wilfred NDIDI
Nigerian football continues to produce elite talent, and the Premier League remains one of the biggest stages where these stars shine. As we look ahead to the 2025/26 season, here are five standout Nigerian players poised to make an impact.
Wilfred Ndidi, born December 16, 1996, in Lagos, Nigeria, is renowned as one of Africa’s top midfielders. Starting his career with Nath Boys Academy in Nigeria, he moved to Genk in 2015, where his tackling and ball-winning prowess earned him a transfer to Leicester City in 2017.
At Leicester, Ndidi became a vital defensive midfielder, playing a key role in the club’s success, including their FA Cup victory in 2021. Despite Leicester’s relegation in 2023, Ndidi stayed, helping them return to the Premier League as 2024 Championship winners. During this period, he expanded his game, showing improved attacking contributions in more advanced roles.
Internationally, Ndidi has over 60 caps for Nigeria, featuring in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and multiple AFCON tournaments, and remains a critical player to watch in the Premier League.
Alex Iwobi, born on May 3, 1996, in Lagos, Nigeria, has established himself as a dynamic and versatile midfielder. A product of Arsenal’s youth academy, he made his senior debut in 2015 and contributed significantly to the club’s successes, including the 2017 FA Cup win and a goal in the 2019 Europa League final. After over 100 appearances, he transferred to Everton in 2019.
At Everton, Iwobi’s creativity flourished, earning him the Players’ Player of the Season award in 2022/23 for leading in assists and consistent performances. In September 2023, he joined Fulham, where his versatility allowed him to excel in both attacking and central midfield roles. By April 2024, he became the Nigerian player with the most Premier League minutes.
With his ability to dictate tempo and create opportunities, Iwobi is poised to be a key figure in Fulham’s ambitions to become betting favourites for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
Calvin Bassey, born December 31, 1999, in Aosta, Italy, is a Nigerian defender renowned for his strength and versatility. Starting in Leicester City’s youth academy, Bassey rose to prominence after joining Rangers in 2020. Under Steven Gerrard, he played a key role in their 2020/21 Scottish Premiership triumph and the team’s Europa League final run in 2022.
In 2022, Bassey moved to Ajax in a record-breaking transfer, showcasing his abilities as both a center-back and left-back, though his stint coincided with Ajax’s struggles. In 2023, he transferred to Fulham for £19 million, making an immediate impact in Marco Silva’s squad.
Bassey is integral to Fulham’s aspirations for mid-table stability or a higher finish, and internationally, he continues to grow as a key figure for the Super Eagles.
Taiwo Awoniyi, born August 12, 1997, in Ilorin, Nigeria, is a powerful striker for Nottingham Forest and the Nigerian national team. Signed by Liverpool in 2015, Awoniyi gained experience through several loan spells across Europe, including Mainz and Royal Excel Mouscron, before a breakout move to Union Berlin in 2021.
At Union Berlin, Awoniyi excelled, scoring 20 goals in his debut season, which led to a record transfer to Nottingham Forest in 2022. He quickly became a key figure, making history as the first Forest striker since 1995 to score in six consecutive Premier League games, playing a crucial role in preserving the club’s top-flight status.
Known for his physicality and clinical finishing ability, Awoniyi has drawn comparisons to Nigerian legend Rashidi Yekini. His consistency and international experience make him vital to Forest, who have fairly high odds of clinching a Euro League spot by season’s end.
Ola Aina, born October 8, 1996, in London, England, is a versatile and reliable defender known for his contributions at both club and international levels. A product of Chelsea’s esteemed youth academy, Aina made a few first-team appearances before gaining recognition during a loan spell at Hull City in the 2017/18 season.
In 2018, Aina moved to Torino in Serie A, initially on loan before the deal became permanent. Across four seasons, he showcased his pace, tactical awareness, and ability to excel in both defensive and offensive roles. His performances solidified his position in Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, playing a key role in their third-place finish at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
In 2022, Aina joined Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, excelling as a full-back and wing-back, and is poised to be a critical asset for Forest’s 2025/26 campaign.
For fans and bettors alike, the Premier League isn’t just about watching incredible talent—it’s also an opportunity to engage with the action through betting at online sportsbooks. Players like Taiwo Awoniyi, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi present exciting opportunities for those looking to back individual performances or team outcomes. Whether you’re predicting goal contributions, clean sheets, or midfield dominance, these players offer plenty of value in the betting markets.
For example, Awoniyi’s knack for scoring in high-stakes matches makes him a solid option for anytime goalscorer bets, especially when Nottingham Forest faces weaker defences. Meanwhile, Alex Iwobi’s creative midfield role at Fulham could translate into favourable odds for assist markets or key passes over/under wagers. Defensively, Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey’s consistency might influence bets on team clean sheets or man of the match accolades.
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