ESPN has recently released its list of the greatest African athletes of the 21st century, showcasing a diverse array of talent from across the continent.
Among the five Nigerian athletes featured are:
1. Asisat Oshoala- A key player for the Super Falcons and a six-time African Women’s Player of the Year, known for her achievements both at the club and national levels and her role in advancing women’s football in Africa.
2. Perpetua Nkwocha- Often regarded as the greatest Super Falcons player of all time, celebrated for her contributions to the sport.
3. Israel Adesanya- The Nigerian-Kiwi mixed martial artist, known as ‘The Last Stylebender,’ recognized as one of the top fighters in UFC middleweight history.
4. Kamaru Usman – A prominent UFC welterweight champion, underscoring the strength of Nigerian fighters in mixed martial arts.
5. Osi Umenyiora- The NFL legend who has continued his influence in Lagos as a talent developer, having spent part of his childhood in Nigeria.
The list has generated some debate, particularly due to the omission of two notable Nigerian football legends, Jay-Jay Okocha and John Obi Mikel. Despite their significant contributions to football, their absence has sparked discussions about the selection criteria.
ESPN’s full list of the 25 greatest African athletes of the 21st century includes:
1. Kenenisa Bekele, Ethiopia – Athletics
2. Eliud Kipchoge, Kenya – Athletics
3. Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon – Football
4. Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwe – Athletics
5. Tirunesh Dibaba, Ethiopia – Athletics
6. Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast – Football
7. Faith Kipyegon, Kenya – Athletics
8. Jacques Kallis, South Africa – Cricket
9. Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria – Football
10. Mohamed Salah, Egypt – Football
11. Joel Embiid, Cameroon – Basketball
12. Siya Kolisi, South Africa – Rugby
13. Yaya Toure, Ivory Coast – Football
14. Wayde van Niekerk, South Africa – Athletics
15. Israel Adesanya, Nigeria – MMA
16. Ernst van Dyk, South Africa – Cycling
17. Caster Semenya, South Africa – Athletics
18. Mary Keitany, Kenya – Athletics
19. Sadio Mane, Senegal – Football
20. Perpetua Nkwocha, Nigeria – Football
21. Chad le Clos, South Africa – Swimming
22. Ramy Ashour, Egypt – Squash
23. Kamaru Usman, Nigeria – MMA
24. Osi Umenyiora, Nigeria – NFL
25. Mwadi Mabika, DR Congo – Basketball
This recognition highlights the remarkable achievements and enduring legacy of African athletes on the global stage.
