Aina, Bassey, Ucheibe, Osayi-Samuel in race for Defender of the Season award

• SL Benfica star Christy Ucheibe has been nominated for the Best Nigerian Defender award for the 2023/24 season.

Traditionally a midfielder, Ucheibe featured severally as a centre-back for Benfica as the Portuguese giants strolled to clinch four incredible titles.

The Super Falcons dynamo, however, faces stiff competition for the Defender of the Season award from the trio of Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina, Fulham centre-half Calvin Bassey, and Fenerbahce right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Aina registered one Premier League goal and made 2.1 tackles per game to help Forest avoid relegation to the Championship.

There were no relegation worries for Fulham, though, as Calvin Bassey's contributions ensured the Cottagers finished in 13th position - 21 points above troubled waters.

One of the high points of Bassey's campaign will be the goal he scored against Manchester United as Fulham secured a memorable 2-1 win.

Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered consistent performances that sealed his place as one of the best full-backs in the Turkish top flight.

The Super Eagles defender scored four goals and assisted six others as Fenerbahce fought for the Super Lig title, which they only lost on the last day of the season.

The winner of the Defender of the Season award will be announced on July 1.