The 5 Greatest Nigerian Football Players of All Time
Nigeria’s Greatest Ever Footballers
Nicknamed the Giants of Africa, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are one of the more established national teams from the continent, having won the 4th most continental trophies, and regularly qualifying for the World Cup.
With a population of over 100 million, the pool of talent available to Nigeria is endless, and talent of all shapes, sizes and styles comes off the Nigerian production line as football is the national sport - and it’s also the most popular sport in Nigeria.
This is one of the most difficult lists I’ve done so far, here are Nigeria’s best-ever football players.
The Super Eagles
1. Jay- Jay Okocha
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Caps: 73
Goals: 14
Arguably Nigeria’s most talented footballer of all time, Jay-Jay Okocha captured the imagination of many at home and abroad.
His senior international debut came on 2nd May 1993 during his third season as a pro and first at German side Eintracht Frankfurt; Okocha was aged 19 at the time.
The Early-Mid 1990s
Okocha impressed immediately, scoring his 1st international goal in his 2nd cap. After earning 2 more caps, Okocha was called up to the Super Eagles squad for the 1994 AFCON.
At the 94 AFCON, Okocha played 4 of his nation’s 5 games as Nigeria lifted their 2nd ever continental trophy, with his spectacular performances playing a huge part.
Despite not scoring at the tournament, Okocha was named in the team of the tournament. As a result of his amazing AFCON display, the maestro was called up a few months later for the 1994 World Cup.
At the WC, Okocha was more of a bench player, only starting 1 of the 3 games he played as Nigeria reached the RO16.
By 1995, Okocha’s importance had grown, and he played all 3 of Nigeria’s games after getting called to represent the Super Eagles at the Confed. Cup.
The 1996 Olympic games solidified the playmaker’s place in Nigerian history, as he was part of the team that won Olympic gold in football, netting 2 goals including the opening goal versus Mexico in the QFs. Okocha’s Olympic performance earned him a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce that summer.
The 1998 World Cup
After earning 5 caps in 1997 and another 2 in early 98, whilst also playing regularly in Turkey, the midfielder was called up for Nigeria’s 1998 WC squad.
At the tournament, Okocha started 3 of his nation’s 4 games as the Super Eagles reached the RO16 once again, a valiant display. Playing in central midfield of a 4-5-1, 3-5-2 or 4-4-1-1, Okocha was named in the squad of the tournament.
His 98 WC put Okocha on the map of bigger clubs, and he joined Paris Saint-Germain that summer. Next was the 2000 AFCON, where the playmaker went on to play 5 of 6 games for his country, netting 3 times including the winning brace in the 4-2 group stage win versus Tunisia and the equalising goal in the final, which took the game to extra-time.
Okocha scored his penalty in the shootout but Nigeria lost, coming away with silver. His performances led to a place in the team of the tournament.
Okocha in the 2000s
Post-2000 AFCON and pre-02 AFCON, Okocha earned 10 caps whilst playing well on a weekly basis for PSG, and he was called to represent his country at the 2002 AFCON. At the 02 tournament, Okocha played 5 of his nation’s 6 games as Nigeria earned their fourth-ever bronze medal at the continental showcase.
Individually, the midfielder wasn’t at his best, but still contributed to the collective effort in every game he played.
Okocha was named captain of the national team as the 2002 World Cup approached. He led his side out in all 3 games, as Nigeria failed to exit the group stage for the first time in their history, a disappointing performance from all involved.
The maestro would redeem himself in 2004, putting on a world-class display at the AFCON that year. He played all 6 of the Super Eagles’ games, netting 4 goals in an otherworldly performance.
Three of his four goals came in the knockout rounds, as Okocha scored the opening goal in the SFs and third-placed playoffs game, while also scoring the equaliser versus Cameroon in the QFs.
Okocha’s amazing performances earned him the 04 AFCON Player of the Tournament award, and he was also named in the team of the tournament. His last major international tournament was the 2006 AFCON. At the tournament, Okocha only played 2 of his side’s 6 games as the Super Eagles earned bronze once again.
In Retirement
He retired afterwards, aged 32 years old. A skilful, elegant dribbler of the ball, Okocha was also effective in possession due to his ability to pick a pass or score the spectacular.
