10 Best Foreign Players in Nigerian Professional Football League

Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) is already looking like a place where foreign footballers, especially those from other African countries, could find greener pastures.

As reported by Complete Sports, 25 foreign players where registered in the league 2014/15 season, but as I write now, the number has increased to 37 in the current season – with Ifeanyi Uba FC spearheading the registration of six Brazilians and Enugu Rangers fortified their team with four Cameroonian stars

NPFL is indeed very competitive with it’s own peculiar style and pattern of play which the foreign players aren’t so familiar with and couldn’t adapt to easily. But here we present in descending order the exclusive profiles of the top 10 foreign players that has been so outstanding in the league:

1. ADAMA COULIBALY (MALI):

DEFENDER, WARRI WOLVES

The versatile player has found a new home in Warri. Coulibaly joined Warri Wolves from Malian side, CD Duugouwolo Fila Bamako and has grown to become one of the best foreigners in the Glo Premier League.

Despite the high turnover of coaches at Wolves, he has become a regular figure at the club.

2. GODBLESS ASAMOAH (GHANA):

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER,RIVERS UNITED

The talented player joined Dolphins from Ghanaian side, Medeama SC in March last year. Dolphins beat off the challenge of Ghanaian giants Accra Heart of Oak and Asante Kotoko to sign the player.

Asamoah played a crucial role for Medeama in the CAF Confederations Cup last two season. Referred to as one of the talented players to have come out of Ghana in the last two years, he has scored three goals this season.

3. ZOUMANE DOUMBIA (MALI):
DEFENDER, HEARTLAND

Zoumane Doumbia arrived Heartland along with four other unknown African Stars in 2014, but is today one of the most popular and consistent players at the club.

Zoumane seized the left-back position from former Super Eagles defender and CHAN 2014 star, Benjamin Francis, who later left for Israel.

He was also nominated for the Nigerian League Bloggers Awards last season.

4. HASSAN HUSSEIN (CHAD):
FORWARD, EL-KANEMI WARRIORS

The enterprising forward has been capped at full international level by Chad. He is today one of the most feared forwards in the Glo Premier League.

5. ISAAC LOUTE (BENIN):
DEFENDER, KANO PILLARS

Loute who has been capped at full international level by Benin Republic can play as a midfielder, striker and left back. He has played for Lobi Stars, Gateway FC, Solie FC (Benin Republic), Manga Sports of Gabon, Krake (Benin Republic) and Sharks FC.

6. SAIBOU BADAROU (TOGO):
FORWARD, HEARTLAND

Saibou Badarou was the topscorer at the 2014 WAFU Cup competition. He joined Heartland the same year and became an instant hit scoring on his debut against Kaduna United.

He was recently linked with a move to six-time Glo Premier League Champions, Enyimba Football Club of Aba.

7. SALOMON JUNIOR (BENIN):
DEFENDER, BAYELSA UNITED

The Bayelsa United captain was part of Benin Republic national team at the 2010 African Cup of Nations in Angola.

He once played for Ivorien side, ASEC Mimosas and also had stints at local sides ASPAC Cotonou and USS Krake before linking up with Bayelsa United.

8. RONALD KOFFI (COTE D’IVOIRE):
MIDFIELDER, HEARTLAND

The gifted midfielder is a consistent performer for Heartland. He joined the Naze Millionaires same season as Saibou Badarou and Zouman Doumbia.

9. TAMEN MEDRANO (CAMEROON):
MIDFIELDER, SUNSHINE STARS
The talented midfielder is one of the popular foreigners in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Medrano caught the eyes of Sunshine Stars’ officials during a CAF Confederation Cup tie against his former side Tiko United in 2011.

The 29-year old made his debut for the Akure Gunners on May 15, 2011 and has been an instant success at the club since then.