Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho’s ambition of joining Osaze Odemwingie as the second Nigerian to win the English Premier League Player of The Month award on more than one occasion was on Friday thwarted by West Ham’s Jesse Lingard.
The Manchester United forward, who is on loan at West Ham, was named the best player in the Premier League for the month of April, thus beating Iheanacho and six other players to the award.
To date, Odemwingie remains the most successful Nigerian to win the Premier League award, after clinching it three times. He first picked the award in September 2010, claimed it again in April 2011 and also in February 2012 for the third time.
Lingard won the honour for the first time, following his third attempt after also being short-listed in February and March.
The 28-year-old had a stellar performance in the month under review, scoring four goals and an assist. He scored twice in his team’s a 3-2 victory over Leicester City, and was also on target in te Hammer’s 3-2 loss to Newcastle United at the St. James’ Park.“I’ve been nominated for the past two months and even getting nominated is a great feeling for me,” Lingard was quoted as saying by stadiumastro. (Punch)