Famous Nigerian Football Players

Jay-Jay Okocha is a Nigerian former professional footballer known for his skills as an attacking midfielder. He earned 73 caps playing for the Nigeria national team and was part of three FIFA World Cup squads. Okocha began his career at Enugu Rangers before moving to Borussia Neunkirchen in Germany. Throughout his career, he played in various leagues including the Bundesliga, Süper Lig, Ligue 1, Premier League, EFL Championship, and Qatar Stars League before retiring in 2008. He is considered one of the greatest football players from Africa.

Kelechi Iheanacho is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for La Liga club Sevilla and the Nigeria national team. He began his senior career at Manchester City, winning the Football League Cup in the 2015–16 season. In 2017, he moved to Leicester City for a reported fee of £25 million, becoming the record transfer for a Nigerian player at that time. Iheanacho played a key role in Leicester City's FA Cup success in 2020–21 and has represented Nigeria in various international competitions, earning accolades for his talent and performance.

Nwankwo Kanu is a retired Nigerian professional footballer renowned for his successful career playing as a forward. He represented clubs such as Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, and Portsmouth. Kanu is celebrated as one of the greatest African footballers, having won numerous prestigious titles including the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and Olympic gold medal. He holds the distinction of winning multiple league titles, cup competitions, and individual awards, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in African football history. Additionally, Kanu is involved in philanthropic efforts as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and serves as a brand ambassador for StarTimes.

Foluwashola "Shola" Ameobi is a Nigerian former professional footballer known for his time spent at Newcastle United, where he played as a striker for 14 years. With 397 official appearances and 79 goals for the club, he was part of the team that won the Championship in 2010. Ameobi holds the fifth most appearances as a substitute in the Premier League. He also had stints with Gaziantep BB in Turkey, Crystal Palace, Bolton Wanderers, Fleetwood Town, and Notts County before retiring. Ameobi represented both England under-21 and Nigeria, making his debut for Nigeria in 2012 and playing in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins is a Nigerian former professional footballer known for his speed on the ball. He began his senior career at Serie A club Inter Milan before moving to Newcastle United and VfL Wolfsburg. He also played for Rubin Kazan, Birmingham City, Levante, Seattle Sounders FC, Shanghai Shenhua, and Wuhan. Martins won multiple titles and cups in club football, including the Serie A title and the Italian Cup. He also represented Nigeria in several Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Joseph Yobo is a retired Nigerian professional footballer who played as a centre back. He served as the captain of the Nigerian national team and held the record for the most appearances for the team. Following his international football retirement in 2014, Yobo was appointed as the assistant coach of the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation in February 2020. Throughout his career, he was known for his leadership on the field and his contributions to Nigerian football both as a player and a coach.

Peter Odemwingie is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a forward. He began his career at Bendel Insurance in the Nigeria Premier League before moving to European football with La Louvière in Belgium. He then played for Lille in France, scoring 26 goals and participating in the UEFA Champions League. Lokomotiv Moscow signed him for £10 million in 2007 where he scored 23 goals in 3+1⁄2 years. He later played for West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff City, and Stoke City in the English Premier League. Odemwingie represented Nigeria in over 60 matches, including two World Cups and four Africa Cup of Nations, and won silver at the 2008 Olympics.

Alexander Chuka Iwobi is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Fulham and the Nigeria national team. He started his career at Arsenal, where he made 149 appearances and scored fifteen goals. Iwobi achieved success with Arsenal, winning the FA Cup in 2017 and scoring in the 2019 UEFA Europa League final. In 2019, he transferred to Everton for a significant fee. Iwobi has represented Nigeria at various international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.

Rashidi Yekini was a renowned Nigerian professional footballer who excelled as a forward. As the all-time leading goal scorer for Nigeria, he had a successful career spanning over two decades, primarily with Vitória de Setúbal in Portugal. Yekini's impressive international record includes 37 goals for Nigeria and participation in seven major tournaments, notably scoring the nation's first-ever World Cup goal. His achievements culminated in being awarded the prestigious title of African Footballer of the Year in 1993.

