Since the Premier League’s inception in 1992, more than 25 Nigerian internationals have played in the English Premier League. Many of these players left lasting impressions on and off the pitch.
Here’s a look at the top 10 Nigerian stars that made their mark in the EPL:
1. Nwankwo Kanu – “Papillo”
Kanu may have made many of his Premier League appearances from the bench – a record 118 as a substitute – but his impact was undeniable. He moved to Arsenal from Inter Milan in a £4.1 million deal despite concerns over a heart condition.
Kanu played for Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, and Portsmouth, racking up 315 appearances and 57 goals. He won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, a Community Shield, and was named African and BBC Footballer of the Year during his time in England.
2. John Mikel Obi
John Mikel’s controversial transfer from Lyn Oslo saw Chelsea pay £16 million in total after a dispute with Manchester United. He made his debute in the Premier League as a substitute and scored his first goal in a 6-1 FA Cup win over Macclesfield Town in 2007.
He went on to become the most decorated Nigerian in EPL history, winning a Premier League title, four FA Cups, a League Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. Mikel made 160 league appearances for Chelsea, scoring twice.
3. Yakubu Aiyegbeni – “The Yak”
After shining in the Champions League with Maccabi Haifa, Yakubu joined Portsmouth and fired them into the Premier League. He made an immediate impact, scoring 16 goals in Pompey’s debut EPL season.
He later starred for Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers, accumulating 97 goals in 213 appearances—making him one of the league’s most prolific African strikers.
4. Jay-Jay Okocha
The mercurial midfielder joined Bolton Wanderers after the 2002 World Cup on a free transfer from PSG. Despite an injury-hit debut season, Okocha dazzled fans with his flair, creativity, and leadership.
His goal against West Ham was voted the Premier League’s team goal of the season. He captained Bolton to the 2004 League Cup final and became a cult hero at the Reebok Stadium, playing 124 matches and scoring 16 goals.
5. Joseph Yobo
Yobo became a Premier League regular after joining Everton in 2002. The dependable centre-back made over 220 appearances for the Toffees, becoming the first African to captain the club and playing every minute of the 2006/07 season.
Though he later lost his starting spot due to new arrivals, Yobo left a solid legacy at Goodison Park before moving to Fenerbahce.
6. Peter Odemwingie
Odemwingie arrived at West Bromwich Albion in 2010 and hit the ground running, scoring the winner on his debut against Sunderland. He netted 15 goals in his debut season, breaking club records and earning multiple Player of the Month awards.
Known for his pace and eye for goal, Odemwingie bagged 25 goals in 60 league matches, including a memorable hat trick against Wolves.
7. Efan Ekoku
Ekoku joined Norwich City in 1993 from Bournemouth and scored 4 goals in a single match against Everton—becoming the first player in Premier League history to do so.
He later moved to Wimbledon, where he remained the club’s top scorer across several seasons and led them to domestic cup finals in 1996. Inducted into the Norwich City Hall of Fame, Ekoku remains a pioneer among Nigerian EPL stars.
8. Celestine Babayaro
Babayaro joined Chelsea in 1997 as a teenager from Anderlecht, becoming the most expensive teenage signing in the club’s history at the time. He made 179 Premier League appearances, helping Chelsea win the FA Cup and Community Shield.
Though he later lost his place under Jose Mourinho, Babayaro moved to Newcastle United, adding depth and experience to the Magpies’ backline.
9. Daniel Amokachi – “The Bull”
After a stellar 1994 World Cup, Amokachi joined Everton and is best remembered for famously substituting himself into an FA Cup semi-final and scoring twice.
Though his league impact was limited—10 goals in 43 appearances—his explosive moments and strength earned him a place in Everton history.
10. Finidi George
Finidi joined Ipswich Town in 2001 from Mallorca during the twilight of his career. He scored twice on his debut against Derby County, but his team couldn’t avoid relegation, and he returned to Spain shortly after.
Despite a brief spell in the Premier League, Finidi’s class and experience earned him respect among fans.
Several other Nigerian internationals, including Victor Moses, Shola Ameobi, and Wilfred Ndidi, have also left their mark on the Premier League. But the ten players above remain iconic flag bearers for Nigeria in England’s top flight.
COURTESY: SOCCERNET
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