The national team has witnessed a lot of players come and gone, with many making an indelible impact. While others, not intentionally left unnoticed.
Today we’ll look at the top ten most famous Nigerian footballers of all time. The list you’re about to read, was compiled by npflupdates.com football analysts. And it can not meet up your own opinions; but it’s imperative to say, that the list was compiled after thorough research, and fieldworks have been carried out.
So, keep and open and mind and enjoy this piece of art. Also, feel free to use the comment section if there’s anything you may want to draw our attention to.
10. Peter Rufai Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper
Peter Rufai, whose full name is Peter Rufai Aghware, is a former Nigerian football player who is best known for his career as a goalkeeper.
Peter Rufai
He was born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria. Rufai is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers and has made significant contributions to Nigerian football. “Dodo Mayana” as he is fondly called due to his agility and remarkable goalkeeping skills, represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups and was part of the Tunisia 94 AFCON winning squad.
Career and achievements:
Rufai had a successful club career both in Nigeria and abroad. He played for various Nigerian clubs, including Stationery Stores FC and Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC). He also played for international clubs such as K.S.V. Waregem in Belgium and Deportivo La Coruña in Spain.
Peter Rufai represented the Nigerian national team, known as the Super Eagles, in several international competitions. He was a part of the Nigerian squad during the 1994 FIFA World Cup held in the United States, where Nigeria reached the Round of 16, marking a historic achievement for African football.
Rufai was known for his leadership qualities and commanding presence in the penalty area. His experience and skills made him a vital figure in both his club and national teams. He was decorated with Best African Goalkeeper in 1993 and 1994.
Upon retiring from professional football, Peter Rufai transitioned into coaching. He worked as a goalkeeper coach and contributed to the development of young goalkeepers and footballers in Nigeria such as the Peter Rufai’s Under 13 Soccerthon Championship which is being taken place in schools.
Peter Rufai remains an iconic figure in Nigerian football history especially the Super Eagles, he played a significant role in Nigeria’s success on the international stage and is remembered for his outstanding contributions to the sport. His performances as a goalkeeper continue to inspire aspiring footballers and fans in Nigeria and beyond.
9. Segun Odegbami
Segun ‘mathematical’ Odegbami
Segun Odegbami is a former Nigerian football player who is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s football legends. He was born on August 27, 1952, in Lagos, Nigeria. Odegbami is primarily known for his outstanding career as a forward and his contributions to Nigerian football, especially his contributions to the growth of the Super Eagles.
Segun Odegbami a prolific goal scorer and a star player who spent the majority of his club career with Shooting Stars FC, of Ibadan.
“Mathematical” Odegbami is known for his pace, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring prowess. He was part of the Nigerian squad that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking Nigeria’s first-ever victory in the tournament. His performance and goals during the tournament were instrumental in Nigeria’s triumph.
Upon retiring from professional football, Segun Odegbami continued to be involved in Nigerian football.
He served as an administrator and also contributed to football development through coaching and punditry. He is a successful businessman, author, and columnist, known for his writings on football and other topics.
Segun Odegbami’s impact on Nigerian football extends beyond his playing days. He remains a respected figure in Nigerian sports and has made significant contributions to the development and promotion of football in Nigeria. His achievements, both on and off the field, have left a lasting legacy in Nigerian sports history.
8. Taribo West
Taribo West is a former Super Eagles player who played as a central defender. He was born on March 26, 1974, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Taribo West was known for his physicality, strength, and ability to win aerial duels. He was a no-nonsense defender who could disrupt opposing attacks effectively. One of the most distinctive aspects of Taribo West’s appearance was his colorful and eccentric hairstyles during his playing career.
He often dyed his hair in bright and unconventional colors, making him a memorable figure in the football world.
Taribo West
Career and achievements:
Taribo West had a club career that included playing for both Nigerian and international clubs. Some of the clubs he played for include Auxerre in France, Inter Milan in Italy, and Derby County in England. He achieved success with Inter Milan, winning the UEFA Cup in the 1997-1998 season.
He was a key member of the Nigerian squad during the 1998 FIFA World Cup held in France and the 2002 FIFA World Cup held in South Korea and Japan.
