Nigerian footballers in the Premier League: Who has had the biggest impact?

The Premier League, England's top football division, has long been a stage for international talent to shine. 

Nigerian footballers, in particular, have made significant contributions to the league, bringing flair, strength, and skill to their respective teams. 

This article from Bet442 explores some of the Nigerian footballers who have left an indelible mark on the Premier League. 

Nwankwo Kanu 

Clubs: Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth 

Nwankwo Kanu, often referred to simply as Kanu, is arguably the most iconic Nigerian player to have graced the Premier League. His career in England began when he joined Arsenal in 1999. 

Known for his technical skill, creativity, and composure, Kanu became a fan favourite at Highbury. During his time with the Gunners, he won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups, contributing to Arsenal's famous unbeaten season in 2003-04. 

After leaving Arsenal, Kanu continued to make his mark at West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth, where he won the FA Cup in 2008. His career in the Premier League spanned a decade, and he is remembered for his crucial goals and charismatic playing style. 

Jay-Jay Okocha 

Club: Bolton Wanderers 

Austin "Jay-Jay" Okocha is celebrated not only for his performances but also for the sheer joy he brought to fans with his dazzling skills. Okocha joined Bolton Wanderers in 2002 and quickly became the talisman of the team. His dribbling, flair, and creativity were instrumental in Bolton’s rise to the Premier League's upper echelons during the early 2000s.
Okocha's time at Bolton saw the club secure their Premier League status and reach the League Cup final in 2004. His ability to perform magic with the ball at his feet made him a cult hero at the Reebok Stadium and an inspiration to many aspiring footballers. 

John Obi Mikel 

Club: Chelsea 

John Obi Mikel's tenure at Chelsea was marked by his versatility and consistent performances. Joining the club in 2006, Mikel played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s midfield for over a decade. Initially deployed as an attacking midfielder, he later excelled as a defensive midfielder under various managers. 

Mikel's contributions helped Chelsea secure numerous trophies, including two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the prestigious UEFA Champions League in 2012. His ability to shield the defence and maintain possession was invaluable, making him one of the most reliable midfielders in the league. 

Yakubu Aiyegbeni 

Clubs: Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, Blackburn Rovers 

Yakubu Aiyegbeni, commonly known as Yakubu, was one of the most prolific Nigerian strikers in the Premier League. His robust playing style and knack for scoring goals made him a valuable asset to every team he played for. Yakubu scored over 95 Premier League goals, making him one of the highest-scoring African players in the league’s history. 

His career in England began at Portsmouth, where he played a crucial role in helping the club maintain their Premier League status. He continued to impress at Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers, consistently finding the back of the net and earning a reputation as a reliable goal-scorer. 

Kelechi Iheanacho 

Clubs: Manchester City, Leicester City 

Kelechi Iheanacho is one of the younger Nigerian talents making waves in the Premier League. After joining Manchester City’s academy, Iheanacho broke into the first team in 2015. His natural goal-scoring ability and penchant for scoring crucial goals quickly earned him a place in the squad.

In 2017, Iheanacho moved to Leicester City, where he has continued to develop and impress. His performances have been pivotal in Leicester’s attacking play, and he was a key player in their FA Cup triumph in 2021. Iheanacho's career trajectory suggests he will be a significant player in the Premier League for years to come. 

Victor Moses 

Clubs: Wigan Athletic, Chelsea, Liverpool, Stoke City, West Ham United 

Victor Moses' journey through the Premier League has been marked by versatility and resilience. Moses began his Premier League career at Wigan Athletic before moving to Chelsea in 2012. At Chelsea, Moses experienced a career renaissance under Antonio Conte, who deployed him as a wing-back in the team’s title-winning 2016-17 season. 

Moses’ ability to adapt to different roles on the pitch made him a valuable squad player at Chelsea and during his loan spells at Liverpool, Stoke City, and West Ham United. His contribution to Chelsea’s Premier League title and FA Cup victories underscores his impact on the league.