The delayed 2021 African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) for reason of Covid-19 pandemic is now set to kick off on Sunday, January 9, 2022.
Meanwhile, as norms have it, outstanding African players across all club leagues in the world have been selected to depart their respective clubs for international duties for the duration of their country’s stay in the tournament to take place in Cameroon.
Therefore, the tournament will see a number of top stars take part in it as it will also provide a stage for many unknown players hoping for fame and glory.
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Be that as it may, Daily Report Nigeria has fixated on ten players likely to shine in the competition;
Ten Players to Watch Out For in AFCON 2021
1. MOHAMED SALAH – Egypt
Liverpool winger has consistently established himself as one of the best players in the world for his finishing, dribbling, and speed. His performance for his club side is always so marvelous.
Being at the top of form, the 29-year-old who has registered 16 Premier League goals this season has scored against all top teams in England including Manchester city, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.
He has also scored 7 Champions league goals to a tally of 23 goals for the Reds in the ongoing campaign. With his recent fine form, I think there will be no limit to what Salah can achieve individually and otherwise, when the match begins.
2. SADIO MANE – Senegal
Though Jurge Klopp’s boy, Mane who has been unable to live up to his previous exceptional standards, remains an important figure in Liverpool’s first XI.
His agility, skills and composure while on the ball also distinct him from other members of the Lions of Teranga such that no single fellow country-man has been, is being and perhaps, will be elevated over him.
The 29-year-old forward was signed from Southampton in 2016 and has scored more than 80 goals in 178 appearances for the Reds.
This season alone, he has registered 8 goals in 19 matches (plus 1 as a substitute). Watch out for Mane as he’s keen to lead his team to glory after two disappointing AFCONs.
3. EDOUARD MENDY – Senegal
The former Stade Rennes goalie has made we (Africans) proud at Europe after a very impressive start to his football career at the Stamford bridge.
For his outstanding performance since joining the Blues in 2020, the 29-year-old has recorded a number of achievements including the first-ever African goalkeeper to win the Champions League, UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year earlier this season, Senegalese Player of the Year with 321 votes; 222 votes ahead the fellow countryman, Mane who had just 99 votes and even broke the record of being the first-ever goalkeeper to keep nine clean sheets in a debut Champions League season.
If he were to continue with his current sparkling form, certainly, Senegal will have a course to be full of praise at the end of the tournament.
4. WILFRED NDIDI – Nigeria
The Super Eagles midfielder who plays for Leicester City is also in his impressive form currently. He has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the English Premier League and was part of the Foxes squad that trounced Chelsea to lift FA Cup in 2021. He has also helped Brendan Rodgers’ side to win the English Super Cup this season.
With his defensive prowess and long range strikes, Ndidi can turn things out well for the Super Eagles in the tournament. Optimism moves us forward!!!
5. KELECHI IHEANACHO – Nigeria
Senior man as he was nicknamed has been a part and parcel of Leicester City in the English Premier League. In fact, after Jamie Vardy, the former Manchester City is Brendan Rodgers’ choice in the Foxes’ attacking line.
Iheanacho has scored just two goals in 6 league matches plus 8 as a substitute this season, he has however, provided seven assists in all competitions so far.
I can’t wait to see the 25-year-old cooperate with Ndidi as they used to at the King Power Stadium.
6. RIYAD MAHREZ – Algeria
The captain of the Fennec Foxes who is currently one of Manchester City’s overriding players has expended enough time before he could be able to thrust himself in Pep Guardiola’s first eleven.
The 2015/2016 Algerian Footballer and PFA Players’ Player of the Year has recorded 6 goals in 8 league matches plus 8 as a sub. The 30-year-old winger was also found on target 5x in the Champions League.
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The ex-Leicester City star has also scored six goals plus two assists in 14 appearances in AFCON. The winner of the last edition of the competition with Algeria will therefore have to continue to be at his best form to see his side sail through in the tournament that’s just a day away.
7. FRANCK KESSIE – Ivory Coast
AC Milan central midfielder has been regarded as one of the best midfielders in Europe following his ability on the ball as well as his scoring ingenuity at pivotal moments.
The 25-year-old became crowd-pleasing after he moved to San Siro Stadium on loan from Atalanta in 2017, and he was the joint-top assist provider in the 2019 edition with three to his name.
With his poise and power, Kessie is now driven to put smile on the face of every fan of Ivory Coasts after having misses out on a place at Russia 2018.
8. PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG – Garbon
The Arsenal striker is Gabon’s all-time top-scorer and happens to be one of the quickest forwards in Europe. The Panthers’ first player to be named African Footballer of the Year has amassed a great deal of experience having represented his side in four Africa Cups of Nations tournaments and the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Gabon’s captain was also the former captain under Mikel Arteta before his disciplinary breach stripped him of the captaincy in December. Since then, he has not been active for the club side, in fact one of the reasons for his early departure for AFCON.
If the tussle at the Emirate Stadium does not dishearten him during the African tournament, certainly you’ll see the best of the 32-year-old star. Watch out!
9. ACHRAF HAKIMI – Morocco
The Paris Saint-German’s star alongside Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech are the two renowned and top players for Atlas Lions.
However, people will be on the lookout for the former Inter Milan right-back alone since Ziyech has been dropped by the team’s coach, Vahid Halilhodzic.
Apart from the English Premier League, Hakimi has played in all top five leagues in Europe including Real Madrid in Spanish LaLiga, Borussia Dortmund in Germany Bundesliga, Inter Milan in Serie ‘A’ before he moved to the current French league 1 side, PSG. Also, Hakimi has represented his country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Hence, the 23-year-old’s wide experience is sufficient to lead Morocco to their second consecutive world finals.
10. CHIDERA EJUKE – Nigeria
Nigeria has been endowed with a number of young talents, one of them is EJUKE whose dribbling skills has taken him to the status of the third-best dribbler in the world.
The CSKA Moscow left-winger has bought name and popularity for himself with his dribbling skills and pace to have been rated ahead of the world bests including Lionel Messi, Christiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. With his ability, I bleieve the Nigerian Eagles shall fly to the peak of the 2021 AFCON.
