Nigerian football legend Sunday Oliseh has caused a stir by revealing his picks for the current best players in the Super Eagles squad.
In an interview with Elegebete TV Sports, Oliseh surprisingly bypassed established names to highlight two exciting young forwards: Atalanta's Ademola Lookman and Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface.
Ademola Lookman's 2023/2024 season will forever be remembered as a year of triumph. In the Europa League final, Lookman became the hero for Atalanta, firing a sensational hat-trick that dismantled previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen.
Lookman's brilliance wasn't reserved for the European stage. He played a vital role for Nigeria's Super Eagles, spearheading their run to the Africa Cup of Nations final with three goals and two assists.
This attacking prowess translated seamlessly to club football. Throughout the season, Lookman was a constant threat for Atalanta, racking up an impressive 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.
Although he missed the AFCON due to injury, Boniface impressed many, apparently including Oliseh, with his exploits in Germany.
The young striker bagged the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award after a remarkable debut campaign, netting 14 goals and providing nine assists in just 23 league appearances.
Sunday Oliseh heaps praises on Super Eagles duo
“Coming to the Super Eagles, there's something I would like to add,” Oliseh stated. “There are two players that we have now in my opinion are the best players we have at the moment, looking at the past season.
“I'm looking at Lookman and one that might surprise you and I find him extraordinarily good. His name is Victor Boniface.
“I watch this guy every week because he's playing just 45 minutes drive from my house at Leverkusen, so I had the opportunity to watch him play so many times.”
Sunday Oliseh went on to describe Boniface as a “complete forward,” capable of playing with his back to goal, taking on defenders one-on-one, utilizing his pace, and even contributing aerially. “He's a player who can do it all… he carries the team with him.
“If he's injured often, it is because the Bundesliga is one of the demanding leagues in the world, physically not only technically.
“When I see players like that, it makes me optimistic for the Super Eagles because you can build teams around those players.”