After retiring from professional football, Taribo West became a Christian pastor. He has spoken publicly about his religious conversion and his dedication to his faith. He has been involved in youth football development in Nigeria, using his experience and knowledge to help young talents develop their skills and pursue careers in football.
While Taribo West’s playing career is remembered for his unique hairstyles and contributions to Nigerian and international football, his post-retirement life as a pastor and involvement in youth development also reflects his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the football pitch.
7. Finidi George
Finidi George is a former Nigerian footballer who played as a winger. He was born on April 15, 1971, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He represented Nigeria in several international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Career and achievements:
Finidi George
Finidi George had a successful club career in Europe. He played for clubs such as Ajax in the Netherlands and Real Betis in Spain. At Ajax, he was part of the team that won the UEFA Champions League in the 1994-1995 season, further solidifying his reputation as a talented winger.
One of the highlights of Finidi George’s international career was being part of the Nigerian squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He also played a crucial role in Nigeria’s impressive performance in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where the Super Eagles reached the Round of 16.
After retiring from professional football, Finidi George remained involved in football as a coach and administrator. He has worked with various youth teams in Nigeria and has expressed his commitment to the development of young talents in Nigerian football.
Finidi George was known for his speed, dribbling skills, and ability to deliver accurate crosses. He was an effective winger who could create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He is remembered as one of Nigeria’s football icons, known for his impressive performances both at the international level with the Super Eagles and at the club level in European football. His contributions to Nigerian football have left a lasting legacy, and he continues to be a respected figure in the football community.
6. Obafemi Martins
Obafemi Martins whose full name is Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins, is a former Nigerian professional footballer who played as a forward. He was born on October 28, 1984, in Lagos, Nigeria. Martins is known for his pace, goal-scoring ability, and successful club career both in Europe and other parts of the world. ‘Obagoal’ as nicknamed by his fans is known for his acrobatic way of celebrating goals with a back-flip.
Obafemi Martins
Career and achievements:
Obafemi Martins started his football career from F.C. Ebedei a local football club in Ijebu-ode,Ogun State, Nigeria. The left footed player was scouted by Churchill Oliseh while he was seen playing on the streets of his hometown.
He had a prolific club career that included stints with several clubs in Europe and other continents. Some of the clubs he played for include Inter Milan in Italy, Newcastle United and Birmingham City in England, Rubin Kazan in Russia, Seattle Sounders in Major League Soccer (MLS), Shanghai Shenhua in China, and more.
Martins achieved success with Inter Milan, where he won several trophies, including Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia. He was known for his ability to score important goals for his clubs and played a crucial role in many of their successes.
Martins also represented the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, in international competitions. He was part of the Nigerian squad in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Obafemi Martins was known for his incredible speed, agility, and goal-scoring instincts. He had a knack for scoring goals, both from open play and set pieces, and was often used as a poacher. Throughout his career, Martins faced various injury setbacks, but he managed to bounce back and continue to perform at a high level.
Obafemi Martins remains a well-respected figure in Nigerian football history and is remembered for his exciting style of play and goal-scoring prowess. His successful club career, particularly in Europe’s top leagues, cemented his reputation as one of Nigeria’s top football talents of his generation.
According to Pulse Sports, Obafemi Martins is retired as he is said to not have any active market value.
5. Sunday Oliseh ex Super Eagles Captain
Sunday Oliseh is a former Nigerian footballer who played as a midfielder. Born on September 14, 1974, in Abavo, Delta State, Nigeria, Oliseh is known for his versatility, leadership qualities, and contributions to Nigerian football both at the club and international levels. Sunday Oliseh had a distinguished international career as a midfielder for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles. He represented Nigeria in various international competitions, including FIFA World Cup tournaments and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments.
Sunday Oliseh
Career and achievements:
One of the memorable moments of Sunday Oliseh’s international career was his long-range goal against Spain during the group stage of the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
The goal is often regarded as one of the greatest goals in World Cup history. Oliseh had a club career that included playing for clubs in Europe, such as Ajax in the Netherlands, Juventus in Italy, Borussia Dortmund in Germany, and more. He achieved success with Ajax, winning domestic league titles and the UEFA Champions League during his time at the club.
Sunday Oliseh was known for his composure on the ball, passing accuracy, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game from midfield. He was a versatile midfielder and arguably Super Eagles beat combative midfielder who could also play as a defensive midfielder.
