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FIFA has named nine African football legends in its quest to determine the continent’s greatest forward of all time, Soccernet.football reports.
Africa has produced some of the world’s most gifted attackers — players who tormented defenders and goalkeepers alike.
On Tuesday, FIFA took to its official social media channels to pose a question: Who deserves the ultimate status as Africa’s finest striker?
Among the nine nominees was former Super Eagles and Arsenal forward Nwankwo Kanu.
One of Nigeria’s most decorated players, Kanu won the Champions League with Ajax, the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan, and two Premier League titles with Arsenal.
⚽️ Africa’s greatest forward is ___________? #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/AH55IoaP5E
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) February 11, 2025
On the international stage, he led Nigeria’s U-17 team to World Cup glory and captained the Dream Team to Africa’s first-ever Olympic football gold in 1996.
However, despite his illustrious career, the former Portsmouth star never won the Africa Cup of Nations and did not score in three separate World Cup appearances.
Notably absent from FIFA’s shortlist was Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, Rashidi Yekini, but Côte d’Ivoire’s record goal king Didier Drogba made the cut.
The two-time African Footballer of the Year enjoyed a glittering career with Chelsea and Galatasaray, winning multiple league titles and scoring two World Cup goals.
Joining Drogba on the list is Cameroon’s iconic striker Roger Milla, Ghana’s all-time top scorer Asamoah Gyan, and Egypt and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
The shortlist also features Zambian legend Kalusha Bwalya, Senegalese star Sadio Mané, Togo’s record scorer Emmanuel Adebayor, and South Africa’s golden boy Benni McCarthy.
One major talking point is the omission of Liberian legend and former FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah, the only African ever to win football’s most prestigious individual prize.
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