In Africa, Nigeria remains a highly reputed footballing nation despite their recent struggles in continental and global competitions. In retrospect, the football culture in Nigeria has come a long way, inspiring young soccer talents across the continent, most of which have looked up to praise-worthy players like Jay-Jay Okocha. Note that you can start betting with Bet9ja code by staking Nigerian players to win a golden boot in their various leagues this season.

The question is, among the many players who have raised the Nigerian flag high, who are the crème-de-la-crème of Nigerian football? We provide you with a list of Nigeria’s greatest football players.

 

Jay-Jay Okocha

Jay-Jay Okocha remains the most reputed and most-talked-about Nigerian football player at home and abroad. While Okocha didn’t get a chance to play in many of the European top clubs, making a senior debut at the age of 19 for Eintracht Frankfurt in January 1992 was something special. It marked the beginning of a journey for a player who would become a nightmare for defenders.

Okocha played for fun and the love of the game kept many glued to Nigeria’s next matches, especially in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, hoping to see their idol in the starting eleven. Okocha’s record-breaking transfer came in 1998 when he moved to PSG from Fenerbahce. He also played for Bolton Wanderers in 2002, Qatar SC and Hull City before retiring in 2008. In a recent interview, Okocha regrets not playing for a Russian club.

 

Stephen Keshi

Stephen Keshi, born on January 23, 1962, in Azare, Nigeria, is undeniably one of the most renowned Nigerian footballers globally, with an illustrious career both on and off the field. As a central defender, Keshi was an integral part of the Nigerian national team, amassing 64 caps and scoring nine goals during his international tenure. Known for his commanding presence and leadership skills, Keshi captained the Nigerian “Super Eagles” to their second African Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in 1994, a rare feat that helped establish his legacy.

Keshi’s extraordinary career extended beyond his playing days, as he transitioned into coaching and achieved an even rarer accomplishment. In 2013, as the head coach of the Nigerian national team, Keshi guided the “Super Eagles” to their third AFCON title. This extraordinary achievement made him one of only two people, along with Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary, to have won the prestigious tournament as both a player and a coach.

Keshi’s storied career, marked by his dedication and success, has solidified his status as one of the greatest figures in Nigerian football history.

 

John Obi Mikel

John Obi-Mikel is a retired Nigerian soccer player whose exploits in global football cannot be understated. Debuting for his country in 2005 and going on to score 6 goals in 89 Caps, Obi Mikel’s career peaked in 2006 during his time at Chelsea FC. He kicked off his professional club career at Lyn FK, a Swedish side and spent his final years in a professional career with Al-Kuwait. Other notable clubs he played for include Trabzonspor of Turkey, Middleborough, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger and Stoke City.

 

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Nwankwo Kanu

Nwankwo Kanu belongs to the golden generation of Nigerian soccer players who drew attention to the West African country in the mid-90s. Kanu had 83 Caps for Nigeria, scoring a total of 13 goals for the Super Eagles. His professional football career in Europe started in Ajax before moving to Inter Milan in the summer of 1996 for a fee of 3.9 million Euros, which was a record-breaking acquisition for a Nigerian player at the time.

After 3 years in Inter, Kanu signed for Arsenal in January 1999 for 6.3 million Euros. He would later move to West Brom and Portsmouth, both on a free transfer.

 

Vincent Enyeama

Nigeria hasn’t only been popular with producing some of the best outfield players. Vincent Enyeama makes it to this list as a top goalkeeper who grasped every chance to represent his team internally, totalling 101 caps for his country.

His stellar career peaked in 2013 when Nigeria participated in the AFCON that was held in South Africa. Most importantly, he kept 50 clean sheets as a goalkeeper for the Super Eagles and leaked just 77 goals.

At a club level, Vincent Enyeama was privileged to play for top clubs in Europe such as Lille where he made 164 appearances, keeping 65 clean sheets and conceding 156 times. He also played for Maccabi Tel Aviv and Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv in Israel.

 

Sunday Oliseh

Sunday Oliseh is another player worth mentioning in Nigeria’s decorated football history. Oliseh played as a midfielder for the Super Eagles. During his career, the 48-year-old plied his trade in some of the best European clubs such as Ajax, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund.

In Juventus, Oliseh made 19 appearances and scored one goal. And at Borussia Dortmund, he scored three goals in 72 appearances. At Ajax, another top club in Europe that he played for, the former Super Eagle skipper made 76 appearances and scored 9 goals. Moreover, he had 63 caps for Nigeria, scoring three goals.