The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil
will kick off in June. Five African
teams will try to do Africa proud
in the tourney. Algeria,
Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast
and Nigeria all boast of
numerous football stars across
the world. Sports Triangle has
chosen 5 stars to shine among
others in the World Cup.
They are:
1. Faouzi Ghoulam (Napoli &
Algeria)
Born in Central France to Algerian
parents, Ghoulam is a traditional
left-footed left-back. He's quick
and makes bursting runs
forward to join in with the
attack. He's good at playing long
balls and is a threat with crosses
and from set-pieces.
Having played twice for France
U-21 side, he chose to represent
Algeria at the 2013 AFCON but
was left on the sidelines for the
entire tournament.
He finally made his international
debut against Benin in a World
Cup qualifier and made an
instant impact by assisting the
first goal. He moved to Italian
outfit Napoli from Ligue 1 side
Saint Etienne in the January
transfer window and is expected
to play a vital role in the Brazil-
bound Algeria team.
2. Kenneth Omeruo
(Middlesbrough & Nigeria)
Nigeria’s defensive stalwart is an
indisputable entry onto this list
after his impressive showings at
the 2013 Cup of Nations. He's
expected to burst onto the world
stage alongside partner Godfrey
Oboabona in Brazil.
His ability will be tested as he's
set to face four-time Ballon d’Or
winner Lionel Messi, Sergio
Aguero, Vedad Ibisevic and Edin
Dzeko in Group F.
He has been performing
consistently for Middlesbrough,
since his loan move from Chelsea
and should head to Brazil both in
form and in good shape.
3. Christian Atsu (Vitesse
Arnheim & Ghana)
The left footed winger is an
undoubted talent and has long
been tipped as his country's
brightest emerging star.
He sealed a move to European
giants Chelsea and was
immediately shipped out on loan
to Dutch club Vitesse. He has
since impressed with four goals
and six assists to his name. He's
quick and technically astute and
has an eye for goal.
He is reminiscent of a young
Lionel Messi and he's got the
potential to strike a formidable
partnership with Marseille
winger Andre Ayew for the Black
Stars this summer.
4. Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio &
Nigeria)
Tipped for greatness, Onazi is an
established member of the Super
Eagles and has been burdened
with much of the defensive
duties in the midfield since
making his place in the side.
Despite these responsibilities,
he’s also not shy of bursting
forward to help attacks.
He also has a penchant for taking
ferocious shots.
The young Lazio centre-
midfielder is expected to keep
his place in spite of the recent
reshuffle in the middle of the
park by Stephen Keshi given his
dynamism and versatility.
5. Wilfried Bony (Swansea &
Cote d’Ivoire)
Typically, with Cote d’Ivoire,
attention focuses on Didier
Drogba and Yaya Toure.
However, it remains to be seen
whether the 36-year-old forward
can still lead the line effectively
for the Elephants.
Bony should not be
underestimated, he's an all-out
striker who can also play behind
Drogba. His agility, strength and
goal-scoring can be valuable
assets for the Ivorians this
summer.
He already has 23 goals in 37
appearances for both club and
country this season and is
expected to play a vital role in the
post-Golden Generation
Elephants side.
In picture: Kenneth Omeruo,
Christian Atsu, Wilfried Bony
Source: http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4082/editorial/2014/04/13/4729642/bony-onazi-the-top-5-africans-to-shine-in-brazil?ICID=HP_BN_1
