Famous Nigerien Football Players

Mikel John Obi is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. He began his career with local club Plateau United and then moved to Norwegian club Lyn before joining English club Chelsea in 2006. During his 11-year tenure at Chelsea, he won multiple titles, including two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the 2011–12 Champions League. Following his time at Chelsea, he had short stints at various clubs before retiring. Internationally, he represented Nigeria 91 times from 2005 to 2019, scoring six goals.

Odion Jude Ighalo is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League and the Nigeria national team. He began his career in Nigeria before moving to Europe to play for Lyn in Norway and Udinese in Italy. Ighalo had successful loan spells in Spain with Granada before signing for Watford in the English Championship. He later played in the Chinese Super League before joining Manchester United on loan in the Premier League. Ighalo has represented Nigeria at international competitions, including the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.

Wilfred Ndidi is a Nigerian professional footballer renowned for his defensive skills. He plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Leicester City and the Nigeria national team. Ndidi's career is distinguished by his exceptional defensive prowess on the field, making him a key player for both club and country. He has garnered a reputation for his ability to break up opposition attacks and shield his team's defense effectively. Ndidi's contributions have been instrumental in solidifying his team's midfield and achieving success in various competitions.

Yakubu Ayegbeni, known as Yakubu, is a Nigerian football agent and former professional striker. He gained recognition for his performances in the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League, leading to a move to English club Portsmouth. He went on to play for several Premier League clubs, including Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers, amassing over 250 appearances and scoring 96 goals. Yakubu is the fourth highest African goalscorer in Premier League history and the third highest scorer in the history of the Nigeria national football team. He also represented Nigeria in various international tournaments.

Henry Onyekuru is a Nigerian professional footballer known for his role as a winger. He currently plays for the Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha and represents the Nigeria national team. Onyekuru has displayed impressive skills and agility on the field, making him a valuable asset to his teams. With his speed and technical abilities, he has contributed significantly to the success of his clubs and has earned a reputation as a dynamic and versatile player in the football world.

Kenneth Omeruo is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Süper Lig club Kasımpaşa and the Nigeria national team. He signed for Chelsea in 2012 and went on loan to ADO Den Haag, impressing in the Eredivisie. He has represented Nigeria in major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations and the Confederations Cup, helping the Super Eagles win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013. Omeruo scored his first goal in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 and was part of the team that won the bronze medal that year.

Chidiebere Nwakali is a Nigerian professional footballer known for his talents on the field. He plays as a midfielder for Saudi club Al-Jubail, showcasing his skills and contributing to the team's success. With a promising career ahead, Nwakali has demonstrated his abilities through his performances in various matches. His passion for the sport and dedication to improving his game have made him a valuable asset to his team, earning recognition for his contributions to the world of professional football.

Brian Idowu is a professional footballer known for his role as a left-back. He has showcased his skills playing for various clubs, establishing himself as a reliable defender. His versatility and strong defensive capabilities have earned him a spot in the Nigeria national team. Known for his speed and tactical awareness on the field, Brian Idowu has proven to be a valuable asset to his teams, contributing to their success in domestic and international competitions.

Victor Moses is a Nigerian professional footballer who began his career with Crystal Palace before moving to Wigan Athletic in the Premier League. He later joined Chelsea where he won the Premier League title. Moses had loan spells at Liverpool, Stoke City, and West Ham United before playing for clubs like Fenerbahçe, Inter Milan, and Spartak Moscow. He represented both England youth teams and the Nigerian senior team, earning 38 caps and scoring 12 goals before retiring from international matches in 2018.

Moussa Maâzou is a Nigerien professional footballer known for his role as a striker at FC The Belval Belvaux in Luxembourg. With a successful career in football, Maâzou has showcased his skills and talent on the field, contributing significantly to his team's performance. He has gained recognition for his goal-scoring abilities and dynamic playing style, making him a valuable asset to the team. Maâzou's dedication and hard work have enabled him to establish himself as a prominent player in the world of professional football.

Kingsley Ehizibue is a professional footballer known for his role as a right back for Serie A club Udinese. With a background of being born in Germany and raised in the Netherlands, he proudly represents Nigeria on the international stage. Known for his speed, defensive skills, and attacking prowess, Ehizibue has proven to be a valuable asset to his team. His dedication, hard work, and versatility on the field have made him a standout player in the world of football.

Simeon Akinola is a retired Nigerian footballer known for his impressive career on the field. Throughout his professional life, Akinola showcased remarkable skills and determination, earning recognition for his talent and dedication to the sport. He made significant contributions to various teams, leaving a lasting impact on the football community. Akinola's career was marked by memorable performances and achievements, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and respected player in the world of football.

Olarenwaju Kayode is a Nigerian professional footballer known for his dynamic forward play. He has showcased his skills on the field while playing for various clubs around the world. Currently, he is a key player for Turkish club Gençlerbirliği, where he has proven himself as a valuable asset with his goal-scoring abilities and attacking prowess. Known for his speed, agility, and technical proficiency, Kayode continues to make a significant impact in the world of football with his impressive performances and contributions to his team.

Kelvin Odenigbo, a Nigerian professional footballer, began his career playing for NAF Rockets before joining Vitebsk on loan in 2021. Known for his skills on the field, he quickly made an impact in the football community. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he drowned in Lake Belae, Belarus. Odenigbo's dedication to the sport and his talent as a player left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of watching him play.