During 2017, several African players have taken their game to a new level and emerged as genuine breakout stars in the world game.

Who are the players who could follow in their footsteps in 2018?

Here are five talents - lesser-known names and more established stars - of whom we're expecting big things over the next 12 months, whether it be a return to prominence after an injury nightmare or a genuinely breakout campaign.

Ola Aina has faced several challenges over the last few months as he's already enjoyed a shift in status both at club and international level.

Things haven't always been easy, but the versatile defender has done enough to suggest that he is destined for a career at the top of the level.

A loan move from Chelsea to Hull City has seen the full-back feature regularly in the testing environs of the Championship, and while he has made a few mistakes during the Tigers' troubled campaign to date, he's largely risen to the challenge of first-team football.

The leggy defender offers speed and vertical movement out wide, and has already started matches for Hull in both full-back positions, as a left wing-back and in a more advanced left-wing role.

After making his Nigeria debut towards the end of 2017 - after switching from England - he looks primed for the World Cup squad, and may even secure a starting spot, with Elderson Echiejile still to truly convince on the left.... <<< read more >>> @ www.galatixnews.com