A set-piece specialist from the spot and outside the box, Okocha’s similarity to Ronaldinho in playing style and skill is hard to ignore. In fact, they played together at PSG, with the Brazilian recently expressing admiration for Okocha.
A 2 times African Player of the Year and 1-time Bolton Player of the Year, Nigeria is yet to see a playmaker of his ilk since Jay-Jay hung up his boots.
2. Rashidi Yekini
Position: Striker
Caps: 62
Goals: 37
Nigeria’s highest goalscorer of all time, Rashidi Yekini was a natural at his craft with the numbers to back it up. His senior international debut came on 30th October 1983 at 19 years old. This was during his third season as a pro, and second at the Nigerian side Shooting Stars.
Despite not scoring in his first 2 caps, Yekini impressed enough to be called for the 1984 African Cup of Nations. At the tournament, Yekini was trusted to play 4 of Nigeria’s 5 games as the Super Eagles earned a silver medal, but he failed to score in any of the games.
Making his mark in the 1980s
After finally netting his 1st for Nigeria in the immediate game after the 84 AFCON, in a qualifier versus Kenya, Yekini began to settle down and show his skills, scoring in the game after that too. The marksman became a regular in the national team fairly soon, earning 11 caps between 1985 and 1988.
This earned him a call-up to the 1988 AFCON. At the tournament, Yekini played all 5 of his nation’s games as Nigeria earned silver once again.
Yekini had a better tournament than his first at least, scoring once; the opening goal versus Kenya in the group stages. After the AFCON, Yekini would go on to represent Nigeria at the Olympics a few months later, scoring once as Nigeria failed to progress past the group stage.
AFCON 1990 and beyond
Afterwards, despite no caps from the period post-Olympics to 1990, Yekini was still called up for the 1990 AFCON. The marksman played all 5 of his country’s games, scoring 3 times to propel Nigeria to a 3rd silver medal in a row, a truly bittersweet achievement for the Super Eagles.
The marksman scored the winning goal in 2 group games at the 90 AFCON, with another goal scored in the semifinals. Inexplicably not selected for the team of the tournament after such performances, Yekini’s AFCON performance at least earned him a move to the Portuguese side, Vitoria Setubal, later that year.
After another 2 caps earned between 90 and 91, Yekini was fit enough to play at the 92 AFCON, ensuring his place in Nigeria’s squad.
At the tournament, Yekini somehow managed to overshadow his last continental performance, scoring 4 goals to lead Nigeria to bronze while also winning the golden boot himself.
2 goals came in the group stage versus Kenya, whilst another 2 came in the knockout rounds in the form of winning goals in the QFs and third-place match. This time, Yekini would not be denied, earning a place in the team of the tournament.
After 2 fantastic displays in continental competition as well as playing well at the 88 Olympics, Yekini was now Nigeria’s main goal-getter. After earning 12 caps between 1992 and 1994, the marksman was made a part of the Super Eagles’ 1994 AFCON squad.
At the tournament, Yekini played all 5 of his nation’s games, netting 5 goals to inspire Nigeria to cup success finally after so many nearly moments.
2 goals came in the group stages whilst a game-winning brace secured the QFs, with the last an equalising goal in the SFs. Yekini’s winning penalty in the SFs shootout took Nigeria to the final, which they won.
After earning the golden boot again and a place in the team of the tournament, Yekini was also awarded the AFCON Player of the Tournament award. A few months later, the striker was selected in Nigeria’s World Cup squad.
At the WC, Yekini played all 4 of his nation’s games, netting the opening goal of a 3-0 group stage win versus Bulgaria as the Super Eagles reached the RO16 in an impressive display by the then-African champions.
Yekini’s last major international tournament was the 1998 World Cup. He played all 4 games as Nigeria reached the RO16 once again, an outstanding achievement. Unfortunately, no goals were scored by the ageing marksman. He retired from international football after the ’90 WC, aged 34.
A complete #9, Rashidi Yekini was blessed with immense power in both feet, fantastic movement and composure seen in most players. His dribbling was underrated, and he possessed all the physical attributes required to bully defenders.
14 goals in 5 major international tournaments, 2 golden boots won in his nation’s colours: Yekini is undoubtedly worthy of being Nigeria’s greatest-ever goalscorer.
