Ranking My Top 10 Nigerian Footballers of All Time

I recently came across several arguments online about Nigerian football greats, with familiar accusations of recency bias, nostalgia, and selective memory. While these debates are inevitable, many lack structure and clear criteria.This article presents my personal ranking of the greatest Nigerian footballers of all time, based on a blend of numbers and influence.

Criteria Used

This list is informed by:

Performances and impact for the national team

Goals, caps, and longevity

Trophies won with Nigeria

Club career level and achievements

Individual honours

Influence on Nigerian football across eras

Commitment and mentality in national colours

This is not a popularity contest, but a balance of impact, legacy, and substance.

11. Honourable Mentions: Sunday Oliseh, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Ikechukwu Uche, Obafemi Martins, Finidi George, Taribo West  & Uche Okechukwu.

Some players miss the final top 10 not because they lacked quality, but because ranking greatness inevitably involves fine margins and I would be dishonest if I did not admit a sense of regret in leaving out players like 👇

Sunday Oliseh

A technically gifted defensive midfielder, Sunday Oliseh remains one of the most intelligent players Nigeria has produced. He played for Ajax, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, and Bochum, making over 300 career appearances.

Oliseh was instrumental in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph and the historic 1996 Olympic gold medal win. His thunderbolt goal against Spain at the 1998 World Cup remains one of the most iconic moments in Nigerian football history.

Whatever long passes or pinpoint assists you’ve seen from Scholes or Toni Kroos in recent times, Sunday Oliseh was a master of it. He was very vocal and never dubious, based on remarks from former teammates like Duke Udi, and he always stood for nothing but fairness off the pitch.

This stance, however, earned him enemies within the football establishment and saw him labeled a rebel on several occasions. Arguably, it affected his national team career, especially within a system often criticized for dubious practices. Yet, regardless of the politics, Oliseh played his heart out every time he stepped onto the pitch.

Injuries and limited longevity at the very highest level ultimately place him just outside the final list.

Ademola Lookman & Alex Iwobi

Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi still have time on their side. Both are active, influential, and central to the current Super Eagles setup. Their best years may yet redefine how history remembers them, and future achievements could easily elevate them into the top tier. For now, their stories are still being written.

Ikechukwu Uche

Leaving out Ikechukwu Uche genuinely hurts. There was a period when the Super Eagles felt gloomy and directionless, and Uche was often the lone source of hope. He turned up relentlessly—scoring goals, running tirelessly, and showing up for qualifiers in difficult conditions, even under the scorching sun in places like Malawi.

His commitment during Nigeria’s quieter years deserves far more recognition than it often receives.

Obafemi Martins

Obafemi Martins is, without question, one of the top five strikers the Super Eagles have ever produced. His pace, goals, and longevity across multiple generations of the national team are undeniable.

If this ranking were based solely on performances in the green and white, Martins would comfortably sit much higher. However, when balancing national team impact with overall career influence and honours, he narrowly misses the final top 10.

Finidi George – A key figure of Nigeria’s golden generation, Finidi won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995 and played for Real Betis, Mallorca, and Ipswich Town, making 298 career appearances with 68 goals. He contributed significantly to Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON success and World Cup breakthrough, but his era and career trajectory place him just outside the top 10 for this list.

Taribo West – One of the most iconic Nigerian defenders, West played for Auxerre, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Partizan Belgrade, making over 300 career appearances. He was fearless, aggressive, and a key figure in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph and World Cup campaigns. Known for his personality as much as his defending, he remains one of Nigeria’s most memorable defensive talents.

Uche Okechukwu – “The Giant of Defense” was a pillar of Nigeria’s backline throughout the 1990s. Playing for Brøndby, Fenerbahçe, and other clubs, he made over 400 career appearances. Calm, intelligent, and commanding, Okechukwu helped Nigeria win 1994 AFCON, the 1995 King Fahd Cup, and 1996 Olympic gold, making him one of the finest defenders Nigeria has ever produced.

10. Ahmed Musa

Position: Forward/Winger | Nigeria Caps: 111 | Nigeria Goals: 16+

Ahmed Musa is one of Nigeria’s most recognizable forwards of the modern era, known for his blistering pace, tireless work rate, and big-match mentality. He played for clubs including VfL Wolfsburg, CSKA Moscow, Leicester City, and Al-Nassr, making over 400 career appearances and scoring consistently across multiple leagues.

Musa’s international career is remarkable. He is Nigeria’s most-capped outfield player, featuring in three World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018), and became the first Nigerian to score in two different World Cups, including a memorable brace against Argentina in 2014. He was a key part of Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON squad, and his commitment to the national team over the years demonstrates his resilience and professionalism.

