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Coming into the weekend’s matchday 10 fixtures, some Nigerians are topping the charts for various statistics in the Premier League for the 2024/25 campaign, showcasing the growing influence of Nigerian talent in England’s top flight. PETER AKINBO writes
Wilfred Ndidi (Tackles)
Leicester City’s midfield dynamo Wilfred Ndidi has once again demonstrated his exceptional defensive prowess, currently leading the Premier League’s tackling charts with 33 successful tackles, joint-highest with Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz.
The Nigeria international has evolved beyond his traditional defensive role this season, combining his trademark ball-winning abilities with an impressive creative output that has seen him register four assists already this campaign.
Ndidi’s recent performances have been nothing short of remarkable.
In a thrilling encounter against Crystal Palace, he showcased his playmaking abilities by providing two assists in a 2-2 draw, first setting up Jamie Vardy with a precise through ball, then capitalising on a defensive error to assist Stephy Mavididi.
His creative renaissance continued against Arsenal, where he delivered a pinpoint cross for James Justin’s spectacular volley in a 4-2 defeat.
The midfielder’s versatility was further highlighted when he was deployed in central defence during Forest’s 3-1 victory over Leicester. He was substituted in the 74th minute as the Foxes suffered their first defeat in six games.
Despite occasional positional changes, Ndidi’s tackling statistics underline his continued importance to Leicester’s midfield, with his ability to read the game and break up opposition attacks remaining undiminished.
Calvin Bassey (Minutes Played)
Fulham’s summer signing Calvin Bassey has quickly established himself as an ever-present figure in Marco Silva’s side, leading the Premier League in terms of time spent on the pitch with an impressive 810 minutes under his belt.
The former Ajax defender has featured in all nine matches so far, demonstrating remarkable durability and consistency in his debut season.
Bassey’s journey in English football has had its challenges, though, notably a recent setback against Aston Villa, where his deflection led to an equaliser in a 3-1 home defeat.
However, his resilience was evident in Fulham’s subsequent fixtures, particularly in their victory over Nottingham Forest, where he helped secure three points through a Raul Jimenez penalty.
The defender has shown his versatility and defensive solidity so far, notably putting in a strong performance in Fulham’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle United, where he played the full 90 minutes alongside Nigeria teammate Alex Iwobi.
His consistent presence has been crucial to Fulham’s defensive organisation, winning numerous duels and making vital tackles as he continues his adaptation to Premier League football following his summer move from Ajax.
Ola Aina (appearances)
Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina has made an impressive start to his stay at City Ground, featuring in all nine Premier League matches this season.
The Chelsea academy graduate has been a revelation since joining Forest, consistently delivering strong performances that have helped his team maintain their competitive edge in the league.
Aina’s most memorable performance came in Forest’s historic 1-0 win at Anfield, their first on the ground since 1969.
The Nigerian defender played a crucial role in neutralising Liverpool’s attack, particularly containing Luis Diaz, and made a vital goal-line clearance that preserved his team’s clean sheet.
His disciplined defensive display was instrumental in helping Forest secure their first win at Anfield in over five decades.
However, Aina’s perfect start to the season with Forest was eventually halted when they suffered their first defeat in a 1-0 loss to Fulham, where he started alongside Taiwo Awoniyi.
Despite this setback, Aina’s consistent appearances and performances have established him as a key figure in Forest’s defensive setup, with his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, making him one of the standout full-backs in the league this season.
The dominance of these Nigerian stars in various statistical categories underlines the growing influence of Super Eagles players in the English first tier, where their performances have not only benefitted their respective clubs but have also raised the profile of Nigerian football in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
As the season progresses, these players will be looking to maintain or improve their impressive statistics, helping their various clubs to achieve set goals.