3. Vincent Enyeama
Position: Goalkeeper
Caps: 101
Nigeria’s best-ever goalkeeper, as well as their most-capped shot-stopper, Vincent Enyeama was the personification of consistency when in the goal for his country.
Enyeama’s senior international debut came on 4th May 2002 at 19 years old.
This was his third season as a pro but first at Nigerian giants Enyimba. He immediately became a regular member of the national setup, even getting called up as the backup ‘keeper for the 2002 World Cup a few months after his debut.
Starting for Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup
The Super Eagles lost their first two group games and it became evident the team wouldn’t progress, so Enyeama was given the starting GK spot for the final group game versus England and performed excellently, keeping a clean sheet against the likes of Michael Owen, David Beckham, and Paul Scholes.
After Shorunmu’s international retirement, Enyeama immediately replaced him as Nigeria’s #1, amassing 7 caps between 2002 and 2003.
After consistent game time for club and country, Enyeama was called up for the Super Eagles squad for the 2004 African Cup of Nations. At the tournament, the shot-stopper played all of his nation’s games, keeping 2 clean sheets as the Nigerians earned a bronze medal in an admirable performance from the team.
Enyeama’s efforts earned him a place in the team of the tournament. After the tournament and pre-2006 AFCON, Enyeama amassed 10 caps and continued to be indispensable to the national team.
Moving to the Israeli League
He also moved to the Israeli side Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv in 2005 and continued to play consistently for them as well. This guaranteed his place in Nigeria’s AFCON 2006 squad.
At the 06 competition, Enyeama kept 4 clean sheets in the 6 games he played, conceding only 2 goals, and saving 3 penalties in the QFs shootout as the Super Eagles earned their third consecutive bronze medal at the continental showcase.
Despite his world-class displays, Enyeama was inexplicably not selected for the team of the tournament.
In 2008, Enyeama was surprisingly dropped to the backup keeper by then-Super Eagles coach Berti Vogts, and the shot-stopper endured this role throughout the 2008 AFCON, being selected for the squad but not playing a single minute at the tournament as Nigeria only advanced as far the quarterfinals.
Vogts resigned after the tournament, meaning Enyeama regained his starting spot, earning 11 caps between June 2008 and the end of 2009. He had also moved to Israeli giants Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2007, and having played consistently there for 3 years, it ensured his call-up for the 2010 AFCON.
At the tournament, Enyeama played all 6 of his nation’s games, keeping 4 clean sheets as the Super Eagles earned their 4th bronze from their last 5 AFCON appearances.
2010 World Cup and Onwards
Another immense performance from Enyeama was overlooked as he wasn’t even on the bench for the team. 4 months later was the 2010 World Cup, and Enyeama was called up by his country.
Enyeama was fantastic at the World Cup, being named man of the match in two group games versus Argentina and Greece despite Nigeria losing both games. The Super Eagles didn’t progress past the group stage, but Enyeama played well.
He continued to be ever-present after this, earning 14 caps between post- WC 2010 and 2013. Enyeama moved to French side Lille after impressing at the 2010 WC, and he became starting goalie at his new side. As a result, he was called up to the 2013 AFCON.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations
At the tournament, Enyeama started all of his side’s games as Nigeria triumphed on the continent’s biggest stage for the first time since 1980, keeping 2 clean sheets during the journey (including in the final). After being overlooked for his more impressive AFCON performances, Enyeama was included in the team of the tournament for this competition.
He also served as captain for the side, as Joseph Yobo wasn’t a guaranteed starter at the time. Next was the 2013 Confed. Cup a few months later, where Enyeama once again served as captain.
At the CC, Enyeama had his only poor tournament for his country as Nigeria exited at the group stage. Enyeama’s last major international tournament was the 2014 World Cup, a fitting stage for a keeper of his calibre to bow out on.
2014 World Cup
At the World Cup, Enyeama kept 2 clean sheets from the 4 games Nigeria played as the Super Eagles reached the RO16 in an impressive performance from the squad. His last cap came in June 2015, as he retired from international football aged 32.
Consistently brilliant in goal, Enyeama was also a leader on the pitch, organising his defence whenever he got the chance.
A goalkeeper with fantastic reflexes, Enyeama stopped his fair share of 1v1s during his career, showing fearlessness in every game he played.
He was also known for his double saves, stopping shots within seconds of each other on a regular basis.
A legend of the sport, Enyeama’s performances will live long in the memory of his countrymen.
