The name Akinkunmi Amoo may not be among the players celebrated in the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon but he could have equally been a hit for Nigeria, at the tournament if the coaches in charge had taken a punt on him.

The Hammarby winger in the Swedish Allsvenskan has all the attributes to hit it big time and will hope to actualize the dream sooner rather than later.


Diminutive but extremely graceful on the ball, big things are expected of this player and is already receiving offers from clubs across Europe including English Premier League's Leicester City and RB Leipzig in the German Bundesliga.

Even interim coach of the Super Eagles Austin Eguavoen namechecked him when talk of the likely replacement of Odion Ighalo in Nigeria's 2021 Africa Cup of Nations squad came up.

Amoo scored nine goals in 29 league matches while providing five assists in the Swedish league last season and it is doubtful that he will be there when the summer transfer window opens for business.

Most football punters and pundits alike are predicting that this jewel may depart from Allsvenskan for greener pastures in Europe.

In fact one of such big admirers is AC Milan and Sweden's superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic who has part ownership of the club.

Recently it was reported that eight January transfer deals involving Nigerian players have taken place even as Nigerian football faithful sit back to savour the wins against Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau in the Africa Cup of Nations.

With Nigeria expected to go all the way and possibly reach the final of the tournament, the likes of Amoo may swell that number with the 'hunt' for Nigerian players on the increase.

The upcoming star has been nicknamed as the 'Little Messi' with his playing style of play drawing comparison with the Argentine star, Lionel Messi who left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in the Ligue 1.

Izuchukwu Michael