EPL: Awoniyi names two Super Eagles players who made Premier League famous in Nigeria
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has claimed that Nwankwo Kanu and Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha are the two former players who made the Premier League popular in Nigeria.
Former Norwich City striker Efan Ekoku became the first African to score a hat-trick in the division, while Daniel Amokachi spent two seasons at Everton between 1994 and 1996.
Celestine Babayaro also joined Chelsea in 1997 as the club's record breaking teenage signing.
However, Awoniyi believes Kanu and Okocha increased the number of Nigerian fans watching the English top flight.
"The Premier League is very important in Nigeria thanks to players like Kanu, Okocha, Yakubu [Ayegbeni], [Joseph] Yobo, [Peter] Odemwingie and many others who have all played here," said Awoniyi at BBC Sport Africa.
"Many people choose their clubs based on where a Nigerian plays or which teams the family likes. We all grew up watching it and loved it, and it's actually a dream come true to know that millions of people are going to watch me now.
"I want to give my best all the time and, by the grace of God, this will help us achieve our goals."
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has claimed that Nwankwo Kanu and Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha are the two former players who made the Premier League popular in Nigeria.
Former Norwich City striker Efan Ekoku became the first African to score a hat-trick in the division, while Daniel Amokachi spent two seasons at Everton between 1994 and 1996.
Celestine Babayaro also joined Chelsea in 1997 as the club's record breaking teenage signing.
However, Awoniyi believes Kanu and Okocha increased the number of Nigerian fans watching the English top flight.
"The Premier League is very important in Nigeria thanks to players like Kanu, Okocha, Yakubu [Ayegbeni], [Joseph] Yobo, [Peter] Odemwingie and many others who have all played here," said Awoniyi at BBC Sport Africa.
"Many people choose their clubs based on where a Nigerian plays or which teams the family likes. We all grew up watching it and loved it, and it's actually a dream come true to know that millions of people are going to watch me now.
"I want to give my best all the time and, by the grace of God, this will help us achieve our goals."
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