Maduka Okoye is a professional footballer known for his skills as a goalkeeper. He currently plays for Serie A club Udinese and represents the Nigeria national team. With experience playing in top leagues, Okoye has showcased his talent and commitment on the field. Known for his commanding presence in goal, he has earned a reputation for making crucial saves and organizing his defense effectively. Okoye's dedication to his craft and ability to perform under pressure make him a valuable asset to both his club and national team.

Francis Uzoho is a Nigerian professional footballer known for his skills as a goalkeeper. He currently plays for Cypriot First Division club Omonia and represents the Nigeria national team. Uzoho has established himself as a talented player in both domestic and international competitions. His impressive performances on the field have earned him recognition and respect among fans and peers alike. Uzoho's dedication and hard work have contributed to his success in professional football, making him a key player for his club and country.

Taye Ismaila Taiwo is a Nigerian retired professional footballer who played as a defender for various clubs. He began his career with Gabros International and Lobi Stars before moving to Marseille in France, where he enjoyed success by winning several titles. However, Taiwo's career took a downturn after joining Milan in Serie A. Despite a promising start in France, his time at Milan was considered a decline in his career.

Prince Tega Wanogho is a skilled American football offensive tackle of Nigerian descent. He honed his talents at Auburn University before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft. As a free agent, he continues to showcase his prowess on the field, bringing strength and agility to his position. With his determination and dedication, Wanogho is poised to make a significant impact in the NFL and solidify his reputation as a formidable player in the league.

Victor Nsofor Obinna is a Nigerian former professional footballer known for his role as a striker. He played for Chievo in Italy's Serie B and previously in Serie A before the club's relegation in 2007. Obinna made his full international debut for Nigeria at the 2006 African Cup of Nations, where he scored once in three appearances. He had a successful career in professional football, showcasing his skills and talent on both the national and international levels.

Chukwuma Okorafor is a Nigerian professional American football offensive tackle currently playing for the New England Patriots in the NFL. He began his professional career after playing college football at Western Michigan. Okorafor's skills and dedication have enabled him to excel in his position as an offensive tackle, contributing to the success of his team. His performance on the field has garnered recognition and respect within the league, solidifying his reputation as a talented and reliable player in the NFL.

Samson Ebukam is a Nigerian–American football player who currently plays as a defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. He began his professional career after being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Ebukam played college football at Eastern Washington before transitioning to the NFL. Known for his strong defensive skills and versatility on the field, he has established himself as a valuable player in the league, contributing to the success of his team.

Benjamin Banogu is a Nigerian professional American football defensive end. He played college football at both Louisiana-Monroe and TCU. Banogu entered the NFL Draft in 2019 and was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round. He played for the Colts for two seasons before becoming a free agent. Known for his speed and versatility on the field, Banogu is looking to continue his professional football career and make an impact with a new team in the upcoming season.

Taribo West is a Nigerian pastor and former professional footballer known for his unique and vibrant hairstyles. He played as a defender and achieved success with Auxerre in French football before moving on to play for prestigious clubs such as Inter Milan and AC Milan in Italy, as well as featuring in top leagues in England and Germany. West earned 42 caps for Nigeria from 1994 to 2005, participating in multiple World Cups and African Championships, as well as winning a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics.

Isaac Success Ajayi is a Nigerian professional footballer known for his role as a forward for Serie A club Udinese. He started his career at Granada CF in Spain before moving to Watford in the English Premier League. Success has showcased his skills as a versatile and talented player, with a strong ability to score goals and create opportunities for his team. His career has been marked by determination, hard work, and a passion for the game, making him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.

William Troost-Ekong is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for PAOK in the Super League Greece and captains the Nigeria national team. He has represented Nigeria internationally since 2015 and has accumulated over 70 caps. Known for his defensive prowess and leadership on the field, Troost-Ekong has been a key player for both club and country. His performances have earned him recognition as a reliable and skilled defender, contributing significantly to the success of his teams.

