Nigerian players top list of Africans in EPL award

Nigeria ranks fourth as the nation to produce more than one winner of the EPL player of the month and first among African nations.

The award is given out to outstanding players on monthly basis in a season by the players association

Since 1994 when it incepted as the FA Carling Premiership player of the month till now as the Barclays player of the month, Nigerian players have won four times, followed by Ghana with two awards.

Tony Yeboah of Ghana is the first African player to win the award in March and September 1995 at Leeds United.

Former Super Eagles forward Osaze Odeminwigie is second Nigerian after Jay Jay Okocha in November 2003, to win the Player of the month award.

Osaze was voted the most outstanding player for the months September 2010, April 2011 and February 2012 while at West Bromwich Albion.

Swansea City striker, Andre Ayew, is the fourth African to win the individual award in August 2015.

Overall, Manchester United holds the record as the club with the most winners on 33, followed by Arsenal on 28 and Liverpool, 21.

The winner of the Barclays player of the month for December is expected to be announced on the first or second Friday of January 2016.

Leicester City FC, Jamie Vardy, was voted the Player of the month in November.

African winners of EPL player of the month

Osaze Odemwingie: West Bromwich Albion – September 2010, April 2011, February 2012

Tony Yeboah: Leeds United – March 1995, September 1995

Austin Jay Jay Okocha: Bolton Wanderers – November 2003

Andre Ayew: Swansea City – August 2015

Clubs with highest winners:

Manchester United: 33

Arsenal: 28

Liverpool: 21

Chelsea: 16

Tottenham Hotspur: 14

Player of the month winners by country:

England         90

France           17

Netherlands   15

Spain               8

Ireland             6

Wales              6

Portugal          5

Argentina        4

Nigeria            4

Brazil               3