The English Premier League has long provided the platform for Nigerian footballers to shine and display their exceptional skills. With their dedication and contributions to their team’s achievements, these 5 Nigerian footballers have made their mark on the league.
John Obi Mikel (Chelsea)
The former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel who joined Chelsea in a controversial move from Norwegian side Lyn Oslo in 2006 following a transfer saga involving Manchester United, remains the most decorated Nigerian footballer in EPL history. Since making his debut for the Blues in 2006, the former Nigerian midfielder enjoyed unrivaled success at the London side during his 11-year stay.
The defensive midfielder made 249 league appearances for Chelsea and was part of Jose Mourinho’s ‘super team’ winning two Premier League titles, four FA Cup trophies, two League Cups, one FA Community Shield, one UEFA Champions League and one UEFA Europa League crown before eventually departing for Tianjin TEDA in the Chinese Super League in 2017.
Kanu Nwankwo (Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth)
Super Eagles great Nwankwo Kanu arrived at Arsenal in 1999 with great promise and became one of the club’s greatest players in history. ‘Papilo’ was part of the famous Arsenal side named the ‘Invincibles’ for winning the league unbeaten in the 2003-04 campaign.
The two-time African footballer of the year winner left Arsenal in 2004 to join West Bromwich Albion, where he was fondly remembered for his remarkable miss in front of an open goal. Kanu then joined Portsmouth in 2006 and scored in both the semifinal and final of the 2007-08 FA Cup win for the club.
The former Inter Milan striker won two Premier League titles, three FA Cup crowns and one FA Charity Shield, scoring 54 goals across over 250 league appearances during his spell for the three clubs.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn Rovers)
Super Eagles legend Yakubu Aiyegbeni remains the highest scoring Nigerian in Premier League’s history and is also the fourth-highest scoring African in the league’s history with his 96 goals coming from 252 league outings. He is also Portsmouth highest goal scorer in Premier League’s history with 28 goals across two seasons.
He joined Portsmouth on an initial loan deal in January 2003, helping them secure promotion to the Premier League by winning the First Division title. In his debut EPL season, “The Yak” scored 16 league goals, making him the club’s top scorer for the campaign. He also helped the club avoid relegation in the 2004-05 season, scoring in the 1-1 draw against Bolton Wanderers on match-day 37 to retain their EPL status.
Aiyegbeni joined Middlesbrough in 2004, leading them to the UEFA Cup final where they suffered defeat to Sevilla, before moving to Everton in a then-club record fee of £11.25 million in 2007. He scored 21 goals in his debut season for the Toffees before going on to represent Leicester City in a short loan spell, and Blackburn Rovers.
Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha (Bolton Wanderers)
Known for his dribbling skills and flair, Okocha joined Bolton Wanderers in 2002 after the expiration of his contract at French side Paris Saint Germain. The former Super Eagles star became a fan favorite during his time at the club, with his inspiring displays guiding them to top flight survival in his first season.
Okocha captained Bolton Wanderers to the 2004 League Cup final, where they were eventually defeated by Middlesbrough. He scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 124 Premier League matches for the Wanderers.
The legendary figure left the club in 2006 and was voted the best player to have ever played for the club at the Reebok Stadium in 2017.
Joseph Yobo (Everton, Norwich City)
Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo rounds up this list having played over 220 league matches across spells for Everton and a short loan stint at Norwich City.
Yobo joined the Toffees on loan in 2002 before completing a permanent switch in 2003. He played every minute of the 2006-07 season as Everton finished sixth and qualified for the 2007-08 UEFA Cup. He also became the first African to captain the side in 2007, when he led the team to a 3-1 win over Larissa in the UEFA Cup, a match epitomized by another Nigerian Victor Anichebe, scoring Everton’s third goal.
He left the Toffees in 2012 before returning for a brief loan spell with Norwich City in 2014, where he managed eight league appearances.