Victor Ikpeba Nosa had a successful professional football career, playing as a forward for both club and country. He represented Nigeria in 31 international matches, scoring seven goals. Ikpeba was a key player for the Super Eagles, participating in the FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998. He contributed significantly to Nigeria's victories in the 1994 African Nations Cup and the 1996 Olympic football tournament. Known for his goal-scoring prowess and skill on the field, Ikpeba remains a respected figure in Nigerian football history.

Emmanuel Ogbah is a Nigerian professional American football linebacker who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. He began his career playing college football at Oklahoma State before being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Ogbah has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the Dolphins. Known for his strong defensive skills and versatility on the field, Ogbah continues to make an impact in the league with his athleticism and determination.

Innocent Emeghara had a successful professional football career as a Swiss player primarily known for his role as a striker. Throughout his time in the sport, he showcased his talent and skill on the field, earning recognition for his contributions to various teams. Emeghara's abilities as a forward allowed him to make significant impact during matches, scoring goals and assisting teammates. His dedication and passion for the game were evident in his performances, making him a respected figure in the world of football.

Uche Kalu is a Nigerian football player known for his versatility and skill on the field. He has played for various clubs in Nigeria, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. Throughout his career, he has faced challenges such as injuries but has shown resilience in bouncing back and delivering strong performances. Kalu has also represented Nigeria at both the domestic and international levels, contributing significantly to his team's success and earning recognition for his contributions.

Kalu Uche is a retired Nigerian professional footballer who primarily played as a forward. He had a successful career, spending a significant portion in Spain, notably with Almería, where he achieved impressive statistics in La Liga. Uche also played in various other countries including Poland, France, Switzerland, Turkey, Qatar, and India. As a Nigeria international player, he participated in major tournaments such as the 2010 World Cup and the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, showcasing his talent on the international stage.

Razak Omotoyossi is a former professional footballer known for his striker position. He represented the Benin national team in international competitions. Throughout his career, Omotoyossi played for various clubs in Nigeria, Egypt, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, and France. His skills and versatility allowed him to adapt to different playing styles and leagues, showcasing his talent on both the domestic and international stages. Omotoyossi's experience and contributions have left a lasting impact on the teams he represented during his time as a professional footballer.

Kevin Akpoguma is a versatile professional footballer who primarily operates as a centre back or left-back for Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim. Born in Germany, he initially represented the German youth teams before deciding to play for the Nigeria national team. Throughout his career, Akpoguma has displayed strong defensive skills and leadership qualities on the field, earning a reputation as a reliable and consistent performer. His ability to adapt to different positions and his experience in top-level football make him a valuable asset for both club and country.

Jeff Otah had a successful professional career as an American football offensive tackle. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft. Otah played for the Panthers for a few seasons, showcasing his skills and contributing to the team's offensive line. Throughout his time in the NFL, he demonstrated talent and dedication, becoming known for his strong blocking abilities and overall performance on the field. Otah left a mark on the league with his impressive contributions as an offensive tackle.

Chioma Ajunwa-Opara, MON, OLY is a Nigerian former track and field athlete and football player. She made history by becoming the first Nigerian to win Olympic gold at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event. Ajunwa is a member of the Nigerian Police Force and is known for being the only woman to compete at both the FIFA Women's World Cup as a footballer and the Olympics as a track and field athlete. In December 2017, she launched the Chioma Ajunwa-Okpara Foundation to discover new Nigerian sports stars. The Foundation collaborated with the Abia State government to sponsor an Under-16 Athletics Championship for Secondary Schools in March 2018.

Moses Ashikodi is a retired professional footballer who had a diverse career playing for various clubs including Millwall, West Ham United, Gillingham, Rangers, Watford, Bradford City, Swindon Town, Hereford United, and Shrewsbury Town. He also played semi-professional football for numerous teams. Ashikodi has international experience, being capped twice for Antigua & Barbuda and representing England at various youth levels. Throughout his career, he showcased his skills and dedication to the sport, making a significant impact on the teams he played for.

