Nigeria's Top Women Footballers

2013 was one that witnessed the emergence of exciting and fantastic players and SL10 dug deep to present to you the top women football players in Nigeria.

Ijeoma Obi (Bobruichanka, Belarus)

Ijeoma Obi's constant running and hounding of defenders is a trademark, when added to her unquestionable talent, makes a world class striker.

In one of our interactive sessions with fans, we heard a staunch follower of Women Football call her "Ij Goals". We don't think that is an understatement for an attacker who netted more than 117 league goals in just two seasons for Minsk. But during the off season she moved to rival club Bobruichanka.

No wonder fans are clamouring for her recall to the national side alongside Cynthia Uwak in order to bring the best out of Desire Oparanozie.

Faith Ikidi (Pitea, Sweden)

Despite playing for Pitea, the 25-year-old doesn't pity a stubborn striker that comes her way. She is blessed with all the needed flavour a modern day defender should possess.

Queen Ejovwo (Al Arabi, Qatar)

A country blessed with quality defenders, and still counting more. Queen Ejovwo falls into this category due to her overlapping approach and ability to track back when needed.

She showed her willingness in the 2013 season, where she was one of the best full-backs in the Asia region.

Gift Otuwe Ele (Minsk, Belarus)

The rock in Minsk's defence line. Gift, was one of the reasons why Minsk retained the Belarus women championship, and in the process emerged as the best defender and player of the season.

She is not a defender who shies away from taking charge. She can do it all and the results are simply magnificent.

Gloria Ofoegbu (Rivers Angels, Nigeria)

On current form, Gloria Ofoegbu is simply the best left-back in Nigeria. Her defensive and attacking qualities are symmetrically world class, while her work rate and determination is never in question.

Two well taken strikes in the 2013 Fed Cup final confirmed the ratings of pundits.

Adule Charity (Biik, Kazakhstan)

Adule Charity finds her way into this list due to her blistering form in Kazakhstan.

Charity has an incredible scoring record for scoring 20 goals in 16 games which shouldn't surprise anyone who has seen her play.

Jane David (Bobruichanka, Belarus)

Jane David's talent is undoubted, and she is incredibly lucky to be playing in the same team with Joy Jegede and Loveth Ayila.

Jane is an inspiration on the field with her tenacious play and surreal passing.

That is the reason why she is a target for clubs in Europe.

Perpetua Nkwocha (Sunnana, Sweden)

Perpetua Nkwocha basically only does one thing on a football field: She scores goals.

However she scores an awful lot. Nkwocha has scored for every team she has played for on a consistent basis.

She shot to prominence with her clinical finishing and electrifying speed for Pelican Stars before being picked up by Super Falcons selectors who took advantage of her skills.

Nkwocha has since moved on to Sunnana where she has continued to star.

A legend, mentor, motivator to every young female player. Her achievements in African football are second to none.

Ibebuleye Whyte (Rivers Angels)

This is a simple selection. Whyte has been one of Nigeria's best goalkeeper in recent years.

Many may call for Alaba Jonathan or Ibijoke Sangonuga to be higher on this list than her these days, but Whyte has proven herself in the last two years.

Sarah Michael (KIF Orebro, Sweden)

She may be lost amidst the other stars in Sweden, but she proved herself in the just concluded season, netting 12 goals and contributing 4 assists in league matches.

Sarah may not have set the world alight last season, but it culminated with outstanding goals for her side in the league. She is a guaranteed goal machine, a candidate who scores one goal in every two games.

These are the standards that Sarah has set for herself with such a record as 12 goals in 18 appearances last season.

Helen Ukaonu (Sunnana, Sweden)

The Nigerian full back continues the historical tradition of being a defender who doesn't care as much for her own net as the oppositions.

Helen plays like a typical Brazilian wingback. She has all the flair and attacking ability as players such as Marvis Oguns before her.

However what sets her apart is her defensive ability.