Beyond stats, Musa’s influence lies in his energy, determination, and willingness to carry the team in tough moments. Whether sprinting down the wing, pressing defenders relentlessly, or scoring decisive goals, Musa embodies the spirit of the Super Eagles. While he may not have the technical flair of a Jay-Jay Okocha or the finishing instincts of a Rashidi Yekini, his impact, longevity, and work ethic firmly establish him among Nigeria’s modern greats.

9. Osaze Odemwingie

Position: Forward | Nigeria Caps: 63 | Nigeria Goals: 11

Often underrated, Osaze Odemwingie was one of Nigeria’s most reliable attackers. He featured for Lille, Lokomotiv Moscow, West Bromwich Albion, and Stoke City, amassing over 420 career appearances and 95 goals.

A regular at major tournaments, he represented Nigeria at three World Cups, offering consistency, versatility, and effort during transitional years.

8. Vincent Enyeama

Position: Goalkeeper | Nigeria Caps: 101

Vincent Enyeama earns his place through consistency, leadership, and longevity. He played for Enyimba, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Lille, making over 450 career appearances.

A central figure in Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON triumph, Enyeama captained the side and delivered tournament-defining performances. His displays at the 2014 World Cup, particularly against Iran and Argentina, remain among the finest goalkeeping performances by a Nigerian on the global stage.

7. Yakubu Aiyegbeni

Position: Forward | Nigeria Caps: 57 | Nigeria Goals: 21

Yakubu Aiyegbeni remains Nigeria’s joint second-highest goalscorer of all time, with 21 goals in 57 appearances for the Super Eagles. At club level, he enjoyed a long and productive career with Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers, making over 500 career appearances and scoring more than 200 goals.

In the English Premier League, Yakubu scored 95 goals, placing him among the top 20 all-time Premier League scorers—an extraordinary achievement considering he never played for a dominant, chance-creating side of that era. Most of his goals came while playing for mid-table teams, often with limited service. It is reasonable to imagine how much higher those numbers might have been had he played for a possession-heavy side like Manchester United, Arsenal, or Chelsea at their peak.

Yakubu was also a reliable penalty specialist, trusted repeatedly in high-pressure moments at both club and international level. 

His composure from the spot and instinctive finishing inside the box made him one of Nigeria’s most dependable strikers.

For the national team, Yakubu delivered crucial goals across AFCON and World Cup qualification campaigns, including important strikes in decisive matches—most notably during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers. His continued exclusion during certain periods, including under Adegboye Onigbinde in 2002, remains a subject of debate among fans and analysts, with many believing his omission was not purely football-related.

While he occasionally faced criticism for a few high-profile misses, Yakubu’s consistency, durability, and sustained output over more than a decade secure his place firmly among Nigeria’s greatest footballers.

6. Segun Odegbami

Position: Winger | Nigeria Caps: 46 | Nigeria Goals: 23

Segun Odegbami is widely regarded as a legend of Nigerian football. Known as “Mathematical,” he spent most of his career with IICC Shooting Stars, making over 300 appearances and scoring more than 100 goals.

A central figure in Nigeria’s first AFCON triumph in 1980, Odegbami helped define the country’s footballing identity and belief during its formative years. His influence extended beyond goals—he set the tempo, rhythm, and style for a generation, alongside teammates like Muda Lawal and other members of the 1980s squad.

His speed, skill, and eye for goal made him one of the top three all-time scorers for Nigeria, and his performances on the continental stage cemented his reputation. The word “legend” is often overused in football, but for Odegbami and his generation, it is entirely deserved. He combined talent, tactical awareness, and a winning mentality, leaving a lasting mark on Nigerian football history.

5. Jay-Jay Okocha

Position: Attacking Midfielder | Nigeria Caps: 73 | Nigeria Goals: 14

Jay-Jay Okocha is a true legend of Nigerian football and arguably the most talented footballer produced outside Nigeria, not just Africa. He played for Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahçe, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bolton Wanderers, making over 350 career appearances and scoring more than 75 goals.

An AFCON winner and Olympic gold medalist, Okocha was famous for his flair, creativity, and ability to change games single-handedly. What set him apart was influence and charisma: beyond numbers, his dribbles, audacity, and leadership on the pitch inspired teammates and intimidated opponents.

He was capable of lifting the team’s spirit, dictating tempo, and performing in critical matches, including the 1994 AFCON, Olympics, 2000s AFCON tournaments, and the memorable free-kick against Cameroon in the 2004 AFCON. He narrowly missed out against Samuel Eto’o for CAF Player of the Year, but his recognition in world football speaks for itself.

Okocha’s talent was almost otherworldly—he had an inherent “jogo bonito” flair that could have made him a Brazilian-style superstar. Unfortunately, circumstances and timing meant that not all potential was fully translated into club trophies or statistical glory. Perhaps, had he come at a time where stats and tactical discipline mattered more, he might have simplified his game, honed his shooting, prioritized bigger clubs, or focused on team play over showboating.

