Top 10 most successful Super Eagles Players in History (Retired)
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Top 10 most successful Super Eagles Players in History (Retired)

Top 10 most successful Super Eagles Players in History (Retired)

Hassan Abdulsalam 15:00 - 11.09.2024

This article looks at the top 10 most successful Super Eagles players that have retired, from the lowest-ranked to the highest.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have produced some of the most talented and successful football players in history.

This article looks at the top 10 most successful Super Eagles players, from the lowest-ranked to the highest.

10. Victor Ikpeba (Forward)

Victor Ikpeba nicknamed the "Prince of Monaco," was a prolific forward representing Nigeria with distinction. His career peaked at AS Monaco, where he won the French Ligue 1 title and emerged as the second top scorer in the UEFA Cup in the 1996-97 season.

Victor Ikpeba
Victor Ikpeba knew his way to goal, and deserves better than to be sniped at by Victor Osimhen (IMAGO/Magic) Victor Ikpeba

Ikpeba's crowning personal achievement was being named African Player of the Year in 1997, recognising his outstanding performances at the club and international levels.

9. Taribo West (Defender)

Taribo West, renowned for his defensive power, was a key member of the Super Eagles during the 1990s. His club career spanned Europe, winning several medals with clubs like Inter Milan and Auxerre.

West's international highlights include winning the Afro-Asian African Nations Cup in 1994 and an Olympic gold medal in 1996, which made him one of Nigeria's greatest defenders.

Taribo West
Taribo West heading home his only goal for AC Milan in Serie A against Udinese in May 2000 Taribo West

8. Daniel Amokachi (Forward)

Daniel "The Bull" Amokachi was a formidable striker known for his strength and scoring ability. His career took off at Club Brugge, where he scored the first goal in the history of the UEFA Champions League in 1992.

Amokachi won the Belgian Ebony Shoes award twice and was consistently ranked among the top African players during his career.

Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi celebrating a goal at the 1994 World Cup Daniel Amokachi

7. Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha (Midfielder)

Austin Okocha, often referred to as the greatest Nigerian player of all time, dazzled fans with his skill and creativity as an attacking midfielder.

Okocha's club career included successful spells in Germany, Turkey, England, and Qatar, where he won numerous trophies. Despite never winning the African Player of the Year award, his impact on the field was undeniable, especially during Nigeria's golden era in the 1990s.

Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha
Austin Jay jay Okocha playing for Nigeria at the 2004 AFCON | Imago Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha

6. Finidi George (Right Winger)

Finidi George is regarded as one of the best right-wingers Nigeria has ever produced. His most successful period was with Ajax, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 1995 and several Dutch league titles.

George played a crucial role in Nigeria's 1994 Africa Cup of Nations win and was a key player during the 1994 World Cup.

Finidi George
Enyimba coach Finidi George (L) playing for Nigeria against Ghana during the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali. Finidi George

5. John Mikel Obi (Midfielder)

John Mikel Obi stands out as one of the most decorated Nigerian players. His career accolades include: A UEFA Champions League title. Two English Premier League titles. Several domestic cups with Chelsea FC.

John Mikel Obi
Mikel helped Nigeria win the 2013 AFCON defeating Yaya Toure's Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals John Mikel Obi

Mikel was also a key player for the Super Eagles, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and earning an Olympic bronze medal in 2016.

4. Kanu Nwankwo (Forward)

Kanu Nwankwo, affectionately known as "Papilo," is a Nigerian football icon. His club career includes successful spells at Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal, where he won numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League and English Premier League.

Kanu was a two-time African Footballer of the Year and played a vital role in Nigeria's Olympic gold medal win in 1996.

Kanu Nwankwo
Kanu Nwankwo during is Arsenal days. Kanu Nwankwo

3. Obafemi Martins (Forward)

Obafemi Martins is celebrated for his incredible speed and goal-scoring ability. He had a successful club career across Europe, including stints at Inter Milan and Newcastle United, where he won several titles.

Martins also represented Nigeria in multiple AFCON tournaments and World Cup qualifiers and is known for his goal-scoring prowess.

Obafemi Martins
Obafemi Martins is among the top scorers for the Super Eagles | Credit: IMAGO Obafemi Martins

2. Sunday Oliseh (Midfielder)

Sunday Oliseh, a versatile midfielder, is remembered for his remarkable long-range goal against Spain in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

He had successful club stints at Ajax and Juventus, winning league titles and the UEFA Champions League. Oliseh was known for his leadership and tactical intelligence on the field.

Sunday Oliseh
Sunday Oliseh and Daniel Amokachi against Argentina at the 1994 World Cup (Credit: IMAGO/Laci Perenyi) Sunday Oliseh

1. Vincent Enyeama (Goalkeeper)

Vincent Enyeama is widely regarded as one of Nigeria's greatest goalkeepers. His international career was highlighted by appearances in three FIFA World Cups and several AFCON tournaments.

Vincent Enyeama
Vincent Enyeama during his days playing for the Super Eagles || Credit: Imago Vincent Enyeama

Enyeama's club career included a successful tenure at Lille OSC, where he set a record for the longest consecutive run of minutes without conceding a goal in Ligue 1.

These players achieved great success and inspired generations of footballers in Nigeria and beyond with their dedication, skill, and contributions to the beautiful game.

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