Nigerian players have added their vibrant threads to the colourful history of the English Premier League, which kicked off in 1992.
This list is a nod to the Nigerian players who’ve sprinkled a bit of Naija magic on the pitches of the Premier League, meeting the criteria of having at least one appearance while representing their respective clubs.
Nigeria, a nation known for its love affair with football and a knack for producing top-notch talent, has gifted the Premier League some unforgettable moments.
From silky skills to unyielding resilience, Nigerian players have injected a dose of flair into English football, leaving fans entertained and in awe.
Today, we list out every Nigerian player to have played in the Premier League and celebrate their contributions to one of the most prestigious football competitions in the world
- 1. John Obi-Mikel: The Midfield Enforcer
- 2. Nwankwo Kanu: The Legendary Forward
- 3. Jay-Jay Okocha: The Magician of Bolton
- 4. Joseph Yobo: The Defensive Rock
- 5. Yakubu Aiyegbeni: The Goal-Scoring Sensation
- 6. Obafemi Martins: Weapon Of Mass Destruction
- 7. Victor Moses: The Versatile Dynamo
- 8. Celestine Babayaro: The Solid Defender
- 9. Odion Ighalo: The Lethal Finisher
- 10. Wilfred Ndidi: The Midfield Maestro
1. John Obi-Mikel: The Midfield Enforcer
Chelsea
- Premier League: 2009–10, 2014–15
- FA Cup: 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12
- Football League Cup: 2006–07, 2014–15
- FA Community Shield: 2009
- UEFA Champions League: 2011–12
- UEFA Europa League: 2012–13
Mikel carved out a reputation as a midfield enforcer during his illustrious career in the Premier League with Chelsea.
Mikel’s physicality, passing range, and ability to shield the defence made him a vital presence in Chelsea’s midfield, playing a crucial role in the club’s success during his time at Stamford Bridge.
2. Nwankwo Kanu: The Legendary Forward
Arsenal
- Premier League: 2001–02, 2003–04
- FA Cup: 2001–02, 2002–03; runner-up: 2000–01
- FA Charity Shield: 1999
- UEFA Cup runner-up: 1999–2000
Portsmouth
- FA Cup: 2007–08
Nwankwo Kanu, known as “Papilo,” is arguably Nigeria’s greatest football export to the Premier League.
Kanu’s illustrious career saw him represent Arsenal and Portsmouth, where he mesmerized fans with his sublime skill, delicate touches, and knack for scoring crucial goals.
His contributions played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s success, including two Premier League titles and two FA Cup triumphs.
3. Jay-Jay Okocha: The Magician of Bolton
Bolton Wanderers
- Football League Cup runner-up: 2003–04
Hull City
- Football League Championship play-offs: 2008
With his breathtaking skill and audacious flair, Jay-Jay Okocha captivated audiences during his time at Bolton Wanderers.
Okocha’s mesmerizing dribbles, pinpoint passes, and stunning free-kicks made him a cult hero among fans, earning him widespread admiration for his artistry and creativity on the pitch.
4. Joseph Yobo: The Defensive Rock
Yobo emerged as a defensive stalwart during his tenure in the Premier League, representing Everton with distinction.
Yobo’s leadership qualities, aerial prowess, and solid tackling made him a mainstay in Everton’s backline, earning him plaudits for his reliability and consistency on the field..
5. Yakubu Aiyegbeni: The Goal-Scoring Sensation
Portsmouth
- Football League First Division: 2002–03
Popularly known as “The Yak,” was a prolific goal scorer during his time in the Premier League.
Representing clubs like Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers, Yakubu showcased his predatory instincts and clinical finishing, cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s most lethal strikers.
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6. Obafemi Martins: Weapon Of Mass Destruction
Newcastle United
- UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2006
Birmingham City
- Football League Cup: 2010–11
Obagoal arrived in the Premier League with Newcastle United in 2006 from Inter Milan.
His time at Newcastle was marked by his electrifying pace and ability to score important goals. Martins became a key figure in Newcastle’s attack, forming partnerships with other strikers like Michael Owen and Mark Viduka.
He was known for his acrobatic finishes and knack for scoring spectacular goals. Martins left Newcastle in 2009, joining Wolfsburg, but returned to the Premier League on loan with Birmingham City in 2011, where he provided crucial goals during their League Cup run.
Martins left a lasting impression on Premier League fans with his skill, speed, and memorable moments on the pitch.
7. Victor Moses: The Versatile Dynamo
Chelsea
- Premier League: 2016–17
- FA Cup: 2017–18; runner-up: 2016–17
- UEFA Europa League: 2012–13, 2018–19
Moses showed his versatility and adaptability in the Premier League, excelling as both a winger and wing-back for clubs like Wigan Athletic, Chelsea, and West Ham United.
Moses’ explosive pace, skilful dribbling, and defensive diligence made him a valuable asset to any team, earning him recognition as one of Nigeria’s finest talents
8. Celestine Babayaro: The Solid Defender
Chelsea
- UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1997–98
- UEFA Super Cup: 1998
- FA Cup: 1999–2000
- FA Charity Shield: 2000
Babayaro showed his defensive prowess during his time at Chelsea and Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Babayaro’s athleticism, tactical awareness, and ability to maraud forward made him a key asset to his teams, earning him recognition as one of Nigeria’s top defenders in the league.
9. Odion Ighalo: The Lethal Finisher
Ighalo made waves in the Premier League with his predatory instincts and clinical finishing.
Representing Watford and later Manchester United, Ighalo established himself as a lethal striker, scoring goals with poise and precision to leave an indelible mark on the league.