Despite any “what-ifs,” Okocha remains an African great, remembered for his genius, creativity, and the moments that lifted the Super Eagles and inspired millions.

4. John Obi Mikel

Position: Midfielder | Nigeria Caps: 91 | Nigeria Goals: 6

Watching Mikel from under-17 through under-20 and under-23 levels to his first national assignment in 2006 AFCON, some initially questioned his patriotism. Early in his career, it appeared he selectively played qualifiers, raising doubts about his commitment.

However, these concerns were quickly dispelled. His decision to attend the Olympics despite opposition from Chelsea coach Antonio Conte demonstrated his dedication to Nigeria. From that point, he embraced leadership roles perfectly, culminating in AFCON glory in 2013, where he captained the side with composure, tactical intelligence, and authority.

At club level, Mikel built a career defined by discipline, consistency, and a winning mentality at Chelsea, winning multiple Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, and the Europa League, surpassing 500 career appearances. 

For Nigeria, his over 90 caps and ability to marshal the midfield during crucial qualifiers and tournaments made him indispensable.

Mikel’s career demonstrates that early doubts can be overcome, and his evolution into a team leader and dependable performer makes him one of Nigeria’s most influential midfielders.

3. Rashidi Yekini

Position: Striker | Nigeria Caps: 58 | Nigeria Goals: 37

Rashidi Yekini remains Nigeria’s all-time leading goalscorer and one of the greatest number 9s the country has ever produced. He scored Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal in 1994 against Bulgaria, instantly cementing his place in football history.

Yekini played for clubs including Vitória Setúbal, Olympiacos, and Sporting Gijón, amassing over 200 career goals across all competitions. His striking ability combined clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and unshakable positioning.

At the international level, Yekini led the line during Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph and powered the team through multiple World Cup and AFCON qualification campaigns. His tally of 37 goals in 58 caps set a benchmark that seemed untouchable for decades, only recently being challenged by Victor Osimhen.

Yekini was more than just a finisher; he embodied Nigeria’s ambition on the world stage, inspiring teammates and intimidating opponents. For fans, he remains the standard against which all Nigerian strikers are measured.

2. Nwankwo Kanu

Position: Forward | Nigeria Caps: 86 | Nigeria Goals: 13

Few Nigerian footballers combine talent, longevity, and influence like Nwankwo Kanu. His deft touch, vision, and composure on the ball set him apart from his peers. Despite rumors about his heart condition during his playing days, those who know him personally attest that his heart—both literally and figuratively—is the softest of all, reflecting his humility and generosity.

Kanu played for Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, and Portsmouth, making over 600 career appearances and winning trophies at every level.

He lifted the UEFA Champions League with Ajax, multiple Premier League titles with Arsenal, and starred in historic unbeaten runs. Individually, he was African Footballer of the Year twice, showcasing his continental dominance.

For Nigeria, Kanu starred in the 1996 Olympic gold medal-winning squad, multiple AFCON tournaments, and three World Cups, consistently combining skill, vision, and influence. He could unlock defenses, assist teammates, and score decisive goals, making him one of the most complete forwards Nigeria has ever produced.

Kanu’s legacy is a blend of club and international success, technical brilliance, and leadership, and his contributions continue to inspire generations of African footballers.

1. Victor Osimhen

Position: Striker | Nigeria Caps: 30+ | Nigeria Goals: 20+

Victor Osimhen’s rise is extraordinary and unique. People often expect top players to accumulate trophies early, but Osimhen does not need silverware to prove his greatness—though he is on the verge of achieving that in the ongoing AFCON.

At Napoli, he has already drawn comparisons to legends. While Napoli fans once saw Maradona as an “alien” for his dominance, Osimhen achieved a similar impact in just his second year at the club. He is on course to challenge Rashidi Yekini’s all-time goal record for the Super Eagles, highlighting his clinical finishing.

What sets Osimhen apart is raw talent combined with resilience and survival instinct. Unlike many modern professionals, he did not come through formal football academies; he worked odd jobs, including selling in traffic, to support himself. Football for him has always been a means of survival, yet his pressing, positioning, aerial ability, and instinct for goals are unmatched in modern Nigerian football.

Standing at 1.8 meters, he dominates in the air and rarely loses duels. His dedication, intelligence, and all-round skill make him the most complete forward Nigeria has ever produced. Osimhen’s story is not just about talent—it is about discipline, hunger, and extraordinary football intelligence, firmly justifying his place at the top of this list.

Author’s Note:

This list reflects the personal opinion of the blog author, based on a combination of goals, caps, trophies, influence, and contributions to Nigerian football over the years. Football is subjective, and every fan may have a different perspective. If you have other players or rankings you believe deserve recognition, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section—let’s celebrate the greatness of Nigerian football together.