Nigeria footballers have consistently impressed on the continental stage and globally, producing brilliant performances to inspire their teams to success, winning multiple awards and trophies.
From two-time African footballer of the year Nwankwo Kanu to Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League winning star John Obi Mikel, this list explores the top five most decorated Nigerian footballers of all time.
Kanu Nwankwo
Super Eagles legend Kanu Nwankwo is the most decorated Nigerian footballer of all time with 18 trophies. The former Arsenal striker began his trophy haul with Iwuanyanwu Nationale, now referred to as Heartland FC, winning the Nigerian Premier League in 1993.
After moving to Europe where he joined Ajax Amsterdam, he won three Eredivisie titles, one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup and one International Cup between 1993 and 1996. Kanu then moved to Serie A giants Inter Milan, where he won the UEFA Cup in 1998. The former Nigerian forward also won two English Premier League titles, three FA Cups and one FA Community Shield with Arsenal and Portsmouth in England.
Kanu also won the FIFA U-17 Championship in 1993 and the Afro-Asian Cup of Nations in 1995 before leading the nation to success at the Olympic Games in 1996. The legendary figure is also a recipient of two African footballer of the year awards, winning it in 1996 and 1999.
John Mikel Obi
The former Chelsea midfielder is Nigeria’s second most decorated footballer with 12 trophies. John Obi Mikel won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, one FA Community Shield, one UEFA Champions League and one UEFA Europa League in 11 trophy-laden years at the Blues.
He won the 2013 African Cup of Nations with Nigeria, also claiming bronze medals in the 2006, 2010 and 2019 editions.
Ahmed Musa
The former Leicester City forward has a trophy haul of 11 trophies, making him the country’s third most decorated footballer. Ahmed Musa won three Russian Premier League titles, one Russian Cup and two Russian Super Cups with CSKA Moscow between 2012 and 2016.
The Super Eagles forward also won the Saudi Premier League and the Saudi Super Cup in 2019 with Al Nassr. With Nigeria, the winger was a key player in the 2013 AFCON winning squad, while he has also won the 2010 WAFU Nations Cup and the 2011 African Youth Championships.
Obafemi Martins
The former Super Eagles striker enjoyed a stellar career across Europe, Asia and America, winning 10 trophies. Obafemi Martins won the Italian Serie A, two Coppa Italia and One Supercoppa Italiana with Inter Milan, the English League Cup with Birmingham City, one Russian Cup and one Russian Super Cup with Rubin Kazan, one Chinese FA Cup with Shanghai Shenhua and one MLS Supporters’ Shield and one US Open Cup with Seattle Sounders to cap off an impressive career.
Finidi George
The former Nigeria football team coach won nine trophies in a hugely successful playing career. Finidi George won three Eredivisie titles, two Johan Cruyff Shield titles, one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup and one Intercontinental Cup between 1993 and 1996 at Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam.
The ex-Super Eagles winger was also part of the 1994 squad that conquered Africa, winning the African Cup of Nations, while he has also won one silver medal and two bronze medals in the tournament.
Mikel Obi, Lookman and three other Nigerians to have won a European title
