Complete Guide to Nigerian Football Players: Profiles, Stats, Transfers, Injuries & Net Worth
Nigeria has been considered a huge force in African football, dominating continental tournaments and producing world-class talents known for their explosive pace, technical ability, and competitive spirit. Every game, the Super Eagles represent the nation’s football identity. Here at Sportsdunia, we provide football fans around the world with a complete, accurate, and up-to-date overview of the lives and careers of Nigerian Football Players— covering everyone from the icons to the leading figures in the current Super Eagles squad and the exciting prospects of tomorrow.
Our platform provides in-depth coverage of the best Nigerian football players, featuring comprehensive player profiles and their footballing journey from their early days to their breakthrough on the global stage. We provide detailed performance analytics, breaking down key metrics like goals, assists, and defensive contributions across all competitions at both club and national team levels. Sportsdunia provides timely updates about the latest transfer rumours, done deals, and player analysis on Nigerian footballers at their new clubs. We also provide regular, reliable updates on player fitness and availability. Furthermore, Sportsdunia also covers the financial side of the sport, including details on salaries, estimated net worth, endorsement deals of Nigeria's stars, as well as the non-financial aspects, with information on wives, family, and much more.
Nigerian Football Players: All Features
Nigerian footballers display a unique blend of technical skill, physical strength, and explosive speed on the pitch, leading to the team acquiring a global fanbase. At Sportsdunia, we provide a complete overview of the football players in Nigeria, exploring all details of their careers and lives off the pitch.
Here are the main features and sections you can explore on the best Nigerian football players through Sportsdunia:
- Players: Explore detailed player profiles detailing their career journey, playing style, and major achievements.
- Stats: Up-to-date, comprehensive performance analysis which includes goal, assist, and various defensive metrics across all competitions.
- Transfers: Helps to keep track of the latest transfer updates, including official transfers, reported fees, and contract details.
- Injuries: Access accurate updates on player injuries and the expected time for their return.
- Net Worth: Analyse the business side of the sport with information on estimated net worth, salaries, and endorsement deals.
- Wife: Explore the personal lives of the players, featuring their wives, partners, and families.
Famous Nigerian Football Players: Men
Nigeria has a rich footballing history, producing some of Africa's most iconic players who have left a lasting legacy on the global stage with their skill, power, and competitiveness. Nigeria has been able to dominate continental competitions and produce some of the African players in Premier League and other top European leagues, with these players inspiring future generations.
Let’s take a look at the Famous Nigerian Football Players who have left their mark on the game.
Player Name | Position | Major Clubs | Years Active / Era | Key / Notable Achievements | Total Appearances |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nwankwo Kanu | Forward | Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal | 1993–2012 | UEFA Champions League (1), Premier League (1), FA Cup (1) | 618 |
Jay-Jay Okocha | Midfielder | Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahçe, PSG, Bolton | 1992–2008 | Africa Cup of Nations winner (1994) | 569 |
Rashidi Yekini | Striker | Vitória de Setúbal, Olympiacos, FC Zürich | 1982–2005 | Nigeria's all-time top scorer, Africa Cup of Nations winner | 496 |
John Obi Mikel | Midfielder | Chelsea, Tianjin TEDA, Trabzonspor | 2004–2022 | UEFA Champions League (1), Premier League (2), FA Cup (4), AFCON winner | 586 |
Vincent Enyeama | Goalkeeper | Enyimba, Lille, Maccabi Tel Aviv | 1999–2018 | Africa Cup of Nations (1), CAF Champions League (2) | 685 |
Stephen Keshi | Defender | Anderlecht, Strasbourg | 1979–1998 | Africa Cup of Nations (1), Belgian Pro League (1) | 511 |
Sunday Oliseh | Midfielder | Ajax, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund | 1989–2006 | Africa Cup of Nations (1), Eredivisie (1), Bundesliga (1) | 542 |
Finidi George | Winger | Ajax, Real Betis, Ipswich Town | 1989–2004 | UEFA Champions League (1), Africa Cup of Nations (1), Eredivisie (3) | 449 |
Taribo West | Defender | Auxerre, Inter Milan, AC Milan | 1989–2007 | UEFA Cup (1), Coupe de France (1) | 402 |
Yakubu Aiyegbeni | Striker | Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, Blackburn | 1997–2017 | First African to score UCL hat-trick, Nigeria’s top PL scorer | 528 |
Famous Nigerian Football Players: Women
While the men's team has produced global stars, the Nigerian women's team, known as the "Super Falcons," has been a powerhouse in African football for decades. These players have shattered records, won multiple continental titles, and represented their nation at numerous World Cups..
Let’s take a look at the Famous Nigerian women's Football Players.
