Celebrating the Best Nigerian football players of all time

Nigerian culture is deeply ingrained with a love of football that is intricately woven into the fabric of the country. The nation, which has more than 200 million residents and more than 250 different ethnic groups, is a haven for football talent. Nigerian players have made an enormous impact on the sport abroad in addition to finding success in their own leagues. 

This summer, there is one Nigerian player that is the talk of European football. That man is, of course, Victor Osimhen. The 24-year-old striker has just fired Napoli to a first Scudetto in 33 years courtesy of bagging 26 goals in 32 Serie A games. 

As such, it will come as no surprise that a whole host of European heavyweights are battling it out for his signature. Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are known admirers of the Super Eagle; however, it is Manchester United who remain the favorites to secure his services. Last season, the Red Devils were humiliated by their cross-city rivals Manchester City, who ran out victorious at the culmination of FA Cup final week, before going on to add the Premier League and Champions League to their already overflowing trophy cabinet. Bringing Osimhen to Old Trafford should help narrow the gap to Pep Guardiola's Blues however, it remains to be seen where his future lies. 

There is no doubt that in the future, the current Napoli hitman will feature on one of these lists. However, until that day, here are the five best Nigerian footballers of all time. 

John-Obi Mikel

John-Obi Mikel was often regarded as the future of Nigerian football during his younger days. He had a tough, physical presence on the pitch and was a vital part of both the senior national team and the most successful Chelsea team of all time. Mikel won numerous titles with the Blues, including a maiden Champions League crown in 2012 and numerous Premier League titles. 

His impressive career spans more than 17 years and has seen him play for top teams such as the Chelsea, Tianjin TEDA, and Trabzonspor. Known for his technical skills, discipline, and ability to control the midfield, Mikel has won numerous trophies in both domestic and international competitions. He helped lead Nigeria to victory in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and has also represented the nation at two World Cups. 

Jay-Jay Okocha

So good that they named him twice. That is what they used to say about Jay-Jay Okocha. And rightfully so. 

The 73-time Super Eagle is one of many outstanding footballers that Nigeria has produced over the years, but few have won over fans' hearts as completely as he has. On the field, he was a delight to behold thanks to his deft talents, keen vision, and magical left foot. His unpredictable performance made him a unique player, capable of upending a match with a flash of brilliance. 

Bolton Wanderers, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Paris Saint-Germain are just a few of the elite clubs Okocha has represented. Additionally, he represented Nigeria at three FIFA World Cups, even serving as captain four times. Okocha will always be remembered as a legend of Nigerian football, and his impact on upcoming athletes cannot be overstated. 
 

Nwankwo Kanu

Nwankwo Kanu's contribution to Nigerian football is undisputed. He played an integral part in Nigeria's successes during the late 1990s and early 2000s, winning an Olympic gold medal with the Dream Team in 1996. Widely known as 'Papilo', had a remarkable career that spanned over a decade and saw him leave an indelible mark on Nigerian football. 

One of his most iconic moments was his electrifying hat trick for Arsenal against Chelsea back in 1999. Kanu's scintillating performance single-handedly rescued Arsenal from 2-0 down to 3-2 up away at Stamford Bridge His hat trick not only cemented his status as a cult hero but also highlights his incredible skill and ability to deliver when it mattered the most. 
 

Segun Odegbami

Segun Odegbami's career spanned the 1970s to the early 1980s, thus it's not surprising that he has a legendary reputation in Nigerian football history. He was a forward who excelled in dribbling, scoring goals, and playing with incredible pace. He was a vital member of the Nigerian side that made history by winning the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1994 World Cup qualification. 

Beyond his achievements in the national team, Odegbami also had a successful club career in Nigeria and played for the New York Cosmos in the United States. Overall, his contributions to Nigerian football cannot be overstated, and he rightly deserves a spot among the greatest Nigerian footballers of all time. 

Conclusion

Some of the best football players in the world have come out of Nigeria, and they have provided fans with lifelong memories and all four of the stars have endeared themselves to some of the planet's greatest football clubs. With the likes of Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi all pulling on that famous green shirt in modern times, anticipate further Nigerian success in years to come.