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This is a list of the top 10 footballers who have earned the most caps for the Super Eagles in history.
Nigeria has a rich football history, boasting a plethora of talented players who have represented the nation on the global stage.
These players have left an indelible mark on Nigerian football, showing excellence and patriotism over the years.
Here are the 10 most capped Super Eagles players of all time, each a legend in their own right.
10. Moses Simon (72 caps) 2015–present
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Simon's journey with the Super Eagles began in March 2015 when he received his first call-up under the guidance of Daniel Amokachi. He made his official debut on the 25th of the same month, replacing Anthony Ujah in a friendly match against Uganda.
His contributions to the team were quickly recognized. Simon scored his first goal for Nigeria in September 2015, securing a 2-0 victory against Niger.
His performances at the Africa Cup of Nations since 2019 and his crucial role in Nigeria's qualifying campaigns for major tournaments have solidified his status as an indispensable player for the Super Eagles.
8 = William Troost-Ekong (73 caps) 2015–present
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Troost-Ekong has been a cornerstone of the Super Eagles' backline since his debut in 2015.
Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and a Nigerian father, Troost-Ekong chose to represent his father's homeland.
His international journey began in June 2015, when he made his debut for the Super Eagles in an AFCON qualifying match against Chad. Since then, Troost-Ekong has consistently delivered solid performances, proving to be a reliable and commanding presence in the heart of defense.
One of his most memorable moments came at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored an 89th-minute winner against South Africa to secure Nigeria's place in the semifinals.
In the delayed 2021 tournament, Troost-Ekong not only captained the Super Eagles but also earned a spot in the tournament's Best XI of the Group Stage, thanks to his impressive performance against Guinea-Bissau.
His most recent achievement came at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, where he was named the Player of the Tournament. With five goals to his name, Troost-Ekong holds the record for the most goals scored by a defender in the history of the competition.
8 = Jay-Jay Okocha (73 caps) 1993–2006
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Jay-Jay Okocha, a midfield maestro, captivated fans with his flair, creativity, and trickery. His dribbling skills, vision, and passing ability made him a joy to watch.
Okocha made his official debut for Nigeria in their 2–1 1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifier away loss against Ivory Coast in May 1993, and became an fan favourite for over a decade.
Okocha's performances at the several AFCON and FIFA World Cup solidified his status as one of the most iconic Nigerian players.
After attending his first AFCON in 1994, he went on to represent the country at the 1998 and 2000 editions as a key member if the squad, while he captained the Super Eagles to the 2002, 2004 and 2006, consecutively finishing all three tournaments in third place.
He represented Nigeria at the 1994, 1998, and 2002 FIFA World Cup tournaments before hanging his boots in 2008.
7. Alex Iwobi (81 caps) 2015–present
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Born to Nigerian parents in England, Iwobi initially represented the Three Lions at youth level before declaring for Nigeria in 2015, the same year he made his senior debut for the Super Eagles.
As the nephew of football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, Iwobi faced high expectations from the moment he stepped onto the international stage. While opinions about his performances may vary, his commitment to Nigeria has never been in doubt.
Iwobi's first major tournament with the Super Eagles was the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, scoring the decisive goal against Zambia to secure Nigeria's place in the tournament. He also featured in all three group games, showcasing his talent on the global stage.
Since then, Iwobi has been a regular fixture in the Super Eagles squad, participating in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (2019, 2021, and 2023).
5 = Mudashiru Lawal (86 caps) 1975–1985
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He made his international debut in 1975 and went on to earn 86 caps for Nigeria, scoring 12 goals.
Muda holds the remarkable record of being the only player on the African continent to appear at five consecutive Nations' Cup finals from 1976 to 1984.
He played a crucial role in Nigeria's success at the 1980 African Nations Cup, where he guided the team to their first-ever title. The Super Eagles also competed in the Summer Olympics that same year, in which he participated.
Muda's international career spanned over a decade, and he played his final match in 1985, in a 1986 African Nations Cup qualifier against Zambia.
