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AFRICAN FOOTBALLERS CONTINUE TO DAZZLE IN GERMANY

For a long time African football stars have been doing exceptionally well in the German football top flight. This run goes as far back as the days of Anthony Baffoe, Anthony Yeboah, Austin JayJay Okocha to more recent time of Pierre Emerik Aubameyang and Naby Keita.

Of all these names, one that would likely not be forgotten in the annals of history would be former Super Eagles skipper Jay Jay Okocha. He dazzled in the German Bundesliga before making a name for himself in the Premier League especially whilst in Bolton Wanderers.

Okocha played for Eintracht Frankfurtin the 1990s and would be remembered for his dribbling and playmaking skills. His solo effort and dribbling skills led to the humiliation of German legend Olivier Kahn. He dribbled several players, some twice, dazzling spectacularly in the penalty box before the slotting the ball home. That goal won several awards from sport magazines and the viewers.
Okocha and Yeboah were so impressive at Frankfurt but then they had issues with then coach Jupp Heynckes. Yeah, same Heynckes the German coaching legend. Yeboah won the top scorer award in the top flight in 1993 and 1994 but he and Okocha left following the issues with the tactician.
More recently Gabon international Aubameyang was splendid in a Borussia Dortmund shirt. From 2013 to early this year, he did very well, scoring two goals short of a century of goals before being snapped by Arsenal.
Tens of African stars from different countries have dazzled in Germany over the years. Keita, who is set to resume at Anfield, had a productive few years at RB Leipzig, supporting their charge towards usurping Bayern Munich. At the last count, almost 200 African stars have impressed in the Bundesliga, dazzling their way enough to ensure future African stars also get opportunities.