Ade Aruna is a Nigerian professional American football defensive end who played college football at Tulane. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft. Throughout his career, he has been a member of the Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders and BC Lions. As a free agent, Ade Aruna continues to showcase his skills and talent, aiming to secure a spot on an NFL team and make valuable contributions to the field as a dynamic defensive player.

Jeremiah Attaochu is a versatile American football linebacker of Nigerian descent. He began his professional career when he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft after playing college football at Georgia Tech. Throughout his career, Attaochu has showcased his skills with various teams including the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, and Baltimore Ravens. As a free agent, he continues to bring his talent and experience to the field.

David Onyemata is a Nigerian professional football nose tackle for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL. He honed his skills playing college football at Manitoba before making his mark in the professional league. Known for his strong defensive abilities and agility on the field, Onyemata has become a key player for the Falcons. His dedication to the sport and commitment to improving his game have earned him recognition and respect within the football community.

Stephen Keshi was a prominent Nigerian football player and manager. During his playing career, he was a skilled defender who earned 60 caps for the Nigeria national team and captained them to victory in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations. He also found success in club football, winning the Belgian league championship with R.S.C. Anderlecht. As a manager, Keshi led Togo to their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance and guided Nigeria to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations, achieving a rare feat as both player and coach.

John Chukwudi Utaka is a Nigerian former footballer who played as a striker and is currently a youth coach at Montpellier HSC. He has played for various clubs across three continents, including Arab Contractors, Ismaily, Al-Sadd, RC Lens, and Rennes. Utaka represented Nigeria at two World Cups and three Africa Cup of Nations. Known for his pace and effectiveness as a winger, he is also the founder of the John Utaka Football Academy in Niger state.

Wilson Oruma is a Nigerian former professional footballer known for his prowess as a midfielder. He enjoyed a successful career primarily in France, where he showcased his skills on the field. Oruma was recognized for his technical abilities, vision, and leadership qualities during his time as a player. He made significant contributions to various clubs throughout his career, leaving a lasting impact on the teams he represented. Oruma's dedication and talent made him a respected figure in the world of football.

Oluwafemi Ajilore, known as Femi, is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He held a Ghanaian passport and excelled as a central defensive midfielder in various clubs. Ajilore represented the Nigerian U-23 national team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, winning a silver medal. He made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2008. Ajilore was once the most expensive player in FC Groningen's history and also played for FC Midtjylland in Denmark. His career ended in 2017 due to persistent injuries.

Uga Samweli Okpara is a Nigerian football player known for his impressive career in professional soccer. He has showcased his talent and skill on the field, earning recognition for his strong defensive abilities and leadership qualities. Okpara has played for various clubs, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to the sport. Throughout his professional journey, he has proven to be a consistent and reliable player, contributing significantly to his team's success and making a name for himself in the football world.

Jaycee John "JoJo" Okwunwanne is a versatile Nigerian-born footballer who now represents Bahrain internationally as a striker. Starting his career in the youth team of Osaka Lagos under the guidance of Nigerian ex-international Kingsley Osakwe, Okwunwanne has since become a globetrotter, playing in seven countries including Thailand. His professional journey showcases his adaptability and skill as a player, making him a valuable asset to the teams he represents on the field.

Tyronne Ebuehi is a talented right-back known for his defensive prowess and attacking contributions on the field. He began his professional career in the Netherlands before making a move to Italy to play for Serie A club Empoli. Representing both his club and the Nigerian national team, Ebuehi has showcased his skills and versatility as a reliable defender. With his speed, technical ability, and tactical awareness, he continues to make significant contributions to his team's success in both domestic and international competitions.

Obum Gwacham is a Nigerian former professional football defensive end. He began his professional career after playing college football for the Oregon State Beavers. Gwacham went on to be a member of multiple NFL teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Jets. He also played for the Arizona Hotshots in the Alliance of American Football, as well as the Tampa Bay Vipers in the XFL. Gwacham's career spanned across various leagues, showcasing his talent and versatility as a defensive player.