10. Wilfred Ndidi: The Midfield Maestro
Leicester City
- FA Cup: 2020–21
- FA Community Shield: 2021
Wilfred Ndidi emerged as a midfield powerhouse in the Premier League, proving his athleticism, tackling ability, and distribution skills for Leicester City.
Ndidi’s tenacity, work rate, and ability to break up opposition attacks made him a vital cog in Leicester’s midfield, earning him plaudits as one of the league’s top defensive midfielders.
All Nigerian Footballers To Have Played In The Premier League
| Player | Club(s) | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| George Ndah | Crystal Palace | 1992–95 |
| Efan Ekoku | Norwich City, Wimbledon | 1992–99 |
| Celestine Babayaro | Chelsea, Newcastle United | 1997–2007 |
| Ade Akinbiyi | Norwich City, Leicester City, Sheffield United | 1993–95, 2000–02, 2006–07[b ENG] |
| Daniel Amokachi | Everton | 1994–96 |
| Nwankwo Kanu | Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth | 1998–2010 |
| Blessing Kaku | Bolton Wanderers | 2004–05 |
| Shola Ameobi | Newcastle United, Crystal Palace | 2000–09, 2010–15 |
| Dickson Etuhu | Sunderland, Fulham | 2007–12 |
| Kelvin Etuhu | Manchester City | 2007–09 |
| Jay-Jay Okocha | Bolton Wanderers | 2002–06 |
| Isaac Okoronkwo | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 2003–04 |
| Taribo West | Derby County | 2000–01 |
| Obafemi Martins | Newcastle United, Birmingham City | 2006–09, 2010–11 |
| Sammy Ameobi | Newcastle United | 2010–15 |
| Hope Akpan | Reading | 2012–13 |
| Dickson Etuhu | Sunderland, Fulham | 2007–12 |
| Joe Aribo | Southampton | 2022–23 |
| Semi Ajayi | West Bromwich Albion | 2020–21 |
| Ola Aina | Chelsea, Fulham, Nottingham Forest | 2016–17, 2020–21, 2023–[b ENG][c ENG U20] |
| Julius Aghahowa | Wigan Athletic | 2006–08 |
| Emmanuel Dennis | Watford, Nottingham Forest | 2021–23 |
| Emmanuel Emenike | West Ham United | 2015–16 |
| Finidi George | Ipswich Town | 2001–02 |
| Obafemi Martins | Newcastle United, Birmingham City | 2006–09, 2010–11 |
| Yakubu | Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, Blackburn Rovers | 2003–12 |
| Seyi Olofinjana | Stoke City, Hull City | 2008–10 |
| Taye Taiwo | Queens Park Rangers | 2011–12 |
| Ahmed Musa | Leicester City | 2016–17 |
| Isaac Success | Watford | 2016–17, 2018–20 |
| Samuel Kalu | Watford | 2021–22 |
| Peter Etebo | Watford | 2021–22 |
| William Troost-Ekong | Watford | 2021–22[b NED][c NED U20] |
| Isaac Success | Watford | 2016–17, 2018–20 |
| Odion Ighalo | Watford, Manchester United | 2015–17, 2019–21 |
| Isaac Okoronkwo | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 2003–04 |
| Ifeanyi Udeze | West Bromwich Albion | 2002–03 |
| Fred Onyedinma | Luton Town | 2023– |
| Chuba Akpom | Arsenal | 2013–15[b ENG][c ENG U21] |
| Alex Iwobi | Arsenal, Everton, Fulham | 2015–[c ENG U18] |
| Sam Sodje | Reading | 2006–07[b ENG] |
| Nathan Tella | Southampton | 2020–22[b ENG] |
| Samuel Kalu | Watford | 2021–22 |
| John Utaka | Portsmouth | 2007–10 |
| Peter Odemwingie | West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff City, Stoke City | 2010–16[b UZB-URS] |
| Leon Balogun | Brighton & Hove Albion | 2018–19[b FRG] |
| Victor Obinna | West Ham United | 2010–11 |
| Ademola Lookman | Everton, Fulham, Leicester City | 2016–19, 2020–22[b ENG][c ENG U21] |
| John Obi Mikel | Chelsea | 2006–16 |
| Victor Moses | Wigan Athletic, Chelsea, Liverpool, Stoke City, West Ham United | 2009–19[c ENG U21] |
| Victor Anichebe | Everton, West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland | 2005–17 |
| Frank Onyeka | Brentford | 2021– |
| Calvin Bassey | Fulham | 2023–[b ITA] |
| Josh Maja | Fulham | 2020–21[b ENG] |
| Kelechi Iheanacho | Manchester City, Leicester City | 2015–23 |
| Wilfred Ndidi | Leicester City | 2017–23 |
Nigerian Players That Have And Are Still Playing For Arsenal
Leading Premier League Numbers For Nigerian players
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shola Ameobi | 297 | Yakubu | 95 | Kanu | 29 |
| Kanu | 273 | Kanu | 54 | Yakubu | 26 |
| Yakubu | 252 | Efan Ekoku | 52 | Shola Ameobi | 20 |
| John Obi Mikel | 249 | Shola Ameobi | 43 | Victor Moses | 18 |
| Joseph Yobo | 228 | Peter Odemwingie | 36 | Alex Iwobi | 16 |
The Legacy Continues
The contributions of Nigerian players to the Premier League extend far beyond those mentioned above.
From seasoned veterans to emerging talents, Nigerian footballers continue to make their mark on English football, captivating audiences with their skill, passion, and determination.
As the legacy of Nigerian footballers in the Premier League continues to evolve, one thing remains certain – Nigeria’s footballing prowess will always have a place on the grand stage of English football.
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