Super Eagles

England and Nigeria share one of football’s great love affairs. For decades, Super Eagles stars have lit up the Premier League and the EFL — from title winners to cult heroes. Here are the Nigerians who made their name in English football.

The pioneers and legends

Nwankwo Kanu won the league with Arsenal’s “Invincibles” and became an FA Cup hero at Portsmouth. Jay-Jay Okocha dazzled at Bolton, Yakubu Aiyegbeni banged in goals for Everton, Middlesbrough and Blackburn, and Obafemi Martins thrilled Newcastle. In midfield, John Obi Mikel anchored a golden Chelsea era, winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

The modern generation

Alex Iwobi came through Arsenal’s academy before starring for Everton and Fulham, while Victor Moses won titles at Chelsea. In recent seasons a new wave — the likes of Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Joe Aribo — has kept the Nigerian flag flying across England, alongside a long list of English-born stars still eligible for the Super Eagles.

Why England?

The pace, physicality and spotlight of English football suit the Nigerian game — and a huge Naija diaspora means every one of these players runs out in front of their own fans every week.

Track every Nigerian abroad on our live scores hub, and name your all-time Super Eagles XI in the Monsterscores forum.

Featured image — Photo: Timmy96 via Wikimedia Commons (CC0 / public domain)