As the year 2018 continue to whine down, here is the team of the year which consists 23 players courtesy of Nigeria Football & Others alongside Nigeria Football Fans Forum.
Nigerian Football Team of the Year
Starting XI; 4-4-2
The fair in complexion custodian was excellent for the Super Falcons in the 2018 AWCON that took place in Ghana including saving spotkicks in the knock-out stages for a Ninth continental title.
Tyronne Ebuehi (Right Back): Ebuehi might not play many national team matches for Nigeria in the calendar year but was very effective in the Super Eagles biggest exhibition match in recent time at Wembley Stadium enroute the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup before making his first competitive appearance in Green and White against fiesta debutants, Iceland in which he conceded an unfortunate penalty.
With no extraordinary performing right-full-back in sight, Nigeria football fans can't wait to have the Benfica C.F ace back on the pitch in 2019.
Ebi 35, put up a stunning and rocky defensive display in the Super Falcons 9th title African title in Ghana playing a total of 510minutes of five matches and four cleansheets to show for it within two weeks.
Ifeanyi Anaemena (Centre Back): Ifeanyi was a real elephant for the Aba giants in the CAF confederation cup before their defeats to eventual winner Raja Casasblanca in the last four.
His authoritative and commanding performances saw many call for his invitation to the Super Eagles.
Ikouwen Utim (Left Back): The Flying Eagles skipper had a superb year when he first announced his arrival to limelight with a CHAN Silver Medal in Morocco with the Home-Based Super Eagles.
The teenager secured the an African Youth Championship ticket to Tanzania in 2019 for the Nigerian U-20 male team and was also lightening quick for the Enyimba in the CAF confederation cup.
Tijani Samson (Central Midfielder): The Golden Eaglets skipper won the most valuable player award at the inaugural West Africa Football Union WAFU B U-17 Tournament.
'Borga' who is a product of the rapidly growing grassroot football development in Lagos became the team leader at the tourney after MRI knock off the original captain led the team to cadet victory in the process secured a ticket for the 2019 Africa U-17 championship in Tanzania.
Francisca Ordega (Right Winger): Gboko goddess was referred to as the most impressive and most improved performer in the Super Falcons AWCON title journey.
Franny scored two, assisted two and was named official Woman of the match on two occasions in five matches.
The 25-year-Old Athletico Lady was a real live-wire in the Falcons less potent defensive attack.
Ahmed Musa (Left Back): Reassured the fans with a splendid brace against Iceland on the biggest stage of them all.
Leading the next generation to their first Afcon qualification with two goals and in pole position to reach 100 international caps.
Kano Pillars managed a third position on the league table and were also runner-up in the Aiteo Cup.
Lokosa made the 30-man Super Eagles Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup squad.
Olasegun Olakunle (Forward): Kunle was the MVP of the 2017 NPFL/LaLiga U-15 championship for team South West and the Arsenal Kiddies of Benin product justified his reputation by winning WAFU B U-17 competition as the top scorer with four goal.
RESERVES
Glory Ogbonna: Started the year with a good show at the WAFU B Women's Championship with one woman of the match award and returned with a bronze medal, she captained Ibom Angels to a second place position in the Aiteo Cup before finishing the year on a platter of gold with the Super Falcons in Ghana.
Glory Ogbonna also worn the armband for the Falconets on couple of occasions at the FIFA U-20 Championship in France.
The German-based left-fullback has stamped his position in the team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in six months.
William Troost-Ekong: One half of the Oyinbo wall empire used the FIFA world cup as learning curve but the absence of John Mikel Obi in recent times has afforded him a leadership tenure next to Ahmed Musa. Ekong and his troops secured the 2019 AFCON ticket for Nigeria in style.
His massive progress saw him move from the Turkish top flight to the Italian Serie A and playing regular football for Udinese.
Osinachi Ohale: Onome Ebi was on the lips of many during and after the AWCON 2018 but Ohale's contributions to the Super Falcons solidity at the back was never in doubt.
Reserves Oghenekaro Etebo : Star for UD Las Palmas after a loan move from the Portuguese LigaPro side Feirense.
Karo made a man of the match contribution in draw against Catalan giants FC Barcelona in the LaLiga before a top performance at the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup group stage saw him completed a high number of dribbles.
Rita Chikwelu: Riri as fondly called made the team courtesy of another golden time in Cape Coast and Accra that saw her Co-led the Falcons to a staggering ninth cup of nations.
The Swedish Damallsvenskan club Kristianstads DFF distributor started the tournament slowly but grew into it and had a goal to show for her efficiency and effectiveness.
Alex Iwobi: Prince of nutmeg is one of the revelations of the evolution of Arsenal under brand new manager Unai Emery.
Coach Gernot Rohr failed to give the youngster the green light in Russia despite his positive signs before the showpiece but the absence of Captain John Obi Mikel has unveiled the next chapter in the novel of creativity of Super Eagles midfield.
The shooting star is a talent to watchout for in 2019.
Samuel Kalu: One of the blessings in the retirement of out of favour Chelsea Victor Moses as far as the Super Eagles is concerned.
Assert himself well in the 0-3 victory on debut for the three times Afcon champions against Seychelles,winning a spotkick in the process,scored the final goal in the 4-0 home victory over Libya and was the best Nigerian on the pitch in draws against Bafana Bafana in Johannesburg and Ugandan Cranes in Asaba.
Made a career ascending move to French side, Bordeaux donning their iconic number 10 jersey.
Odion Ighalo: Was blamed for the Super Eagles Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup group stage elimination following his close-range misses against Argentina but he re-wrote his wrongs ruthlessness to qualify Nigeria for the 2019 Nations Cup with six goals to become the joint top scorer in the Afcon qualification series.
'Jude' also finished the Chinese Super League as the highest goal scorer with 21 goals despite Changchun Yatai relegation.
Chiamaka Nnadozie: Undeniably the best Falconet in France with breathtaking saves coupled with a decent show at the WAFU B championship earlier have seen her became the second choice behind Tochukwu Oluehi in the Super Falcons goalkeeping department.
She was also super-active in the River Angels victorious Aiteo cup campaign.
Coaching Crew:
Head Coach: Thomas Dennerby(Super Falcons)
Assistant 1: Sidi-Usman Abd'Allah(Enyimba)
Assistant 2: Gbenga Ogunbote(Rangers International)
Goalkeeping Coach: Lucky Atu(Rivers Angels)
Chief Scout: Manu Garba(Golden Eaglets)
By Olamide Oyetunji
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