Nigerian international forward Kelechi Iheanacho’s bid to become the second Nigerian to win the Premier League Player of the month more than once has been halted after West Ham star, Jesse Lingard was awarded the honour.
Iheanacho won the award for March and made the shortlist for the month of April after scoring four times during the month.
Only Peter Osaze Odemwingie has won the award more than once after he was named the league’s best player in September 2010, April 2011 and February 2012.
Meanwhile, Lingard was been rewarded for his superb form for West Ham United.
The winger, who arrived on loan from Manchester United in January, has won the prize at the third attempt after also being short-listed in February and March.
“I’ve been nominated for the past two months and even getting nominated is a great feeling for me,” Lingard said.
“I want to be up there as the best I can be and the best in the world.
“[David Moyes] has shown faith and given me the freedom in each game to go and perform.”
Lingard scored four goals and claimed an assist in April, starting with a superb solo strike at Wolverhampton Wanderers before he teed up Jarrod Bowen’s effort in the 3-2 win.
He then scored twice in a 3-2 victory over Leicester City, and was on target again in a loss by the same scoreline at Newcastle United.
The 28-year-old wins the honour for the first time and is the first West Ham player to claim the accolade since Michail Antonio in July 2020.
Lingard topped an eight-man shortlist that also included Trent Alexander-Arnold, Stuart Dallas, Mason Greenwood, Matheus Pereira, Allan Saint-Maximin and Chris Wood.