Sports
Four young and promising Nigerian footballers who will shake the world in 2024
In 2023, there were a series of young Nigerian footballers that showed promise and are expected to fully blossom in 2024.
Between 2022 and 2023, the world saw the full manifestation of two young Nigerian footballers, Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen who is currently 23-year-old and Victor Osimhen of Napoli who is currently 25 years old.
Even though the aforementioned players are still very young, their proficiency in terms of goalscoring has already established them as a household name in the world of football. Hence, new superstars are expected to emerge this year.
Below are the five Young Nigerian footballers that could take the world by storm in 2024:
1. Akor Adams (Montpellier)
Akor Adams is currently 23 years old and he is contracted to French Ligue 1 club, Montpellier. He is currently third highest goalscorer in the French league so far this season with seven goals.
2. Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen)
Rafiu Durosinmi is another Nigerian youngster to watch out for in 2024. The 21-year-old forward almost joined German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt this January but the deal collapsed in the last minute.
Durosinmi who is currently injured has scored nine goals in all competitions for Czech Republic club Viktoria Plzen so far this season and more is expected of him this year.
3. Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen)
Nathan Tella officially switched his allegiance to Nigeria from England late last year and has had a glorious start at Bayer Leverkusen so far this season.
The 24-year-old right-winger has scored 2 goals and provided an assist in 16 games in all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen. Unfortunately, he wasn’t invited for the 2023 AFCON which will commence in Ivory Coast from January 13.
4. Igho Ogbu (Slavia Prague)
Igho Ogbu is one of the young Nigerian footballers to watch out for in 2024. The 23-year-old defender is currently playing for Czech Republic club Slavia Prague.
The youngster is a regular for the Czech side and only missed two games so far this season due to illness and suspension. He helped his club to win the 2023 Czech Cup and he is expected to do more this year.
Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has been dealt a devastating blow, losing his mother barely two months after the passing of his father.
Nwabali shared the heartbreaking news on X on New Year’s day, writing, “Rip mom, worst year of my life already” accompanied by tears and heartbreak emojis.
This emotional post came just hours after he shared a 2024 recap video, expressing optimism for the new year.
“2024 was a good year, we’re doubling everything in 2025. Thank you Chippa United FC. Thank you Super Eagles. Thanks to all my fans. Let’s do more!” he had written earlier.
Nwabali’s father died in November, just hours after the goalkeeper helped the Super Eagles secure a crucial point in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.
The goalkeeper’s bravery on the field was evident as he manned the goalpost despite his personal loss.
His teammates, fans, and well-wishers rallied around him, offering condolences and support.
With the loss of both parents, Nwabali joins the likes of Victor Osimhen, who has also experienced the pain of losing both parents.
Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappé, shared a rare glimpse of his personal life during an interview with Mouloud Achour on Clique.
The 25-year-old addressed serious allegations about an alleged rape incident in Stockholm but captured attention with his reflections on love and relationships.
When asked about expressing love, the Les Bleus forward shared: “Yes, to my mother, my father, my little brother. I try to give them this affection every day.”
On romantic love, Mbappé revealed to Le Parisien: “Yes, in the past, I have already been in love and I hope that I will be again. But currently, no.”
Watch him speak below:
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Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili made a spectacular debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, delivering an impressive performance in the women’s 200m event.
After a disappointing setback in the women’s 100m, Ofili showcased her resilience by clinching victory in her heat with a new season’s best time of 22.24 seconds on Sunday, August 4. The victory has qualified her for the 2024 Olympics 200m women’s semi-finals which will take place this evening.
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