3. Roger Milla (Cameroun)
The man born in Yaoundé, Cameroon symbolized African powerhouse. He altered the perception of foreigners relative to Africans. His memorable dance beside the corner flag anytime he scored a goal still remains iconic.
Admittedly as far as this compilation is concerned, Roger Milla technical ability is minimal but he still meets some of my requirements that qualify his enlistment here.
He single handedly ensured Cameroon progression to their historic quarter finals of the Italia 90 World Cup.
He earned the enviable award as the best African player over the last 50 years.
4. George Weah (Liberia)
George Weah is now a politician and a humanitarian. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.