Ex-England Captain Alan Shearer has failed to include former Super Eagles duo Mikel Obi and Yakubu Aiyegbeni among his list of 10 greatest African players to have played in the Premier League despite making a mark for their various clubs.
Mikel excelled during his Chelsea career stretching 11 seasons — winning the Premier League on two occasions, while Aiyegbeni on his part, holds the record for most goals (95) by a Nigerian in the Premier League.
However, on the list of the 10 greatest African players in the Premier League, Alan Shearer named the Nigerian duo of Jay Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo.
Also, former Chelsea defender Celestine Babayaro and Victor Moses were snubbed by Shearer who is of the opinion that only Okocha and Kanu should be the Nigerians on the list.
According to the report on Soccernet, Alan Shearer explained that he would have ranked Okocha higher, except for his low goals stat while playing in the Premier League.
“They did remarkably well to get him there really. They got him from PSG, on a free as well, so great business from Bolton. A very good player.
“He didn’t score many goals, though; that is why I’ve got him 10th.”
See Shearer’s List Below:
1.Didier Drogba
2. Mohamed Salah
3. Sadio Mane
4. Yaya Toure
5. Riyad Mahrez
6. Michael Essien
7. Nwankwo Kanu
8. Emmanuel Adebayor
9. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
10. Austin Okocha
