Five Nigerian Talents Tipped To Break Into The First Team Of European Clubs

As the pre-season draws to a conclusion, there are some Nigerian youngsters that have made their mark in the pre-season games and are likely to be given a chance in the first team.

We take a look at some of these Nigerians who are forcing their way into the first team.

Kelechi Iheanacho

 Always remember that name “IHEANACHO” meaning what we are looking for.

The young Nigerian is one of the busiest players in the Man -City squad during pre-season and a place in the first team is on the card.

The young player who has developed a good understanding with English record signing Raheem Sterling after series of interchanging of passes that have been productive in front of goal.

Iheanacho has scored two goals and looks set to score more if selected. The young lad’s confidence is unbelievable that at 18 years plus (18+, to be 19 in October 2015) and with 99,000 fans watching, he calmly slotted a precise finish beyond the goal keeper’s reach against Roma.

Iheanacho’s ability in front of goal is awesome and his second goal against German side VFB Stuttgart was clinical.

The young lad has made a case for first team football already and there may not be anyone stopping him.

Mikel Agu

The young midfielder’s aim to break into first team last season was hampered by injuries which led to him been sent to Porto B team.

After the exit of Brazilian midfield enforcer Fernando to Man City last season the young lad was promoted to first team but
injury ruled him out completely.

Currently Mikel Agu is with Porto B team but may likely be promoted to first team following strings of good performances in pre-season where he scored in the 2-0 win against Liverpool youth side.

The 22 year old defensive midfielder is a hard tackler and a good passer of the ball.  Such performance might be enough to
earn him a spot in the first team.

Alex Iwobi

The Dream Team IV invitee has not made his debut due for Nigeria due to the fact that he has not be cleared by FIFA .

He traveled with Arsenal for their pre-season tour and scored in their  6-0 demolition of French league 1 side Olympic Lyon in the Emirates Cup.

Alex Iwobi who is a nephew to Nigeria’s legend Austin Okocha signed a professional contract with Arsenal last year when he turned 18.

At 19 he has made a case for first team football after captaining the Under 21s last term. He was deployed as a target man
in some games and he flourished particularly with 2 goals against Stoke City U-21 in their 4-1 win.

He was on the bench on Sunday during the Community Shield and a handshake with charismatic manager Jose Mourinho might have done enough for his confidence.

He is primed for fist team football. At 19 years old and in a big club like Arsenal he is a candidate for the future in Nigerian football and should be adequately mentored for maximum success.

Babajide David

The young lad who plays for Danish side FC Midtjylland has been impressive in his game.

Last term he seized attention after series of impressive displays against the youth side of Borussia Dortmund,Inter Milan and Athletico Madrid.

The attacker was a torn in the flesh of defenders of the above clubs. His performance have not gone unnoticed as some clubs are monitoring his development.

He is a prospect for the future. At 18 years old he is closer to cementing a place in the first team of FC Midtjylland. Watch out for Babajide David he might be the next big star in Europe soon.

Dele Alli

The talented foward who has been tipped in the English press as “New Gerrard”. Another school of thought refer to him as  “New Messi”.

The play maker whose strength is his direct run at goal and has vision for killer passes. He is a prospect for the future.

He was signed by Tottenham Hotspurs in the dying minutes of the transfer window in the winter but was loaned back to his Club Mk Dons (Milton Keynes Dons) for the rest of the season.

The loan deal is over and he was part of Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season and has been doing well scoring a goal  on his debut for the Londoners.

The young lad continued his good performance against Real Madrid where he nutmegged Luka Modric and German Toni Kroos showing that he is not afraid of the big names and that he is ready for the big stage in the English Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur.

Photo Credit : mcfc.co.uk