By Michael Okosi
According to a report by statistical website, Whoscored.com, four Nigerian players have been in magnificent forms at the current Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco led by Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman and are in the list of the top 10 rated players of the tournament.
The 2024 African Footballer of the Year has scored three goals thus far in Morocco and was the official Player of the Match in the 4-0 mauling of Mozambique in the round of 16 stage.
Another former African Player of the Year holder, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah comes in second place behind the former Fulham and Leicester City player.
Whoscored.com rated the Europa League winner of 2023/2024 season with Atalanta with 8.1% score.
Salah in second place scooped 8.13 while Sadio Mane is ranked third with 7.82.
Following Sadio Mane, most Nigerian football faithful will be pleased to see the names of Victor Osimhen, Africa’s men best player in 2023 in fourth place with a rating of 7.61%.
The duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Akor Adams made the cut and are jointly placed in fifth place with a rating of 7.59 for their impressive showings at the AFCON.
Arsenal target and Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande is seventh with a rating of 7.58.
The trio of Riyad Mahrez (Algeria, 7.55), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast, 7.54) and Brahim Diaz (Morocco, 7.54) complete the roll call of African stars shining brightest at the 35th edition of the tournament.
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Nigeria will face Algeria in the quarterfinals of the tournament on Saturday evening.
The winner of that game will play either hosts Morocco or Senegal in the semifinals in Marrakesh.
The AFCON final will hold on January 18.
Three-time African champions Nigeria finished atop Group C of the tournament with the maximum nine points after wins against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.
