The 1994 Nigeria World Cup Squad: Where Are They Now?

With the World Cup tournament just around the corner, allnigeriasoccer.com would continue to recount the past events of the competition and this piece would focus on the country's debut squad in the '94s.

Clemens Westerhof took Nigeria to the 1994 World Cup in USA and after easily navigating through a group which consists of Bulgaria, Greece and Argentina, they gallantly went down against a star-studded Italy in the second round.

But where are the members of that glorious team now?

Peter Rufai: The then Super Eagles safest hands turned out across two World Cup editions and won the AFCON in 1994. He has since swapped active football with sports analysing and has teamed up with the Brila Sports Media.

Alloysius Agu: Agu was one of the Super Eagles best goalkeepers in the '90s and was part of the world cup '94 contingent before retirement. Served as the national team's goalkeeper trainer until last year.

Wilfred Agbonavbare: Turned out in the 1994 world cup and AFCON tournaments. Worked as a delivery man and goalkeeper coach with former club side, Rayo Vallecano before he was snatched away by the cold hands of death in 2015, aged 48.

Augustine Eguavoen: Won the 1994 AFCON and featured at the World Cup in 1994. Have handled most NPFL teams as well as the national team since calling time on professional football.

Michael Emenalo: Played in the '94 World Cup and on retirement, he has become synonymous with management most notably at Chelsea where he served as an assistant manager, technical director and also the head of the scouting department. Currently with AS Monaco as a director.

Ben Iroha: One of the sturdy defenders of the Westerhof era, the 1994 Nations Cup winner moved into full time football management shortly after retirement and has had stints with U.S-based club, FC Dallas as well as NPFL side, Dolphins FC. Currently on the books of Heartland FC.

Stephen Keshi: Probably the most decorated player on this list. Won the AFCON both as a player and a coach with the national team. He also managed the Togolese and Malian national teams. Sadly, Keshi passed on in 2016 after a cardiac arrest.

Chidi Nwanu: Won over 20 caps for the national team during his playing days. Very little has been heard of him since his retirement in 1998.

Uche Okafor: Won the 1994 AFCON tournament while he was also part of the squad in the early two world cup competitions. Worked as a football pundit with ESPN prior to his death in 2011.

Uche Okechukwu: Featured in two World Cup editions and won the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia. Currently resides in Turkey having obtained citizenship during his playing days there.

Mutiu Adepoju: Was part of the squad in three world cups for the country. Had a managerial stint with NPFL side, Shooting Stars.

Efan Ekoku: Made 20 appearances for the team, featuring at the 1994 AFCON, US '94 World Cup and the 1995 FIFA Confederations Cup in Saudi Arabia. He has long swapped playing for commentary and currently works with the English Premier League Productions.

Emeka Ezeugo: Another of the '94 crop that has since featured more prominently with management, numbering all of Deportivo Municipal, Churchill Brothers SC, City Tech, BMCC Athletics and NPFL side, Abia Warriors amongst the list of his former employers.

Jay Jay Okocha: Okocha was part of the victorious AFCON '94 team and the also the Olympics Atlanta '96 gold squad before picking up the BBC African Footballer of the Year accolades twice as well as the Golden Boot in AFCON 2004. Since retirement, he has thrived with football punditry.

Thompson Oliha: Another late member of this crop, Oliha made 31 appearances for the Super Eagles and retired aged just 27, no thanks to a serious injury. On 30 June 2013, the 44-year old was confirmed dead after struggling with bouts of malaria.

Sunday Oliseh: Fondly remembered for that cracker against Spain in 1998, Oliseh has tried hands on management since calling time as a professional footballer, including a short stint with the national team. Currently cut ties with Fortuna Sittard in Belgium.

Daniel Amokachi: Nicknamed the 'Bull' due to his sheer strength and physique, Amokachi achieved legendary status during his time with the national team and is now thriving as a football manager with JS Hercules in Finland.

Emmanuel Amunike: Amunike was part of the Super Eagles team that won the AFCON in 1994. After his retirement, he served as a Manchester United scout before quitting to concentrate fully on his coaching career. Recently left his post as head coach at Sudanese club, Al Khartoum SC.

Finidi George: Featured in two World Cup editions while winning the 1994 AFCON. Served as a football director at former club, Real Betis and also a youth team coach at the club.

Victor Ikpeba: An AFCON winner in 1994 as well as an Olympic Gold medalist in 1996, Ikpeba had quite a well decorated career with the national team. Retired in 2007 and has since delved into football punditry.

Samson Siasia: Since hanging up his boots, he notably formed the SiaOne Academy in Abuja as well took up managerial position with the country's national teams across certain spells.

Rashidi Yekini: A professional career which spanned more than two decades and his record of 37 goals still stand Yekini out today as the most effective marksman the country has ever had. Won the AFOTY in 1993 and the AFCON in 94 where he top scored before sadly passing away in 2012, aged 48.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : fifa.com