4. John Mikel Obi
Position: Central Midfielder
Caps: 90
Goals: 6
John Mikel Obi didn’t reach the heights fans expected, but he still went on to have a long and successful career for club and country. Mikel was a driving force in Nigeria’s midfield for over a decade.
His senior international debut came on 17th August 2005, during Mikel’s second season as a pro at Norwegian side Lyn Oslo; he was 18 years old at the time. Despite earning only 1 cap in 2005, Mikel was called up to the Super Eagles squad for the 2006 AFCON.
The transfer tussle at the time between English giants Chelsea and Manchester United for Mikel’s services undoubtedly played a part in this call-up. At the tournament, Mikel played 4 of Nigeria’s 6 games as the Super Eagles earned bronze.
Post Chelsea Move
Initially, a bench player, Mikel scored in the first game he started, the second group game versus Zimbabwe. As a 19-year-old, Mikel impressed many while wearing the national colours. After his move to Chelsea was finalised, Mikel’s place in the national team was too.
After earning 5 caps in 2005, the midfield maestro was called up to Nigeria’s 2008 AFCON squad. At the 08 AFCON, Mikel started all of the Super Eagles’ games, netting once (opening goal versus Benin Republic in the group) as Nigeria only reached the QFs, a poor performance from the team.
By 2010, Mikel was playing regularly for Chelsea as well as Nigeria, with over 20 EPL apps per season since his move and 9 caps for his country between post-AFCON ’08 and the end of 2009.
As he was fit, Mikel’s place in the Nigerian team for the 2010 AFCON was certain. At the tournament, the midfielder played all 6 of his nation’s games as the Super Eagles earned bronze once more; their 7th in AFCON history.
Missing the 2010 World Cup Due to Injury
He helped his side keep 4 clean sheets. Mikel missed out on the 2010 World Cup squad due to a knee injury. He would return to the side in September of that year, and amassed 8 caps in 2011, exhibiting his return to full fitness.
Mikel would be fit for the 2013 AFCON and was called up as a result. Mikel played all 6 of Nigeria’s games as the Super Eagles lifted their 3rd continental trophy after years of near misses. Playing as either the #6 or #8 in a 4-1-4-1, Mikel aided his side in keeping 2 clean sheets at the tournament, earning a place in the team of the tournament.
He would go on to represent Nigeria a few months later as well, playing all 3 games at the Confederations Cup and scoring in a loss versus Uruguay.
World Cup 2014
1 year and 7 caps later, Mikel was representing his nation at his first World Cup. The midfielder played all 4 of his nation’s games as Nigeria reached the RO16. He led his side to 2 clean sheets at the WC and was even named man of the match in Nigeria’s first group game versus Iran.
In 2016, Mikel was called up to Nigeria’s Olympic football team, being named captain as well.
At the Olympic tournament, Mikel led the U-23s to a bronze medal, keeping 2 clean sheets from the 6 games.
Playing in the central midfield of a 4-4-2, Mikel also scored the opening goal versus Denmark in the QFs. After earning 4 caps in 2017 and another 2 in early 2018 despite then playing in China, Mikel was called up to Nigeria’s 2018 WC squad and made captain.
He played all of his nation’s games at the tournament, keeping 1 clean sheet as the Super Eagles failed to progress past the group.
The midfielder’s last major international tournament was the 2019 AFCON. Now an older player, Mikel only played 2 of his side’s 7 games, although the team still earned a bronze medal regardless.
He retired from international football afterwards, aged 32 years old. Originally an attacking midfielder, Mikel had to adjust his game to play defensively at Chelsea, but he was often still offensive for his country.
Mikel was strong in tackle and tidy in possession. His vision was underrated, while the midfielder also had the occasional golazo in him. A 2x member of the CAF African Team of the Year and 2x Chelsea Young Payer of the Year, Mikel has had an enviable career.
5. Joseph Yobo
Position: Centre-back
Caps: 101
Goals: 7
Nigeria’s joint most-capped player of all time, Joseph Yobo was the ever-present leader in his nation’s backline for most of the 21st century, and a vital part of the team’s success during that period.
His senior international debut came on 24th March 2001 during his third season as a pro at Belgian giants Standard Liege; Yobo was aged 20 at the time. As a result of playing at a high level at such a young age, the defender became a regular immediately.
