Four of Nigeria’s finest internationals have been nominated by the continent’s topmost football governing body in recognition of their impressive performances for the country in the year under review.
The Super Eagles quartet of Francis Uzoho, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and former Nigeria international Odion Ighalo have been named by CAF among the players to be considered for Africa’s finest XI of the year 2019.
Shanghai Greenland Shenhua striker Ighalo emerged as the continent’s top marksman at the 2019 African Cup of Nations with his five goals helping him to win the Golden Boot award and the Super Eagles to clinch another bronze medal – their eighth in history. The former Watford striker announced his international retirement after the tournament.
In midfield, the Premier League duo of Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi – the 2018-19 Premier League top tackler – and Everton’s Alex Iwobi are up against the best talents on the continent.
There’s a surprise inclusion for AC Omonia goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, however, with the injured goaltender hoping his performance in Egypt can land him a spot in CAF’s final team.
The Caf best XI will be announced in a ceremony on January 7, 2020.
CAF Best XI Complete Nominee List
Goalkeepers: Moez Ben Cherifia, Yassine Bonnou, Mohamed El Shenaway, Sylvain Gbohouo, Rais M’bolhi, Edouard Mendy, Richard Ofori, Andre Onana, Denis Onyango, Francis Uzoho
Defenders: Youcef Atal, Serge Aurier, Mehdi Benatia, Ahmed El-Mohammadi, Lamine Gassama, Faouzi Ghoulam, Achraf Hakimi, Ahmed Hegazi, Kalidou Koulibaly, Christian Luyindama, Issa Mandi, Joel Matip, Noussair Mazraoui, Yassine Meriah, Youssouf Sabaly.
Midfielders: Andre-Frank Anguissa, Ismael Bennacer, Sofiane Feghouli, Idrissa Gueye, Tarek Hamed, Alex Iwobi, Wahbi Khazri, Naby Keita, Franck Kessie, Wilfried Ndidi, Riyad Mahrez, Thomas Partey, Mubarak Wakaso, Victor Wanyama, Hakim Ziyech.
Forwards: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Jordan Ayew, Anis Badri, Cedric Bakambu, Youcef Belaili, Baghdad Bounedjah, Odion Ighalo, Sadio Mane, Moussa Marega, Mbaye Niang, Nicolas Pepe, Mohamed Salah, Islam Slimani, Percy Tau, Wilfried Zaha.
