17-year-old Daga and 3 Super Eagles-eligible players named amongst 'next generation' World's best with Lamine Yamal

(L-R): Nigeria's Daniel Daga, Lamine Yamala and Francis Onyeka all made the list.

17-year-old Daga and 3 Super Eagles-eligible players named amongst 'next generation' World's best with Lamine Yamal

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 09:21 - 16.10.2024

The list of the top 60 youngsters in the world includes four Nigerians and Super Eagles prospects alongside Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.

In a remarkable recognition of emerging football talent, four Nigerian players led by Daniel Daga have been named among the top 60 young footballers in the world for 2024. 

The list, compiled by UK-based publication The Guardian, showcases the most promising under-20 players globally, including the highly touted Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal.

Daniel Daga: Nigeria's Rising Star

Leading the Nigerian contingent is 17-year-old Daga, hailed as the best Nigerian youngster in world football. 

The Enyimba FC midfielder, who will turn 18 in December, has drawn comparisons to Leicester City and Super Eagles star Wilfred Ndidi for his all-action style of play.

Enyimba rising star, Daniel Daga. (Photo Credit: Enyimba/X)
Enyimba rising star, Daniel Daga. (Photo Credit: Enyimba/X)

The Guardian's report praised Daga's natural athletic ability, powerful shooting, and leadership qualities, noting that he has already captained Nigerian giants Enyimba despite his young age. 

"It is only a matter of time before this young superstar announces himself to a wider audience," the report stated, hinting at a bright future in European football for the U20 international.

Wilfred Ndidi in action for Leicester || Imago

The Flying Eagles superstar who snubbed Liverpool was Nigeria’s youngest player at the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup, where he shone for the country. 

More Nigerian Talents on the Rise

Joining Daga on this prestigious list are three other players of Nigerian descent:

  • Chido Obi-Martin:

The newly signed Manchester United wonderkid, who recently made the switch from Arsenal, is tipped for greatness at Old Trafford.

Former Arsenal star, Chido Obi, celebrates one of his goals. (Photo Credit: Arsenal/X)
Former Arsenal star, Chido Obi, celebrates one of his goals. (Photo Credit: Arsenal/X)

Described as a goal machine, Obi-Martin is tall, fast and sweet-footed. Before he departed Arsenal, he scored 32 goals in 18 matches for their U17s and just a year goal, netted 10 goals in a single game for their U16s against Liverpool.

  • Francis Onyeka:

Bayer Leverkusen's young talent continues to impress in the Bundesliga, earning him a spot among the world's elite prospects.

Francis Onyeka during a UEFA Youth League clash against AC Milan for Bayer Leverkusen.
Francis Onyeka during a UEFA Youth League clash against AC Milan for Bayer Leverkusen.

While he remains eligible for Nigeria and the Super Eagles, Onyeka is a German youth international and recently scored five goals in six matches for their U17s in the European Championship qualifiers. 

The talented forward, who also played in the UEFA Youth League, is considered one of the nation’s brightest prospects.

Francis Onyeka (number 20) battle with Franklin Anarfi Opoku Mensah (Borussia Moenchengladbach). Photo Credit: Imago)
Francis Onyeka (number 20) battle with Franklin Anarfi Opoku Mensah (Borussia Moenchengladbach). Photo Credit: Imago)
  • Kenneth Adejenughure:

The highly-rated youngster currently plying his trade with Austrian powerhouse Red Bull Salzburg rounds out the Nigerian representatives.

The son of Nigerian parents is already being chased by some of Europe’s heavyweights led by Premier League giants Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan.

Oghenetejiri Kenneth Adejenughure
Oghenetejiri Kenneth Adejenughure of Salzburg.

Like Onyeka, Adejenughure scored four goals at the U17 Euros back in May for Austria

Global Recognition

The inclusion of these four players in The Guardian's 'Next Generation' list underscores the wealth of talent emerging from Nigeria and players of Nigerian descent. 

Their presence alongside established young stars like Barcelona's Yamal, who is regarded as the best in the World after his exploits for club and country, highlights the potential impact these players could have on the future of both club and international football.

Lamine Yamal was listed amongst the 60 best young players in the world in 2024.
Lamine Yamal was listed amongst the 60 best young players in the world in 2024.

As these young talents continue to develop, Nigerians around the world will be keenly following their progress, with many hoping to see them go on to represent Nigeria and shine for the Super Eagles in the years to come.