottingham Forest in the summer. He has made 11 appearances so far this season and scored 1 goal.
Frank Onyeka
Ogochukwu Frank Onyeka (born 1 January 1998) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Brentford and the Nigeria national team.
The 24-year-old made the move to Brentford in the summer of 2021, and is a key player in the team. Onyeka has had to deal with injury setbacks but he is expected to rediscover his form.
Michael Olise
Michael Akpovie Olise (born 12 December 2001) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Crystal Palace. Born in England, he represents France at youth international level.
He has emerged as an important player for Crystal Palace this season. His top performances saw him win the Crystal Palace Player of the Month award in November. Olise made his mark in 2023 when scored a stunning free kick to help Palace get a draw at Old Trafford.
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Oluchi Eze (born 29 June 1998), is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Premier League club Crystal Palace.
He joined Crystal Palace in the summer of 2020. In the 2022/23 season, he’s made 19 appearances in which he has scored 3 goals.
Dominic Solanke
Dominic Ayodele Solanke-Mitchell (born 14 September 1997), known as Dominic Solanke, is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.
Solanke started his career with Chelsea, making his first-team debut in October 2014. He spent the 2015–16 season on loan with Vitesse in the Eredivisie. He signed for Liverpool in July 2017, making 27 appearances before joining AFC Bournemouth in January 2019.
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Source: WithinNigeria