After retiring from professional football, Sunday Oliseh transitioned into coaching. He briefly served as the head coach of the Nigerian national team in 2015-2016.
However, his coaching tenure was marked by controversy and a short duration. Oliseh has been an advocate for the development of Nigerian football and has expressed his views on improving the country’s football infrastructure and administration.
Sunday Oliseh remains a respected figure in Nigerian football and is remembered for his skillful and composed midfield play during his playing days. His long-range goal against Spain in the 1998 World Cup is an iconic moment in Nigerian football history. While his coaching career faced challenges, his passion for the sport and commitment to its development continue to influence Nigerian football.
4. Vincent Enyeama
Vincent Enyeama
Vincent Enyeama is a former Nigerian professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers. He was born on August 29, 1982, in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Enyeama had a remarkable career both at the club and international levels and is known for his shot-stopping abilities, leadership on the field, and longevity as a goalkeeper.
Career and achievements:
Vincent Enyeama was a stalwart for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, for over a decade. He represented Nigeria in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and FIFA World Cup competitions. He earned a reputation as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers during his international career.
Enyeama’s performances in the FIFA World Cup were particularly noteworthy. He played in the 2002, 2010, and 2014 World Cup tournaments, earning acclaim for his outstanding saves and contributions to Nigeria’s campaigns. Enyeama’s club career included playing for several clubs in Europe. He had a successful stint with Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel, where he won league titles and established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the Israeli league.
Enyeama is perhaps best known for his time at Lille OSC in France’s Ligue 1. He joined the club in 2011 and became a fan favorite. During his tenure at Lille, he set a record for the longest consecutive run of minutes without conceding a goal in Ligue 1.
Enyeama was known for his leadership qualities both on and off the field. He often captained the Nigerian national team and was a respected figure in the dressing room.
Vincent Enyeama is regarded as one of Super Eagles all-time great goalkeepers and is celebrated for his contributions to Nigerian football. He left a lasting legacy as a dependable and talented goalkeeper, and his performances continue to inspire aspiring goalkeepers in Nigeria and beyond.
Vincent Enyeama retired from international football in 2015, following a dispute with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). However, he continued to play at the club level for a few more years before eventually retiring from professional football. After retiring from professional football, Vincent Enyeama has largely kept a lower profile, but his impact on Nigerian football remains significant, and he is remembered as a true icon of the sport.
3. Rashidi Yekini
Rashidi Yekini aka The Goals Father, Yeking, Gangling Rashidi was a legendary Nigerian footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest African strikers of all time. He was born on October 23, 1963, in Kaduna, Nigeria, and passed away on May 4, 2012.
Rashidi Yekini
Career and achievements:
Rashidi Yekini had a prolific international career representing the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles. He is Nigeria’s all-time leading goal scorer and played a crucial role in various international tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and FIFA World Cup.
Yekini played a prominent role in Super Eagles historic 1994 FIFA World Cup campaign held in the United States. He scored Nigeria’s first-ever goal in a World Cup tournament during a group-stage match against Bulgaria. Nigeria reached the Round of 16 in that tournament, marking a significant achievement for African football.
Yekini’s club career included playing for several clubs in Europe and Asia. He played for clubs such as African Sporting Gijón in Spain, Olympiacos in Greece, and Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia, among others.
Rashidi Yekini was known for his incredible goal-scoring record. He was a powerful striker who had a knack for finding the back of the net and was often referred to as one of Africa’s deadliest strikers. Yekini’s iconic celebration, where he held the net and shook it vigorously after scoring a goal, is one of the most memorable images in Nigerian football history.
He received several awards and accolades during his career, including the African Footballer of the Year award in 1993.
Despite his passing in 2012, Rashidi Yekini’s legacy lives on, and he is remembered as a true Nigerian football icon and one of the continent’s greatest goal scorers. His name is synonymous with Nigerian football history, and his goals continue to inspire football fans in Nigeria and beyond.
2. Nwankwo Kanu
Nwankwo Kanu OON commonly known as Kanu Nwankwo or simply Kanu, is a former Nigerian footballer who is considered one of the greatest African football players of his generation.
