The stunning upsets, remarkable comebacks, and historic wins witnessed at the ongoing 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations have alerted several clubs across Europe, with eyes on the tournament’s top performers.
A host of players have impressed with their performances for their nations and will be expected to be on the books of some mid-table or top European clubs by the summer.
Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman guided the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Palanca Negras of Angola. The Atalanta forward is Nigeria’s only goalscorer in the knockout stages of the AFCON 2023, having scored twice in the 2-0 win over Cameroon in the round of 16. Although playing for a top-seven Italian club side, his three goals at the continental showpiece alongside his overall performance will put him on the radar of top European clubs.
Another Nigerian player who has impressed thus far and is expected to make a big-money move in the summer is goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali. The Chippa United safe hands have conceded just once in five games at this year’s tournament and is the first Nigerian goalkeeper to keep 4 successive clean sheets in a major tournament since Best Ogedegbe in 1980. His historic record of 4 consecutive clean sheets surpasses Alloy Agu’s in 1990, which stood at 3 games. The confidence and certainty Nwabali effortlessly oozes in dealing with crosses, initiating plays, and commanding his goalpost is a huge plus to the Super Eagles and any club.
Quarterfinalists, Angola were the most prolific side before their elimination, scoring 9 goals in 4 games – a tournament record for them. At the heart of their amazing run was Al Wakrah’s Gelson ‘Muondo’ Dala, whose flair upfront and clinical finish saw him score four of the nation’s goals. Fellow forward, Mabululu notched up three goals while midfielder and captain, Fredy pulled the strings with his creativity. All three players are expected to make moves in the summer following their exploits in Ivory Coast.
Lamine Camara was one of the standout players in Senegal’s dismal title defence. Named the continent’s Young Footballer of the Year in December, the box-to-box midfielder scored two goals in three group games as Senegal swept through the group and was named by CAF as the Best Young Player of the Group Stages. Camara makes brilliant runs and passes and has an eye for goal; all of which are great attributes top clubs are on the search for in a midfielder. He plays for French Ligue 1 outfit, Metz and is expected to join a bigger club in the summer.
As anticipation grows ahead of the semifinals and final of the Africa Cup of Nations, one can expect more classic performances from various players as Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa and D.R Congo all jostle for the continent’s most coveted football glory.
