English Premier League revealed recently that it would launch its official Hall of Fame this year, with two players with a remarkable influence in the league set to be inducted in the later part of 2020.
According to EPL chief executive, Richard Masters, ''a place in the Premier League Hall of Fame is reserved for the very best,'' meaning only players who created fond memories with fans would have their name remembered.
A place in the Premier League Hall of Fame is reserved for the very best," Masters said. It will be an occasion for our fans around the world to look back over the years and help us celebrate some truly exceptional playing careers.”
Meanwhile, suggestions have been open-ended on who and who make it into the inaugural event, but a section of football fans were of the opinion that Arsenal legend Thiery Henry and former Man United star Eric Cantona deserved a slot in the first induction.
Pending further update from the Premier League, DICKSON BLOG identified 6 Nigerian players who can have a nomination and even book a place in the EPL Hall of Fame.Coming soon.... #PLHallOfFame— Premier League (@premierleague) February 27, 2020
1. Kanu Nwankwo
Kanu joined Arsenal in February 1998 for £4.15million and won a host of honours including the "Invincibles" under legendary Arsene Wenger before departing in 2004.
Before becoming part of Gunners family, Kanu had already won the Champions League with Ajax and the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan.
He joined West Bromwich Albion in 2004 from Arsenal and left for Portsmouth in 2006 where he spent four more years before saying bye to EPL in 2010.
2. John Obi Mikel
He was the power-house of Chelsea as they won their first Champions League in 2012.
Obi won numerous trophies with Blues including EPL, FA, and UCL. He has 89 caps for Nigeria, leading them to AFCON glory in 2013.
3. Yakubu Aiyegbeni
With stints across four EPL side (Portsmouth 2003-2005; Middlesbrough 2005-2007; Everton 2007-2011; Blackburn Rovers 2011-2012), Aiyegbeni is considered one of the best players from Nigeria to play in EPL.
It was only Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Adebayo the African players who scored more than him in the league.
4. Jay-Jay Okocha
Probably the only Nigerian player Premier League fans remember with a sheer fondness, Okocha brought class and technique to the league.
He joined Bolton Wanderers in 2002 and left on a high note in 2006.
He was admired to the point that his former boss Sam Allardyce recently said he would always want his team captains to emulate Jay-Jay.
Others are:
05. Joseph Yobo:
Everton 2002-2010; Norwich City 2014
6. Celestine Babayaro:
Chelsea 1997-2005; Newcastle United 2005-2008 PAY
DCKSON BLOG reported that Arsenal legend, Thiery Henry, has beaten the likes of Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard to the FourFourTwo's best Premier League's greatest ever list. It came as a surprise as the Frenchman came atop of the pile, with Cristiano Ronald beating EPL legends including Eric Cantona and Frank Lampard to the second place.
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