Nigerian football was characterized by mixed feelings, the female football teams excelled while their male counterparts faltered.
We pick out the stand out performers in all positions in 2014, putting into consideration both national and club form in the year under review.
1. Vincent Enyeama
In a year where Nigerian football was blighted by many controversies, Vincent Enyeama was one reason Nigerians shook their heads and smiled. Undoubtedly Nigeria's best player in 2014, the Lille shot stopper continued from were he left after the FIFA world cup in Brazil with fine string of performances for both club and country. A nominee for CAF African footballer of the year, the Nigerian skipper could be the first goalkeeper in history to pick up the prestigious award.
2. Ugo Njoku
After representing Nigeria at two major FIFA tournaments, Njoku went on to feature for the country at the 2014 FIFA U20 world cup in Canada in which Nigeria narrowly lost out in the final to Germany. At the African women championship, the River angels star was rock solid as Nigeria went out to win her ninth title. She's picked ahead of super eagles regular right back, Efe Ambrose.
3. Evelyn Nwabuoku
Captain fantastic, the falcons skipper led by example as Nigeria picked up an unprecedented ninth title. She also lead club, Rivers Angels to the female Federation cup title in 2014.
4. Juwon Oshaniwa
One of the revelations of the 2014 FIFA world cup in Brazil, Oshaniwa stepped into the big shoe left by Elderson Echiejele's injury. His composure, pace and defending left much to be desired as Nigeria made it to the round of sixteen. He was dropped after Elderson got back to fitness, but came back to the team to show Keshi and Nigerians what they were missing.
5. John Obi Mikel
Many Nigerians will kick against this choice but Mikel has proven time and time again how important he is to the national side. He might not be a super regular at club level but in a green and white jersey, he has been super outstanding. His ability to shuttle between an attacking midfield role for Nigeria and defensive role at club level gives him an edge.
6. Ogenyi Onazi
Many might still argue that Nigeria would have made it past France at the FIFA world cup in Brazil, had it been Onazi wasn't injured. He was so important that Nigeria ouster at the mundial was attributed to his injury.
Although he later lost form during the Afcon qualifiers, but this lad deserves a mention amongst Nigeria's best for 2014.
7. Ahmed Musa
A player that made Messi's hattrick against Nigeria look like a fluke, Musa was Nigeria's most impressive player at the world cup in Brazil scoring twice against the Albacete. During the 2015 Afcon qualifiers, he took over the goal scoring burden from out-of-form striker, Emmanuel Emenike. No wonder he's in the running for CAF African footballer of the year awards.
8. Desire Oparanozie
Nigeria won their ninth title in Namibia 2014 thanks to golden shoe winner Oparanozie who scored five times to lead the falcons to glory. Her pace, strength and shooting ability caused panic amongst opposite defence through out the tournament. The Guingamp striker formed a formidable partnership with Oshoala tormenting opposite sides. She's in the running for African footballer of the year.
9. Assisat Oshoala
Call her the 'female Messi' and you won't be wrong. Oshoala won three MVP awards, a highest goalscorer award and three titles(one silver) in 2014. She was MVP and highest goalscorer at the FIFA U20 world cup in Canada, MVP at the African women championship which Nigeria won, MVP at the Federation Cup for women won by club, River Angels. Just like Oparanozie, Asisat could be crowned African footballer of the year(female) 2014.
10. Mfon Udoh
Nigeria premier league player of the year at the League Bloggers Award(LBA), Mfon Udoh also doubles as the highest goal scorer at the just concluded Glo premier league. Its no longer news that the Akwa ibom born star broke the record for the most goals scored in a single season after scoring 23 times to ellipse the 20 goals record held by Jude Aneke then of Kaduna United. He also led Enyimba to the Federation cup title, scoring in the final and assisting another.
11. Obafemi Martins
Nigeria star Obafemi Martins may have missed out on the FIFA world cup, but the 30 year old never let that way him down. Martins scored 17 goals during the MLS regular season, a club record, as well as notching 13 assists, a joint club record. His goals won Seattle sounders the community shield title in 2014. He narrowly lost to LA Galaxy's Robbie Keane for MLS MVP award and was included in the MLS team of the year.
Formation: 3-2-3-2
Mixed XI: Enyeama; Oshaniwa, Nwabouku, Nku; Onazi, Mikel; Musa, Asisat, Mfon; Martins, Oparanozie
1 comment:
Ugo Njoku was kind of lazy i the U20 tournament. Taking throw-ins like an amateur. I am not saying she is bad but I don't think she should make your mixed 11 team.
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