In its latest weekly post, Neuchatel-based research group CIES Football Observatory revealed the U23 outfield players currently active in 67 leagues worldwide who have performed best over the last six months, with several Nigeria-eligible players listed. 

The rankings were compiled using Impect data, assessing players' performances across eight key game areas, alongside the competitive level of matches played, results and overall playing time.

In the Premier League, Nigeria Football Federation target Michael Kayode is ranked ninth-best U23 player, with the Brentford defender recording an index score of 82.6.

Elsewhere, Italy U21 international of Nigerian descent Honest Ahanor, also on the radar of manager Eric Chelle, is placed 15th in Serie A with an index of 79.

In the Scottish Premiership, left-back Jayden Meghoma is among four Rangers players featured in the top six. 

The Super Eagles hopeful, who joined the Light Blues on a season-long loan from Brentford last summer, posted an index score of 75.7.

Newly capped Nigeria international Chibuike Nwaiwu has been ranked the top U23 centre-back in the Turkish Super Lig and second overall, behind teammate Christ Inao Oulaï, while Göztepe SK's Anthony Dennis is seventh. 

Other Nigerians in the top 20 across their respective leagues include David Moses of Slavia Prague (second in the Czech 1. Liga), Mukhtar Adamu of Odds BK (20th in the Norwegian First Division) and Shola Ogundana of Dynamo Kyiv (16th in the Ukrainian Premier League).

According to the study, Lamine Yamal of Barcelona is the best U23 player in the world, followed by Kenan Yıldız of Juventus and Warren Zaïre-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel