Africans had an array of skilful players that dazzled spectators and inspired the next generation. The continent had its fair share of players that had all the traits of modern trailblazers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and the legendary Ronaldhino.

This article shed light on some of these players. Be reminded that some familiar names did not make to our list because the important phrase that defines this article is ‘skilful players.’

1. Augustine Azuka Okocha (Nigeria)

I am fortunate to have witnessed the magic this Enugu star, fondly called Jay-Jay, conjured on the pitch.  He made football look like child’s play, seamlessly perforating the philosophy and game plan of the opponent and elevating the art of football that was only interpreted in aesthetic language.

Simply put, he was the hybrid of Ronaldinho and Christiano Ronaldo; you know how lethal that sounds, don’t you?

Although he never won the African Player of the year Award, the former Bolton Wanderers and Fernerbache star, was a mastery of football with a distinctive repertoire.

Okocha is truly a legend and irreplaceable for Super Eagles.

2. Abedi Pele (Ghana)

Abedi Pele is considered by many as the best African player of all time. This is a label he earned because of his technical abilities and sublime character that made the world stood in awe.

He was a complete player who outrageously outpaced and outshined his opponent with cheeky ease. Many compared him to Maradona and Pele. As a matter of fact, he was nicknamed ‘Pele’ in recognition of his comparison with Edison Arantes do Nascimento (World Pele)

He was the first player to win the African Player of the year Award for three consecutive times. He has won lots of accolades both as an individual and with the national team, although he failed to lift the nation cup as a captain.

He has been recognized by FIFA as an influential figure after retirement and he has been often included in in FIFA’s All Star selection.

He was part of the few Africans who made a statement for African players abroad. He is married to Maha Ayew and together they have five children, three of whom are professional players.

3. George Weah (Liberia)   

George Weah is now the President of Liberia. Prior to that, he dazzled the world with his brand of flamboyant soccer. His CV includes African Football player of the year, European football player and World footballer of the year, all won in the same year.

He pioneered Liberia football to the rest of Africa and the world. He was able to help his country qualify for two editions of the African Cup of Nations. Moreover, they nearly qualified to the 2002 edition of the world cup tournament, after been grouped with two of Africa’s strongest sides Ghana and Nigeria.

George Weah is hailed as the King of the game because of his exploits. He was fast, strong and very skillful and had penchant for goals.

4. Nii Odartey Lamptey (Ghana)

Honestly, the list wouldn’t be complete without reference to Nii Odartey Lamptey. Nii, as he is affectionately called, has had a really tough life both on and off the pitch. Recently, he found that his wife has been unfaithful and their three children are not his biological children after a DNA test.

His ill-luck as a young boy culminated in his failure to blossom to the superstar that was envisaged. It was through Ghana’s U-17 team that he caught world attention with his expertise. However, shady transfer deals and pressure to succeed as brilliant youngster made Nii slumped and the world never got to experience his master craft.

5. Mohammed Polo

This former player of Ghana Black Stars is relatively unknown on the African continent, but those who had the rare opportunity of watching could attest he was really exceptional.

He played for Ghana’s oldest club, Accra Hearts of Oaks and quite recently the club named him as the best player of all time (in he history of the club) , a tag he modestly decline.

He was nicknamed, ‘the dribbling magician’ because of his ingenuity.  He was a member of the 1978 African Cup of Nations held in Ghana.  He won the best footballer award in Ghana and went to win the 4th best African player in 1977.

He became a coach after retirement. He owns a football club of his own called Golden stars Academy.

SOURCE: www.Ghgossip.com