2017 FIFA player of the year: No Nigerian player deserves nomination, says Okocha

.Tips Ronado, Zidane for the award

By Taofeek Babalola

Former Super Eagles Captain, Austin Okocha has said that Nigeria did not have any player that stands out for the  FIFA player of the year nomination.

Only two of Africa’s players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sadio Mane were named on the 2017 FIFA player of the year glory 30-man shortlist.

While speaking on a radio program, Fitness and Sport over the weekend, the former Bolton FC of England captain said Nigerian players need to be consistent in their games before they can get chances for the nomination.

“It can be possible, but in all honesty we don’t have a player that stands out to challenge for that individual award at the moment,” Okocha said on Fitness and Sport.

“I am not trying to say that our players are average players. We have great players but if you want to win such award you have to be consistent and I don’t think we have any player that can match the consistency of the other players nominated for the award.”

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar's are the three finalists for the award to be decided in England on Monday.

Okocha was of the view that Ronaldo would be crowned the winner due to his performances last season as he tipped Real Madrid’s Zinedine Zidane for the coach award ahead of Chelsea's Antonio Conte and Juventus’ Massimiliano Allegri.

“I think to be honest Renaldo should get it ahead of others. He won the European Champions league with Madrid and European Cup with Portugal. I think this will give him advantage of winning it. Zidane deserve it because he is the first coach to win the champions league back to back. I think he deserve it.”