Sadly, he passed away in 1991. In recognition of his immense contributions to Nigerian football, the Ashero Stadium in his hometown, Abeokuta, was renamed in his honor.
5 = Nwankwo Kanu (86 caps) 1994–2011
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Kanu represented the Super Eagles from 1994 to 2011, making his debut in a friendly against Sweden.
He participated in six AFCON tournaments (2000, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010), but despite his impressive record of 27 matches across six editions, he was unable to secure an AFCON title. Surprisingly, he also failed to score a goal during his AFCON appearances.
Kanu's international career also included participation in three FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002, 2010). He brought his international career to a close following Nigeria's exit from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Kanu amassed 86 caps and scored 13 goals for the Super Eagles. At one point, he held the record for the most capped Nigerian player alongside Muda Lawal, but Joseph Yobo surpassed them both in 2012.
Despite being a striker, Kanu famously wore the number 4 shirt for the national team.
4. John Obi Mikel (91 caps) 2005–2019
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Mikel was a vital cog in the Super Eagles' midfield for many years. His defensive abilities, passing range, and composure under pressure made him a reliable presence in the middle of the park.
Mikel's contributions to Nigeria's success at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and his consistent performances at the club level earned him widespread respect. He made his debut for the Nigeria senior team in 2005, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Libya.
In 2007, Mikel faced a suspension from all Nigerian national teams after manager Berti Vogts dropped him from the squad for failing to attend an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger.
Mikel cited an injury but was suspended due to his refusal to attend an independent check and play for the under-23 side. After apologizing, he was reinstated for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
The midfielder made his FIFA World Cup debut in 2014, earning a man of the match award in Nigeria's opening game against Iran. He helped the team reach the knockout stage for the first time since 1998.
In July 2019, Mikel announced that the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations would be his final tournament for Nigeria. He retired at the end of the competition, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most respected and reliable midfielders in Nigerian football history.
2 = Joseph Yobo (101 caps) 2001–2014
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Joseph Yobo was a stalwart defender that spent over a decade representing Nigeria.
Known for his strength, aerial ability, and defensive prowess, Yobo was a cornerstone of the Super Eagles' backline and played a crucial role in Nigeria's success at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, where they emerged as champions.
Yobo represented the Super Eagles at three FIFA World Cups and six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
The defender made his senior international debut against Zambia in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier on 24 March 2001, before playing in all six of the team's matches at the 2002 AFCON.
He was part of the squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he was again ever-present, assisting Julius Aghahowa's goal in a 2–1 loss to Sweden.
Yobo would go ahead to make 101 caps for the Super Eagles, retiring after the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
2 = Vincent Enyeama (101 caps) 2002–2015
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After making his debut for the Nigeria national football team against Kenya in May 2002, Enyeama was selected for the 2002 FIFA World Cup as a cover for Ike Shorunmu.
He made his competitive debut in that tournament, keeping a clean sheet against England in the third group match.
After the retirement of Shorunmu, he became the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team, helping the Super Eagles to third place finishes in the 2004, 2006, 2010 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, and captaining the team to victory of in the 2013 edition.
He has also participated in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, and the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Enyeama led Nigeria to its third continental victory, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 defeat of Burkina Faso in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Final. He was named to the team of the tournament as first choice goalkeeper, conceding only four goals in six matches.
The goalkeeper won his 100th cap for Nigeria in a 1–0 loss to Uganda in 2025, and retired from international football in the same year.
1. Ahmed Musa (109 caps) 2010–present
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Musa holds the record for the most appearances for the Super Eagles, coming a long way since making his international debut at the tender age of 17, in a qualification match for the 2012 AFCON against Madagascar.
The winger played a crucial role in Nigeria's success at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and also showcased his talent at the FIFA Confederations Cup in the same year.
He represented Nigeria at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, scoring two goals in the team's final Group F match against Argentina. Musa further cemented his place in Nigerian football history at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, scoring twice and becoming the highest-scoring Nigerian in World Cup history with four goals.
Musa continued to represent Nigeria at the 2019, 2021, and 2023 AFCONs, although his appearances have gradually decreased over the years.
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