Ranked! Victor Osimhen, Mohammed Kudus Among 5 Best African Players Right Now

• Africa has been well-known for producing energetic and hard-working players over the years
• We have witnessed numerous displays by several African players across Europe this season
• Sports Brief takes a look at African stars making waves in Europe including Victor Osimhen

Africa as a continent has been home to some of the best footballers of yesteryear, such as Didier Droga, Abedi Ayew, George Weah, Yaya Toure, and Samuel Eto'o.

The continent continues to produce its fair share of world-class footballers and in the present age, this campaign has not been any different.

Players from the continent have recently distinguished themselves from their compatriots in various competitions in Europe in the 2022/2023 season.

Coupled with breathtaking outings and dominant statistics, these stars' exploits are worth noting. Sports Brief takes a a look at the top five performing African stars in Europe so far:

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5. Samuel Chukwueze

The Nigerian winger has been one of the revelations of the 2022-23 La Liga campaign, terrorising opposing defenders with his quick feet and electric speed. He has also morphed into a modern-day wide forward, adding goals to his trickery and searing pace.

Samuel Chukwueze has been one of the top performers for Villarreal, contributing 10 goals and 10 assists across all competitions for Quique Setien's men this season, per Transfermarkt.

His exploits at the Estadio de la Ceramica has been noticed abroad too, with a number of top European clubs circling him for his services.

4. Terem Moffi

Another Nigerian on the list making headlines in Europe is Terem Moffi. The Lorient loanee is scoring goals for fun in the French top flight, bagging 14 goals in 23 games.

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To put his numbers into perspective, the player - currently on loan at OGC Nice - is only four goals shy of current leader Kylian Mbappe, who has 18 to his credit.

He is stationed in a league that has a track record of developing talents. It will therefore not take long for the big guns across Europe's top five leagues to come knocking at Moffi's door.

3. Riyad Mahrez

Former African Footballer of the Year, Riyad Mahrez appears to have rediscovered the form that made Manchester City fork out a whopping £60 million for his services in 2018.

He has already scored 12 goals and contributed with six assists in 32 matches in all competitions this season, including a stunner at Chelsea and then a brace in their 4-2 comeback win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Mahrez is one of the main reasons why Man City remains in the Premier League title race, largely due to his goal-scoring and playmaking skills.

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His form has been so brilliant that Pep Guardiola, the manager of Man City, had to apologise to Algerians after choosing not to play their countryman in the match against Newcastle United, Sportsdias reports.

2. Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus has been in scintillating form for Dutch giants, AFC Ajax since the 2022-23 season started.

The Ghana international is currently enjoying his most productive spell in front of goal after finally overcoming injury and settling in at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

He is in a rich vein of form that has seen him contribute an impressive 17 goals and four assists in all competitions this season. This has birthed keen interest from top European clubs, including Liverpool, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Borussia Dortmund.

Kudus' outstanding displays in this campaign have received rave reviews from three-time Ballon d’Or winner, Marco van Basten, who believes the Black Stars attacker is better than Brazilian winger, Antony.

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1. Victor Osimhen

Napoli's exceptional Serie A campaign has been premised on the playmaking skills of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the lethal prowess of Victor Osimhen.

The Nigerian, in particular, has shown vast improvement over the course of the season. The 24-year-old has now established himself as one of the finest strikers in Europe.

Osimhen has scored four goals in his last five appearances for the Serie A leaders.

In 23 appearances across all competitions for Napoli so far this season, the Nigeria international has scored 19 goals and provided four assists.

For context, he could be only the fourth player in the history of the club to win the top scorer's award in Italy after Diego Maradona (1987-88), Edinson Cavani (2012-13), and Gonzalo Higuain (2015-16).