The forward was born on August 1, 1976, in Owerri, Nigeria. Kanu had a remarkable career both at the club and international levels and is known for his skill, versatility, and contributions to Nigerian and world football.
Career and achievements:
“Papilo” who makes us all stayed glued to our televisions in the 90s and early 2000s was a key figure for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, for many years. He represented Nigeria in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and FIFA World Cup competitions.
He played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s success, helping the team win the 1994 and 2013 AFCON titles. Kanu participated in three FIFA World Cup tournaments (1998, 2002, and 2010). He was a member of the Nigerian squad that reached the Round of 16 in the 1998 World Cup held in France.
The two time African Player of the Year achieved significant success at the club level as well. He played for top clubs in Europe, including Ajax in the Netherlands and Arsenal in England.
With Ajax, the former Super Eagles playmaker won the UEFA Champions League in the 1994-1995 season. He also enjoyed domestic league success with both clubs. Kanu was known for his dribbling ability, creativity, and composure in front of goal. He could play as a forward or an attacking midfielder and was famous for his ability to score crucial goals.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Kanu’s career is that he continued to excel despite facing significant health challenges. He was diagnosed with a heart defect early in his career but underwent successful surgery to continue playing at the highest level.
After retiring from professional football, Kanu has been actively involved in humanitarian and charitable activities. He established the Kanu Heart Foundation, which provides medical assistance to children with heart-related issues in Nigeria and other African countries. He is also the founder of Papilo Academy which trains young players.
Kanu Nwankwo is widely respected not only for his footballing talent but also for his positive impact off the field through his philanthropic efforts. He remains an iconic figure in Nigerian and African football, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of footballers.
Recently, Papilo is appointed the chairman of Enyimba FC of Abia.
John Mikel Obi
Mikel Obi
Arguably Super Eagles most successful footballer of all time. Winning English Premier League titles, English FA Cup titles, the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Turkish Cup and African Cup Of Nations title with Nigeria.
Mikel also made history, and carved a niche for himself in the hearts of Nigerians. This was when in 2016 he paid for expenses incurred by Olympics Eagles in America. Also, at the Olympics in Rio, he had to self-fund some of the expenses of the Nigeria’s U-23 team as they go all the way to win bronze medal. And that was Nigeria’s only medal at the 2016 edition of Olympics games.
1 . Austin Jay-Jay Okocha
Jay Jay Okocha
Augustine Azuka Okocha known as Jay-Jay Okocha, is a retired Nigerian footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest African football players of all time. He was born on August 14, 1973, in Enugu, Nigeria. Okocha is celebrated for his exceptional skills, dribbling ability, creativity, and flair on the football pitch.
Career and achievements:
Jay-Jay Okocha, Nigerian midfielder had a distinguished international career representing the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles. He played for Nigeria in various Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and FIFA World Cup competitions. He was known for his leadership and playmaking abilities.
Okocha was a key figure in the Nigerian squad during the FIFA World Cups of 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2010. His performances in the World Cup tournaments showcased his exceptional skills and contributed to Nigeria’s success.
Okocha had a successful club career in both Europe and the Middle East. He played for clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France, Bolton Wanderers in England, and Qatar SC in Qatar. His time at Bolton Wanderers, where he served as captain, made him a beloved figure among the club’s fans.
Jay-Jay Okocha was renowned for his extraordinary dribbling skills, ball control, and creativity. He was often referred to as one of the most skillful players in the history of football, and his dazzling displays on the field delighted fans worldwide.
Okocha received numerous awards and accolades during his career, including being named the BBC African Footballer of the Year twice (in 1997 and 2004). Jay-Jay Okocha’s legacy extends beyond his playing career. He is remembered for elevating the profile of Nigerian football on the global stage and inspiring young African talents to pursue careers in football.
After retiring from professional football, Okocha has been involved in various football-related activities, including punditry and coaching. He remains a prominent figure in the football community and continues to contribute to the development of the sport through his foundation Jay-Jay Okocha Foundation.
Jay-Jay Okocha’s impact for Super Eagles and African football is immeasurable, and he is celebrated not only for his exceptional footballing talent but also for the joy and entertainment he brought to fans around the world. His legacy as one of Africa’s greatest footballers is secure, and he is revered as an icon of the sport.
Kanu Nwankwo was not part of the super eagles that won the afcon in 94