Player Name | Position | Major Clubs | Years Active / Era | Key / Notable Achievements | Total Appearances |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Perpetua Nkwocha | Midfielder | Sunnanå SK, Pelican Stars | 2000–2015 | 4× African Women's Player of the Year, 5× Women's AFCON | 150+ |
Asisat Oshoala | Striker | FC Barcelona, Bay FC, Arsenal | 2011–Present | 6× African Women's Player of the Year, UEFA Women's Champions League, 3× Women's AFCON | 300+ |
Mercy Akide-Udoh | Striker | Ufuoma Babes, San Diego Spirit | 1988–2006 | First African Women's Player of the Year, 3× Women's AFCON | 100+ |
Onome Ebi | Defender | FC Minsk, Henan Jianye, Levante Las Planas | 2001–Present | First African to play in 6 FIFA World Cups, 4× Women's AFCON winner | 200+ |
Florence Omagbemi | Midfielder | Pelican Stars, Boston Breakers | 1991–2004 | 1× Women's AFCON | 100+ |
Desire Oparanozie | Striker | Guingamp, Dijon, Wuhan Jianghan University | 2010–2023 | 4× Women's AFCON | 250+ |
Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene | Midfielder | Eskilstuna United DFF, Levante Las Planas | 2008–Present | 4× Women's AFCON | 200+ |
Rita Chikwelu | Midfielder | Umeå IK, Kristianstads DFF, Madrid CFF | 2006–Present | 4× Women's AFCON | 300+ |
Precious Dede | Goalkeeper | Delta Queens, Arna-Bjørnar | 2000–2016 | 2× Women's AFCON | 150+ |
Cynthia Uwak | Striker | FC Saarbrücken, Åland United, KMF Kuopio | 2005–2016 | 2× African Women's Player of the Year, 2× Women's AFCON | 100+ |
Top 5 Best Nigerian Strikers
Here is a list of the Top 5 currently active Nigerian Strikers.
Player Name | Current Club | Key / Notable Achievements | Goals | Assists |
---|---|---|---|---|
Victor Osimhen | Galatasaray S.K | 1× Serie A, Serie A Best Young Player, 1× African Player of the Year | 162 | 39 |
Victor Boniface | Bayer Leverkusen | 1× Bundesliga, 1× DFB-Pokal | 71 | 38 |
Ademola Lookman | Atalanta | 1× UEFA Europa League, 1× DFB-Pokal | 91 | 47 |
Taiwo Awoniyi | Nottingham Forest | 1× FIFA U-17 World Cup | 88 | 24 |
Terem Moffi | OGC Nice | Participated in the AFCON | 94 | 22 |
Top 5 Best Nigerian Defenders
Here is a list of the Top 5 currently active Nigerian Defenders:
Player Name | Current Club | Key / Notable Achievements | Clean Sheets | Interceptions |
---|---|---|---|---|
William Troost-Ekong | Al-Kholood | 1× Greek Super League | 70+ | 300+ |
Calvin Bassey | Fulham | 1× Eredivisie, 1× Scottish Premiership | 50+ | 200+ |
Ola Aina | Nottingham Forest | Africa Cup of Nations runner-up | 60+ | 400+ |
Bright Osayi-Samuel | Birmingham City FC | 1× Turkish Cup | 30+ | 300+ |
Zaidu Sanusi | FC Porto | 1× Primeira Liga, 3× Taça de Portugal | 60+ | 250+ |
Top 5 Best Nigerian Goalkeepers
Here is a list of the Top 5 currently active Nigerian Goalkeepers:
Player Name | Current Club | Clean Sheets | Saves | Goals Conceded |
---|---|---|---|---|
Maduka Okoye | Udinese | 45+ | 20+ | 200+ |
Francis Uzoho | Omonia | 60+ | 50+ | 300+ |
Stanley Nwabali | Chippa United | 50+ | 40+ | 200+ |
Adebayo Adeleye | Volos | 40+ | 30+ | 250+ |
Arthur Okonkwo | Wrexham | 50+ | 40+ | 300+ |
Top 5 Best Nigerian Midfielders
Here is a list of the Top 5 currently active Nigerian Midfielders:
Player Name | Current Club | Goals | Assists | Tackles Won | Interceptions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wilfred Ndidi | Beşiktaş J.K | 37 | 41 | 1000+ | 800+ |
Alex Iwobi | Fulham | 49 | 60 | 500+ | 400+ |
Joe Aribo | Southampton | 62 | 41 | 400+ | 300+ |
Frank Onyeka | Brentford | 23 | 20 | 600+ | 400+ |
Raphael Onyedika | Club Brugge | 17 | 9 | 500+ | 350+ |