2019 AFCON: All The Accolades Nigerian Players Won At The Tournament

The 2019 AFCON is finally over, with Algeria coming out on top. For Nigeria, the tournament didn’t just end with the team taking third place, as some players nabbed accolades along the way. So, to officially mark the end of the competition, we at Konbini have highlighted their victories.

(Photo: CAF via Twitter)

Top-Scorer Award & AFCON Best XI

Starting with his goal against Burundi, it was clear Odion Ighalo had a strong hunger for goals. The 30-year-old didn’t disappoint, as he went on to bag five goals by the time the Super Eagles won third place — making him the sixth Nigeria player to win the Golden Boot in the history of the competition.

It didn’t end with the Golden Boot for Ighalo. At the end of the finals, he was listed in the tournament’s Best XI. As the only Nigerian on the list, it’s clear the Super Eagles wouldn’t have gone far without him, making us wonder about the future of the team following his retirement from international football.

(Photo: Score Nigeria)

Youngest Scorer

Samuel Chukwueze came to the 2019 AFCON as a debutant in the competition. From sparking up slow games to pushing attacks, the 20-year-old scored a goal in the quarter-finals – becoming the youngest scorer at this year’s tournament.

(Photo: CAF via Twitter)

Most Interceptions

Ola Aina caught our attention with the killer backheel assist that helped Ighalo score against Burundi. Now, with the stats in, it’s clear the 22-year-old isn’t only good at backheels. He is credited with 15 interceptions — the most by any player throughout the tournament.

(Photo: Yahoo Sports)