It has been an unprecedented year for football and the world in general- although in the game’s case- it is not for the action on the pitch.
This year, a global pandemic forced sports and almost every other sector to take a backseat as the world put their focus towards a fight against a virus- Coronavirus.
The coronavirus, which originated in China, caused almost every sector of the world’s economy to shut down for over three months.
The virus has killed over a million people and to reduce the spread; countries were forced to impose a national lockdown.
Football was not left out as the 2019/2020 season went on an enforced break for over three months. The break caused major disruptions in the football calendar with some league ending abruptly while scheduled international tournaments were moved for a year.
However, despite the enforced break, the game resumed in May- albeit in unusual circumstances as games were played behind closed doors. The resumption allowed major leagues and the UEFA Champions League to complete their season.
International football was also not left out as the UEFA Nations League held between September and November while the Africa Cup of Nations of qualifiers also resumed.
Although the break caused a lot of changes, Nigeria still managed to play four games in the year. The three-time African champions played two international friendlies against Algeria and Tunisia in October before facing Sierra Leone in back to back Afcon qualifiers in November.
And with the year coming to an end, Soccernet decides to rank the Super Eagles top ten players for 2020. It should be noted that only their performance at both club and international level in 2020 was taken into consideration.
The first name on the list is a player, who is rejuvenated. It has been a difficult last few years for Tyronne Ebuehi, but the 24-year-old is finally enjoying his football again.
The Benfica suffered a knee injury that ruled him out of the 2018/2019 campaign, and when he finally recovered, he found it difficult get game time, playing no part in the first team last season.
However, at the start of the new campaign, FC Twente offered to take him on loan, and he is now revitalised in the Dutch top-flight.
Ebuehi has made 13 league appearances for The Reds, starting in all of the games. He has managed one assist and has been brilliant at both ends of the pitch.
The former Ado Den Haag star also made his return to the international scene, featuring in the international friendlies against Algeria and Tunisia.