By the end of 2001, Yobo had earned 7 caps and was a regular in the starting lineup. In 2002, he was called up to represent his country at the African Cup of Nations. At the tournament, Yobo performed excellently, helping the Super Eagles keep 5 clean sheets in 6 games whilst conceding only 2 goals as the side earned a bronze medal.
Despite being ever-present in Nigeria’s resolute defence at the 02 AFCON, Yobo wasn’t selected in the team of the tournament.
2002, a Breakout Year
After performing so well at the 2002 AFCON, he was then called up for the 2002 World Cup a few months later. At the tournament, Yobo played all of his nation’s games as Nigeria failed to progress past the group stage.
He was played in a versatile manner by then-manager, Festus Onigbinde, playing in defensive midfield in a 4-3-3 as well as a right-back and centre-back in a 4-4-2.
Next was the 2004 AFCON. By this point, Yobo had spent 2 years at English side Everton, initially on loan but he impressed enough to be made a permanent signing.
At the continental showcase, Yobo played all 6 of the Super Eagles’ games, unfortunately not performing as well as his last AFCON, with only 1 clean sheet kept from his games played as well as the opening goal in a 4-0 win versus South Africa. The team went on to earn bronze for their efforts.
2006 onwards, Yobo was Ever-Present
After earning 6 caps in 2005, Yobo was called up to the 2006 AFCON. At the 06 AFCON, Yobo continued to be the model of consistency, playing all 6 of his nation’s games and conceding only 3 goals throughout the tournament as Nigeria earned bronze for the third tournament in a row.
By 2008, Yobo had appeared in 3 consecutive AFCONs and a World Cup while also boasting 6 years of experience playing in the English Premier League, the highest level.
He was an indispensable part of the Super Eagles, and he was called up for the 2008 AFCON. At the tournament, Yobo played all 4 of the Super Eagles’ games as Nigeria only reached the quarterfinals, a poor performance from a team of that stature. Yobo performed well individually, helping his side keep 2 clean sheets from the games played.
After earning another 12 caps between 2009 and 2010, Yobo was certain to represent Nigeria at the 2010 AFCON, and was called up to do so.
After playing the first 2 group games and keeping a clean sheet, Yobo pulled his hamstring in the second game, which ruled him out for the rest of the tournament. While the team lost one of their leaders, the other players rallied to earn bronze in a valiant display from the Super Eagles.
2010 World Cup
Thankfully for Nigeria, Yobo recovered in time for the 2010 World Cup, where he captained his country for the first time. At the tournament, the defender played all 3 of his side’s games as Nigeria exited in the group stages.
The 2013 AFCON was Yobo’s crowning moment representing Nigeria, playing 5 of 6 games as the Super Eagles finally lifted the continental trophy. His last major international tournament was the 2014 World Cup.
At the tournament, Yobo captained his nation in an impressive performance which saw Nigeria reach the RO16.
Initially a substitute, Yobo replaced the injured Godfrey Oboabona during the 1st game, and played the rest of the tournament as captain, keeping 2 clean sheets. He retired after the ’14 WC, aged 33.
Watching Yobo in his prime reminds fans of current player Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Both players use the slide tackle effectively, making them specialists in a relatively risky skill. However, compared to Wan-Bissaka, Yobo played at centre-back due to his strength, as well as a good leap and fantastic heading ability.
He was versatile in his prime due to his pace as well, playing as a full-back when required. Most valuable was his leadership though, through which he organised defences at the highest level for over a decade.
A legend on the continent, Yobo is arguably Nigeria’s greatest-ever central defender.
We have more ‘Greatest ever’ type content in our Football Blog
Honourable Mentions for Nigeria’s Greatest Player:
Stephen Keshi, Sunday Oliseh, Ahmed Musa, Christian Chukwu, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Obafemi Martins, Victor Moses, Sunday Mba, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, Segun Odegbami, Odion Ighalo, Uche Okechukwu, Elderson Echiejile, Emmanuel Emenike, Peter Rufai, Muda Lawal, Tijani Babangida, Peter Odemwingie, Henry Nwosu, Celestine Babayaro, Emmanuel Amunike, Daniel Amokachi, Taribo West, Finidi George, Best Ogedegbe, Teslim Balogun, and Samuel Okwaraji.
