Nigeria is a football powerhouse in Africa. It's no surprise that this team has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) three times, making it the fourth most successful national team in the tournament. Over the years, the country has produced mesmerizing players across all positions, captivating football fans worldwide. "Top 10 best Nigerian soccer players all of time" is a topic that many fans are interested in. To bring a fresh perspective to sports news, Wintips presents the following Top 10 list.
Top 10 the most Nigerian soccer players
1. John Obi Mikel
Chelsea emerged victorious in the transfer battle for John Obi-Mikel against Manchester United. Before that, young Mikel attracted attention from Premier League giants due to his stellar performance at the 2003 U-17 World Cup.
The Nigerian midfielder spent 11 years with Chelsea, playing in 372 matches. He clinched numerous titles, including two Premier League championships, four FA Cups, two League Cups, one Champions League, and one Europa League. At the international level, John Obi-Mikel represented Nigeria 91 times and was named in the Team of the Tournament at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
2. Wilfried Ndidi
After N'Golo Kanté's departure, Wilfried Ndidi was tasked with filling the void left by his predecessor in Leicester City's midfield. In his early days with the "Foxes," the Nigerian midfielder quickly adapted to the team's playing style.
In his debut Premier League season, no player made more successful tackles than Ndidi. During the 2020/21 season, Ndidi played a significant role in Leicester's FA Cup triumph—their first in history. Later, they defeated Manchester City to lift the Community Shield trophy.
3. Yakubu Ayegbeni - One of the best Nigerian soccer players
Yakubu Ayegbeni, commonly known as Yakubu, holds the record for the most Premier League goals by a Nigerian player and ranks fourth among African players to play in the English top flight. Yakubu netted 95 goals in 252 Premier League appearances, making him one of only five players to score a hat-trick for three different clubs (Blackburn, Everton, and Portsmouth).
Portsmouth was Yakubu's first Premier League destination. He scored 42 goals in 92 appearances for the Fratton Park outfit, including a remarkable four-goal performance against Middlesbrough in the 2003/04 season. In 2007, Everton shattered their transfer record at the time by spending £11.25 million to sign Yakubu.
4. Nwankwo Kanu
Nwankwo Kanu is remembered as one of the pioneering African players in the Premier League. Kanu joined Ajax in 1993 after impressing with the Nigerian U17 national team at the FIFA U17 World Cup that same year. In 1999, Kanu joined Arsenal, where he became a key player and won multiple titles.
At Highbury, the Nigerian forward scored 44 goals in 198 appearances for the Gunners and won two Premier League titles with the club. After departing the London-based team, Kanu moved to Portsmouth, where he secured the FA Cup trophy in 2008, adding to his list of achievements.
5. Jay-Jay Okocha - One of the best Nigerian soccer players
Jay-Jay Okocha's move to Bolton on a free transfer was nothing short of sensational. Before that, Okocha had made a name for himself during stints with Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, and PSG. Thanks to his artistic style of play and flair for technical wizardry on the field, Okocha became one of the most entertaining players in football history.
Okocha quickly became a fan favorite among Bolton supporters and Premier League audiences. Despite struggling with fitness issues, the Nigerian maestro played a crucial role in securing the club’s Premier League survival. Okocha made a total of 142 appearances for Bolton, with his greatest achievement being leading the team to the League Cup final in 2004.
6. Obafemi Martins
Obafemi Martins was a former professional footballer from Nigeria, renowned for his exceptional speed, strength, and goal-scoring ability. Born on October 28, 1984, in Lagos, Nigeria, Martins began his football career in Europe with Reggiana in Italy before making a name for himself at Inter Milan.
During his time at Inter Milan, Martins scored many important goals and won several titles, including Serie A and Coppa Italia. His agility and powerful shot helped him become one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe.
7. Ahmed Musa
Ahmed Musa is a professional footballer from Nigeria, known for his speed, technique, and excellent goal-scoring skills. Born on October 14, 1992, in Jos, Nigeria, Musa has played as a winger for several clubs across Europe and Asia, as well as representing the Nigerian national team in many international tournaments.
Musa's club career began at the GBS Football Academy in Nigeria before moving to JUTH FC and then Kano Pillars, where he emerged as one of the top forwards in the Nigerian Premier League. His goal-scoring prowess attracted attention from European clubs, leading to his move to VVV-Venlo in 2010.
8. Vincent Enyeama - One of the best Nigerian soccer players
Vincent Enyeama, with his remarkable career spanning over 100 appearances for the Nigerian national team, stands as one of the most revered figures in Nigerian football history. His journey as a goalkeeper is a testament to his talent, dedication, and lasting impact on football in Nigeria and beyond.
Enyeama's rise to prominence began on the football fields of Nigeria, where his goalkeeping talent caught the attention of scouts and coaches early on. His impressive performances for local clubs paved the way for his professional career, which soon saw him play for some of Europe's most esteemed clubs.
9. Kelechi Iheanacho - Among the best Nigerian soccer players
Kelechi Iheanacho is a professional footballer from Nigeria who plays as a forward. Born on October 3, 1996, in Imo, Nigeria, Iheanacho is renowned for his goal-scoring ability as well as his talent for creating opportunities for his teammates. He is regarded as one of Nigeria's top footballing talents and has played for some of the leading clubs in Europe.
Iheanacho's career began to shine prominently at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he helped Nigeria clinch the title and received the FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball award as the tournament's outstanding player. Following that impressive tournament, he joined Manchester City, where he began his professional career in Europe.
10. Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen is a professional footballer from Nigeria who plays as a forward. Born on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria, Osimhen quickly emerged as one of the world's top young strikers due to his speed, physical strength, aerial ability, and goal-scoring instinct.
Osimhen's career began to attract international attention after his stellar performance at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot award and helped the Nigerian national team clinch the championship. His impressive display paved the way for a move to Europe, where he joined the German club Wolfsburg in 2017.
Conclusion
Nigerian players are renowned for their skill, resilience, and ambition to win trophies wherever they go. They are also well-known for their humble demeanor and team spirit off the field. For decades, legendary Nigerian footballers have represented their national team and played for various top clubs across Europe and around the world. Here are the best Nigerian soccer players list from the admin of the reviews international betting site website. Hopefully, this list will satisfy you and increase your fondness for our website.
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