Goalkeepers may not always be in the spotlight, but their roles cannot be underestimated in a team’s success. While the attackers get most of the glory and recognition, goalkeepers inspire their team to success with their shot-stopping abilities and leadership qualities.
Nigeria’s history of producing world-class goalkeepers may have dipped, but the country has still managed to produce talented goalkeepers who have shone on the biggest stages. This list takes a look at the top 5 goalkeepers in the history of the Super Eagles.
Vincent Enyeama
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama is the second most-capped player in the country’s history (101 caps), highlighting his consistency and longevity. He represented Nigeria at three FIFA World Cup tournaments- the most by any Nigerian goalkeeper, and also led the country to continental glory with the 2013 African Cup of Nations title win.
With a career that began with Enyimba in the Nigerian League, Enyeama was part of the Peoples’ Elephant side that won the CAF Champions League in 2003, the first by a Nigerian team, before moving to Europe where he made his name among the greatest goalkeepers in the game. The ex-Lille goalkeeper was also renowned for his penalty-taking skills, notably during his stint at Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel, where he was the club’s designated penalty taker.
Peter Rufai
Now of blessed memory, former Nigeria shot-stopper Peter Rufai ranks as the second greatest goalkeeper in Nigeria history, recognized for his remarkable career. He was part of the Nigeria squad that won silver medals at the 1984 and 1988 African Cup of Nations, before captaining the country to glory at the 1994 edition in Tunisia, where he conceded only three goals.
The former Super Eagles international also led Nigeria to a first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 1994, following up this remarkable feat with a second consecutive appearance at the 1998 tournament in France. Peter Rufai retired with 65 caps for Nigeria in 1998.
Best Ogedengbe
Former Nigerian goalkeeping icon Best Ogedengbe rose to prominence during his time at Ibadan-based Nigerian club, Shooting Stars. He led the Oluyole Warriors to the African Cup Winners Cup in 1976, a first continental title by a Nigerian team and also to two Nigerian Premier League titles and two Federation Cup trophies.
Ogedengbe was named as the Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper for the 1980 African Cup of Nations tournament, where he conceded only one goal as Nigeria won a maiden continental championships. He was also named the goalkeeper of the tournament for this impressive feat.
Emmanuel Okala
Despite beginning his career as a striker, Emmanuel Okala developed into one of the greatest goalkeepers on the continent. He remains the only goalkeeper in history to have been named African footballer of the year, winning the award in 1978.
Okala also won gold medal with Nigeria at the All-African Games held in Lagos in 1973, and also the 1977 African Cup Winners Cup with Enugu Rangers. He was also part of the 1980 AFCON-winning squad, although he was second-choice to Best Ogedengbe.
Sam Ibiam
Sam Ibiam made history as Nigeria’s first-ever goalkeeper, setting the stage for others to follow. The shot-stopper kept a clean sheet in Nigeria’s first official international match, a 2-0 victory over Sierra Leone in 1949.
Of blessed memory, Ibiam retired in 1958 as a legend of the game after nine years of top quality performances.
