Top five Africans to watch in Serie A this season

Which of Africa’s stars could be set to make a major impact in the Italian top flight this term?

Victor Osimhen:

Nigerian players in the Italian top flight have had a mixed track record to date, with the likes of Obafemi Martins and Taribo West thriving, while others have struggled to match their impact.

Which camp will Osimhen fall into following his eye-watering $70 million signing for Napoli from LOSC Lille during the summer?

The frontman netted 13 goals in Ligue 1 last term, but the pressure will be on his shoulders in Naples this term, with the youngster having been feted as a potential superstar upon his arrival in Southern Italy.

He’s good, no doubt, but is he that good?

We’ll soon find out…



Achraf Hakimi:

Another big African mover of the offseason, Real Madrid allowed Hakimi to depart for Internazionale after two big seasons on loan at Borussia Dortmund.

He may have missed out on the Bundesliga title during his time in Germany, but he’s established himself as one of the world’s finest right-backs, and proved what he’s capable of in the Champions League.



The youngster should relish working alongside Antonio Conte, who’s got the best out of wing-backs in the past, and could help take Hakimi’s game to new heights.

Jeremie Boga:

One of the most eye-catching dribblers in the world game today, Boga isn’t just sensational when beating a man with the ball at feet, but he also boasts an end product as well.



He registered 11 goals last term, which explains why he’s being talked about as a potential 40 million Euro player.

The attacker had been linked with a return to former club Chelsea, although that now appears highly unlikely considering their summer transfer outlay already.

Instead, Stade Rennais and Napoli remain interested in his services, while he’s also been linked to Crystal Palace as a potential replacement for Wilfried Zaha should his compatriot depart Selhurst Park.

Ismael Bennacer:

A revelation at AC Milan last season after making the move from Empoli, Bennacer won the Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria and then maintained that form into the Serie A campaign.



He’s forged an excellent partnership with Franck Kessie in the heart of the Rossoneri’s midfield, with the duo’s qualities complementing one another.

The arrival of Sandro Tonali from Brescia could break the partnership up, although it’s more likely that Tonali will work in tandem with Bennacer and Kessie.

The North African will have a key role to play if Milan—who remain somewhat over-reliant on an aging Zlatan Ibrahimovic—can return to the top four.

Simy Nwankwo:



Back in the big time after remaining with Crotone as they dropped into Serie B, Simy has a point to prove in the top flight after netting seven times in Serie A with the Sharks previously as they dropped out of the division.

Since then, he’s netted 34 goals across two campaigns in the second tier—including 20 last term—and he’ll need to hit double figures again if Crotone are to beat the drop.

The 6’6 forward, still only 28, has something to offer the Super Eagles; he’s been considered in the past, and if he can translate his Serie B form to the top flight, then Nigeria should come calling again.