Francisca Ordega (Pitea, Sweden)

The 19-year-old winger is plying her trade in Sweden after a domestic spell with Rivers Angels in Nigeria. She has the ability to cut up defenses.

After being uncovered by Edwin Okon, the gaffer of Angels, she was picked for the U17 and U20 FIFA World Cup in 2010 and 2012.

In both tournaments, she showed promises and scored goals. She formed a lethal combination with Esther Sunday on the flanks.

Ordega is electrifying with the ball at her feet and has no problem beating any defender looking to stand in her way.

Asisat Oshoala (Rivers Angels, Nigeria)

She can be the most physically dominating player in the middle of any pitch.

Asisat's athleticism is overwhelming. Her combination of speed and strength as well as her impressive agility is outstanding. It allows her to boss the midfield.

At 19, Asisat still has time to be one of the finest the game has ever produced.

Onome Ebi (Sunnana, Sweden)

At 30, she may be getting up there in age, but he is still a defensive enforcer with an unmatched engine throughout world football.

No doubt one of the greatest ever Nigerian players to play the game. Her performances in big games is a notable reason why as she single-handedly won the 2012 Turkish Female League in the colours of Atasehir.

Esther Sunday (Pelican Stars, Nigeria)

Esther Sunday is a graceful player with an unorthodox body style for her position. Unlike most playmaking midfielders, she stride away from opposing players. She can beat you in any way once she gets the ball at her feet. Her vision and passing is world class while her control of the ball is typically African.

Rita Chikwelu (Umea, Sweden)

Rita's ability has never been in question, as the playmaker has always blossomed for club and country.

Rita's playmaking ability gets the best out of those around her, while her vicious striking from distance always makes her a goal threat. In true total football style, the Super Falcons star undoubtedly does her best work with the ball at her feet.

Rachael Ayegba (PK-35, Finland)

It's difficult to describe in words just how good Rachael Ayegba has been over the years. Her consistency and leadership for PK-35 has been and remains to this day what makes her a candidate for a national team recall.

Incredibly she is only 27 years old too! Despite that, she has accumulated several appearances for both club and country.

Her list of honours appears to be endless and will undoubtedly increase in the future.

Ngozi Okobi (Delta Queens, Nigeria)

Ngozi Okobi remains one of the most all-around midfielders we have in Nigeria.

She has seemingly found the perfect foil for her to play with upfront as Halimatu Ayinde leads the line allowing Ngozi to drop off. This is a role Ngozi should excel in next season as her unbelievable passing ability and link up play should allow Delta Queens to play free flowing football.

At 21 years of age, her best years are still ahead of her.

Ogonna Chukwudi (Umea, Sweden)

Together with Rita Chikwelu, Ogonna is part of Umea's midfield. Ogonna's ability with the ball at her feet is something most professional footballers can only dream of. Her ridiculously consistent pass completion percentage is as a result of her great awareness and control of the football.

She is good at controlling the tempo of a football game.

Cynthia Uwak (Aland United, Finland)

Cynthia is obviously unbelievably talented with outstanding speed combined with incredible feet and a vicious shot. Her greatest strength is her use of pace which makes her the ultimate individual attacker.

She has played in France, Norway, Sweden and remains a talented footballer.

The 2006 U20 product won the Finish Championship in the colours of Aland United in 2013.

Joy Jegede (Bobruichanka, Belarus)

Simply the future of Falcons defence. The former Delta Queens star can do it all.

A born leader, Joy is the most important piece to Bobruichanka's starting lineup.

Her greatest strength is in the air, which has allowed her to stand out, even during her days as Falconets skipper.

Evelyn Nwabuoku (Rivers Angels, Nigeria)

Evelyn is such an all-around player that she literally has no weaknesses.

It is arguable that she is a more important piece to Rivers Angels, which is telling on its own. Evelyn's ability to play in the defence reflects her versatility as a central midfielder. By that I mean she can play as a box to box midfielder, playmaker, attacker or holding player.

Evelyn's all around game makes her one of the best we have around.