Nigeria’s Itoje, named European Rugby Player of the Year
An England-based Nigerian Rugby player, Maro Itoje, has been named European Player of the Year after winning the sixth Nations Cup with his England team.
The 21-year-old was awarded the honour ahead of Saracens teammates Owen Farrell, George Kruis and Billy Vunipola, as well as Harlequins flanker Jack Clifford, Northampton wing George North, Toulon’s Steffon Armitage and Racing 92’s Dan Carter.
The Nigerian is a man of many talents. He plays rugby, writes poems, discusses politics, and knows about the economic happenings of Nigeria.
At 6ft 5in, 18st 4lb, this ‘champion’ is his father’s role model. He was born in Camden, North London, after his parents Efe and Florence moved to Britain after marrying in Nigeria.
Itoje was also named the Rugby Players’ Association’s Young Player of the Year.
“I feel I’m nowhere near where I think I can be,” Itoje said. “I think there’s a lot to come. I’m still young. There’s still a hell of a lot of things I need to work on.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation Olatunji Fasimoye says it’s good news for Nigeria.