Osimhen missing as ESPN lists Lookman, Iwobi among world’s best attackers
By Olaolu Joseph
Super Eagles stars Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi have been recognised for their fantastic forms after being ranked among the top 100 attacking players in the world for the current season, according to a list released by ESPN.
Notably absent from this prestigious ranking is their Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen, who has been setting the Super Lig on fire on loan from SSC Napoli.
Ademola Lookman’s Performance
Lookman achieved an impressive ranking of 16th on the list, boasting a score of 14.78 from the list’s interesting metric.
His exceptional performance this season includes a remarkable tally of 12 goals and six assists across 22 appearances, solidifying his status as one of Serie A’s elite players.
Lookman’s contributions not only highlight his scoring ability but also his playmaking skills, placing him in the 99th percentile for goals and expected assists among all players.
His position places him ahead of renowned talents such as Bukayo Saka, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, and Jamal Musiala, the Bayern Munich superstar.
Alex Iwobi’s Impact
Super Eagles playmaker Iwobi is also enjoying a stellar season, earning the 27th spot on the list with a score of 12.44.
Playing for Fulham, he has been instrumental in his team’s success, contributing five goals and three assists thus far.
According to the report, Iwobi has transformed into a dynamic ball-moving midfielder, drawing comparisons to his earlier days at Everton alongside Moise Kean.
His ranking places him ahead of notable players like Antoine Griezmann, Barcelona’s duo of Lamine Yamal and Pedri, and Bayern’s Michael Olise, further emphasising his growth and impact in the Premier League.
Osimhen’s Omission
The omission of Victor Osimhen from this esteemed list will be particularly striking for some given his outstanding form at Galatasaray, where he has netted an impressive 17 goals in just 16 matches since joining the club.
But despite these remarkable statistics, the rankings focused solely on players competing in Europe’s “Big Five” leagues—Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1—thereby excluding Osimhen’s contributions from consideration.
The ESPN rankings recognised players who excel at moving the ball up the field, creating scoring opportunities, and consistently finding the back of the net.
In this context, Lookman and Iwobi’s achievements prove their importance not only to their respective clubs but also to the Nigerian national team as they continue to shine on the international stage.
Overall, the recognition of the Super Eagles duo as two of Africa’s finest attacking talents serves as a reminder of their hard work and skill.
