2024 Golden Boy: Chelsea midfielder, three other young stars of Nigerian descent in top 100 candidates 

Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, Fiorentina fullback Michael Kayode, Atlético de Madrid loanee Samuel Omorodion and Lagos-born forward George Ilenikhena have all been nominated for the 2024 Golden Boy Award.

The nominees, which consisted of 96 other players, were picked based on their performance between 3rd October, 2023 and 27th March, 2024.

Ugochukwu has found game time hard to come by since his move to Chelsea last summer, making 13 appearances across all competitions but has still been deemed enough to be nominated.

Conversely, Kayode has been one of the most outstanding fullbacks in the Serie A this season, despite playing just his first season in the Italian top-flight and this has led to him being linked with Arsenal.

The 19-year-old has made 31 appearances for Fiorentina this season, registering one goal and four assists.

Omorodion is also enjoying a good campaign, notching nine goals and one assist in 29 appearances in the La Liga.

Ilenikhena hasn't fared poorly with Jupiler Pro League defending champions Royal Antwerp, recording 14 goals and one assist in 42 appearances.

The quartet were named alongside Manchester United midfielder Kobie Mainoo, Manchester City Academy product Rico Lewis and Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark.

Kayode is the highest ranked player of Nigerian descent at 22, while Omorodion, Ilenikhena and Ugochukwu are in 49th, 86th and 97th place respectively.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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