Table of Contents
- Nigerian football players are ambitious
- They have become very popular and famous amongst many fans who love football
- Most Nigerian footballers play in major leagues in the world
Sportsleo takes a look at Nigerian footballers playing internationally. To begin with, Nigeria is one of the African countries that produce exceptional and talented players. The Nigerian team is a three-time champion in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which makes it one of the most successful national teams in the prestigious tournament.
Nigeria’s team is regarded as one powerhouse of African football giants. For many years Nigerian footballers have not been missing in the world of football. From the likes of Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and John Obi Mikel to modern stars such as Victor Osimhen and Obafemi Martins, Nigerians have been making headlines in European football.
Victor Osimhen tops the list of Nigerian footballers playing internationally. Photo/ KickOff.
Nigerian football players are ambitious, skilful, and self-driven and have always shone to win trophies, awards and recognition wherever they go. They have become very popular and famous amongst many fans who love football and their personality adds to it all.
Legendary players have been in top football clubs in Africa, Europe and beyond for many years proving they are one of the world leaders in football games. Even today, there are many Nigerian footballers in the major leagues in the world. With that said, let’s take a look at some of the top Nigerian footballers playing internationally.
1. Victor Osimhen
After falling out with executives at Napoli, Victor Osimhen had to eventually leave the club on a permanent transfer this summer. The Nigerian forward spent last season on loan at Turkish club Galatasaray and signed with the club on a permanent deal this summer.
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Osimhen is 26 years old and has represented his nation in 40 matches, scoring 26 goals. He is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world at the moment.
2. KELECHI IHEANACHO
Kelechi Iheanacho is one of the top Nigerian footballers playing internationally. Photo/Sky Sports
Kelechi Iheanacho is a forward player best known for his time with Leicester City. He joined the English club in 2017 after a a two-year spell at Manchester City, where he won the Football League Cup in 2016.
Iheanacho had a more successful spell at Leicester, winning the FA Cup, FA Community Shield and the EFL Championship at the end of 2023/24 season. In addition, he also acquired a one-league cup winners medal with MCFC. The 28-year-old forward now plays for Spanish La Liga side Sevilla.
Iheanacho played for the Nigerian youth team winning the U17 world cup and has represented the senior team 59 times, scoring 15 goals.
3. RASHIDI YEKINI
Rashidi played for the Nigeria national football team giving the team a big name and memories of having scored 37 strikes. In 1993, he won the African Footballer of the Year award and later the following year, the Nigerian football team won the AFCON due to his striking energy. Rashidi, who passed away in 2012, will always be remembered as one of the best forwards in his playing days.
Rashidi Yekini. Photo/ Ahram Online.
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4. JAY JAY OKOCHA
Jay played as an attacker which helped Nigeria win the AFCON in 1994 and Olympic gold in 1995-1996. He also played for big teams like Hull City, Bolton, Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahçe’s, Paris Saint Germain and many more. The attacker will always be remembered for his hit targets as he could score single-handedly sensational goals.
5. ODION IGHALO
Odion Ighalo had a short spell with Manchester United in 2020. Photo/Sky Sports
Odion plays as a forward and signed for Manchester United in 2020 which made him a hero in Nigeria. However, he left after one season and has since played for Al-Shabab, Al-Hilal and most recently Al-Wehda.
With the Nigeria national team, he has played at AFCON and FIFA World Cup. Prior to his retirement in 2022, he had made 37 appearances for Super Eagles with a total of 16 goals.
6. SAMSON SIASIA
Samson is a retired Nigerian international player having scored 16 goals in 51 appearances. He is also a winner of the AFCON IN 1994 and FIFA WORLD CUP in the same year. He is a forward with a history of winning the French League 1 with Nantes.
