Ahmed Musa was undoubtedly the standout performer among Nigerian players in September, and he has duly been named the KweséESPN Player of the Month, dislodging Odion Ighalo from top spot.
Not only did the Al Nassr forward add to his Nigeria tally against Seychelles, he also plundered a hat-trick for his new club to claim Player of the Week honours in Saudi Arabia.
Elsewhere, there are a few surprise picks in our top 10 for the month, although there’s no place for Alex Iwobi, who found fresh impetus at Arsenal, or William Troost-Ekong, who’s slotted in nicely at Udinese.
Efe Ambrose continues to hold down a regular shirt at Hibernian, Stephen Eze is keeping clean sheets at Lokomotiv Plovdiv, while Taiwo Awoniyi continues to find goals at Gent, but none of this trio have made our top 10.
1. AHMED MUSA/AL NASSR
There must be be something in the Saudi air, because Musa is certainly enjoying a new lease of life in his early days in the Middle East.
The 25-year-old speedster enjoyed a spectacular September.
He began by reminding Nigerians of his World Cup exploits, scoring in that 3-0 win over Seychelles, and then followed that up with a hat-trick and an assist for Al Nassr.
He’s the clear winner as our September Nigeria Player of the Month.
2. BLESSING ELEKE/LUZERN
Like Musa, Luzern’s 22-year-old striker helped himself to four goals in September, firing past the likes of Grasshopper, Servette (twice) and Basel.
His brace against Servette ensured progress in the Swiss Cup, although it was to be only their second win of the month, as the club continue to struggle down in 12th on the log.
3. SEGUN ALEBIOSU/KWARA UNITED
Kwara United were undoubted underdogs in the Lagos Centre of the Aiteo Cup behind Rivers United and Kano Pillars.
That is, until Alebiosu announced himself with a hat-trick against Abia Warriors, including one goal from a stunning free kick, the pick of the bunch.
He added another in his club’s 1-2 loss to Kano Pillars, although by then they had already qualified as group winners.
4. ODION IGHALO/CHANGCHUN YATAI
Last month’s Power Ranking winner has slipped all the way down to fourth despite continuing his scoring run.
Ighalo began September by scoring a penalty against Seychelles, and just continued from there when he returned to China, converting two more spot kicks to keep his scoring streak going.
5. EBERE EZE/QPR
QPR’s electrifying midfielder jumps from number nine and into the top five, helped not just by his two goals last month but also the sharpness of his skill and play.
How Gernot Rohr continues to overlook him remains a mystery!
6. STEPHEN ODEY/FC ZURICH
FC Zurich claimed four wins and one draw in September, and Odey has been central to their success.
The former MFM FC forward overcame a rocky start to life in Switzerland to start all six games for Zurich in September, scoring twice in the process.
7. WILFRED NDIDI/LEICESTER CITY
Ndidi is the master of consistency, finding himself as one of the first names on the Leicester City team sheet week in, week out.
Only one yellow card blotted his copybook this month as he returns to the Top Ten for a second consecutive month, albeit lower down the ladder.
8. VICTOR OSIMHEN/CHARLEROI
The former boy wonder is beginning to find his feet in Belgium after struggling at VfL Wolfsburg in Germany.
Osimhen made just two starts for his previous club, but was involved in all five games for Charleroi in September, finding the net twice.
9. OLANREWAJU KEHINDE/ANKARAGUCU
Not to be mistaken for Shakhtar Donetsk’s Kayode, Kehinde suits up for Ankaragucu and, in September, his two goals in three games helped them to wins over Genclerbirligi and Serik Belediyespor.
10. KELECHI IHEANACHO/LEICESTER CITY
Kele may not be the top dog in the Leicester City forward line, but he appears to be working his way to that spot.
Iheanacho may’ve made just two starts, but he has been involved in all five games the club have played in September.
Scoring once, and getting one assist plus extra marks for scoring the winning penalty kick in the League Cup all contribute to his spot in our Top Ten for September.