Here’s a very polarizing topic – who are the best footballers Nigeria has ever produced? At least the top 10. Nigeria is a nation that has never lacked footballing talent whether nationally or at the grassroots. Some of the most electrifying players of the beautiful game have come from Nigeria, going on to play top flight football for the best teams worldwide.
With the Super Eagles reaching the African Cup of Nations 243(AFCON 234) final but being overcome by hosts Ivory Coast, maybe it’s a good time to revisit the topic of the best ever Nigerian football players. Let’s dive into our list of ten best Nigerian players ever!
10: Enyeama Vincent
Vincent Enyeama’s was a shot-stopper worth every grain of his salt. He had remarkable reflexes and excellent leadership that made him top not just in Nigeria but Africa as a whole.
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Enyeama holds the record for most clean sheets for the national team and led them to the 2013 AFCON title. His club career flourished in France with Lille, where he won the league title in 2011.
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9: John Obi Mikel
John Obi Mikel, was the anchor of the Super Eagle’s midfield for over a decade in the mid-2000s. Call him a work horse, Mikel could run around wingers and defenders, win tackles, distribute balls and control the tempo of the game.
Besides tact and awareness, Mikel was also a great leader on-and-off pitch, and captained the Nigerian Olympic squad in the 2010s. Besides the Super Eagles, he also had a great club career with Chelsea, winning numerous domestic and international titles.
8: Yobo Joseph
Joseph Yobo remains one of Nigeria’s most capped players, at 101 caps, playing between 2001-2014. He might not have been a prolific goal scorer, but his leadership, resilience, and defensive prowess earned him a place amongst the greats.
Besides the national team, Yobo also played for popular football clubs from top leagues from around the world. These include Marseille, Saint-Étienne, Everton, Fenerbahçe, and Norwich City.
7: Oliseh Sunday
The midfield general was known for his tough tackling, thunderous shot, and exceptional leadership. Oliseh was a key member of the golden generation of the 1990s, and captained the Super Eagles His expertise as a free kick specialist made his skill set even more impressive.
His leadership qualities were exemplified during his tenure as captain of the Nigerian national team in the 90s and Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph. Oliseh was the heartbeat of the Super Eagles during that golden era. Oliseh featured in 63 international matches and scored three goals for Nigeria. He also played at the football World Cups of 1994 and 1998 and the 1996 Olympic games, where Nigeria claimed the gold medal in football.
6: Keshi Stephen
The “Big Boss” Stephen Keshi has achieved legendary status both as a player and coach in Nigerian football. As a player, Keshi captained the Nigerian national team to victory in the 1994 AFCON. As a central defender, he marshaled Nigeria’s backline with authority.
After football greatness as a player, Keshi’s genius as a coach was showcased when he marshaled the Super Eagles to AFCON glory in 2013. Regarded as one of Nigeria’s best ever footballers, Keshi died on the 7th of June, 2016.
5: Ikpeba Victor
Victor Ikpeba played as a forward for both his country and club sides while his career lasted. He played 31 international matches and scored seven goals for his home country, Nigeria. Ikpeba was a fast, versatile, and opportunistic forward who was capable of playing as a striker or winger. He was also known for his ability to score from any position on the football pitch.
He was named African Footballer of the Year in 1997.
4: Rashidi Yekini
Rashidi Yekini etched his name in Nigerian football history as the country’s all-time leading goal scorer. A powerful striker with a lethal instinct in front of goal, Yekini became a household name during his prolific career, capped as Nigeria’s all-time leading goal scorer with 37 goals.
Until his death, Rashidi Yekini played for top football clubs from around the world. These include Olympiakos, Sporting Gijón, FC Zürich, etc. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 1993.
3: Amuneke Emmanuel
Amuneke, nicknamed The Bulldozer for his powerful runs and direct style of play, was a key component of Nigeria’s 90s golden generation. With his skillful dribbling, blistering pace, and clinical finishing, he became a fan favorite during his playing days.
His crowning moment came in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations final, where his two goals secured victory for Nigeria against Zambia. He also scored the winning goal against Argentina in the Olympic gold medal match two years later. He was also named African Footballer of the Year in 1994.
2: Jay-Jay Okocha
Austin Jay-Jay Okocha remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballers, bridging the gap between the old and new generations who have either seen him as a player or pundit. Okocha started his football career at Nigerian football league side known as Enugu Rangers. His illustrious career which lasted 18 years saw him mesmerize fans with his skillful displays at clubs such as Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahçe, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bolton Wanderers.
Okocha masterminded Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON win and 1996 Olympic gold medal triumph. Okocha’s influence extended beyond the pitch, inspiring a generation of Nigerian football with his creativity and artistry.
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1: Kanu Nwankwo
Nwankwo Kanu, affectionately known as Papilo, is a true icon of Nigerian football. With a career spanning over two decades, and an illustrious club career included stints at Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal, Kanu has seen it all. He has not only won the AFCON, but also the UEFA Champions League and Premier League, making Kanu one of the best footballers Nigeria has ever produced.
Kanu’s career achievements are highlighted by his success at both the club and international levels. He was crowned African Footballer of the Year twice, in 1996 and 1999. His performances for Nigeria, particularly in the 1996 Olympics, where he scored a memorable golden goal against Brazil, cemented his status as a national hero.
Wrapping Up
These ten players symbolize the crown and glory that is Nigerian football. Alongside others, these ten have etched their names into the annals of Nigerian football history, as true legends of the game.
Hopefully, this has motivated you to get on track to become a legend yourself. Welcome to Nigeria, the home of jollof rice, fascinating Afrobeats music, and exceptional football talent!
