Nigeria are one of Africa’s most iconic national sides with three AFCON titles to their name and a string of memorable performances at the World Cup.
The Super Eagles have produced countless high profile players at top clubs throughout world football, from mavericks like Jay-Jay Okocha to midfield enforcers such as John Obi-Mikel.
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman hope to lead the current generation to glory, but who is the greatest Nigerian footballer of all time?
10) Victor Osimhen
Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen celebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
Osimhen is the only active player to crack the top ten, as it’s impossible to leave the striker out given his success at club and international level.
The towering front man is forever etched into Italian football history after helping end Napoli’s title drought in the 2022-23 season, racking up 26 league goals and being crowned both Serie A player of the year and African footballer of the year.
At international level, Osimhen only made his senior debut in 2017 but is already one of the country’s greatest ever goalscorers, with just a handful more goals needed to pass Rashidi Yekini in first place.
9) Vincent Enyeama
Vincent Enyeama is Nigeria’s greatest goalkeeper ever. With incredible reflexes, leadership, and consistency, he anchored the Super Eagles for over a decade, racking up 101 caps for his national side.
He captained Nigeria to the 2013 AFCON title and starred at multiple World Cups, particularly in 2014, where he produced memorable performances in clean sheets against Iran and Bosnia
At club level, the legendary shot-stopper won the Nigerian Premier League three times in the early 2000s before spending over half a decade in France starring for Lille.
8) Finidi George
Nigeria-2013-afcon-winners
Finidi George was one of Africa’s finest wingers in the 1990s and a player who the likes of Lookman and Alex Iwobi will no doubt be looking up to.
With incredible pace and crossing that David Beckham would be proud of, he was a key part of Ajax’s golden generation that won the 1995 UEFA Champions League.
For the Super Eagles, Finidi was instrumental in the 1994 AFCON triumph and featured prominently in World Cups.
Consistency at elite club level and success internationally make Finidi one of Nigeria’s most accomplished players of all time, having also won the Eredivisie three times during his spell at Ajax.
7) John Obi Mikel
John Obi Mikel redefined the role of a Nigerian midfielder. Known for his intelligence, reading of the game and composure on the ball, he enjoyed most of his success at Chelsea, winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Europa League.
Jose Mourinho once called him the “miracle man” due to his ability to play as a destroyer, marauding box to box midfielder or even as a number ten, with that versatility marking him out as one of the greatest midfielders in the Premier League in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
As captain, Mikel led Nigeria to AFCON victory in 2013 and an Olympic bronze medal in 2016. His leadership and discipline were crucial in stabilising teams filled with attacking talent.
6) Sunday Oliseh
On the topic of tough tackling midfielders, Sunday Oliseh was the engine of Nigeria’s midfield during its most successful era. A powerful and ruthless number six with tactical intelligence and leadership to boot, he played a crucial role in the 1994 AFCON win, 1996 Olympic gold, and multiple World Cup campaigns.
At club level, Oliseh featured for top European sides including Ajax, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, making him one of the most decorated exports from Nigerian football.
His iconic long-range goal against Spain at the 1998 World Cup remains one of Nigerian sport’s greatest moments.
5) Segun Odegbami
Segun “Mathematical” Odegbami was Nigeria’s first true football superstar. Playing primarily in the 1970s and early 1980s, he was a dynamic winger known for his pace, intelligence and ability to step up in the big moments.
He starred in Nigeria’s first AFCON victory in 1980, scoring crucial goals throughout the tournament. His understanding of the game and off-the-ball movement were ahead of his time, creating the pathway for the growth of some of the country’s greatest attacking talents.
Odegbami helped lay the foundation for modern African football, inspiring generations long before the continent gained the type of global footballing exposure it has today.
4) Stephen Keshi
Stephen Keshi is one of a kind as a man who both captained and managed Nigeria to AFCON glory, starring in the 1994 team and later coaching them to another title in 2013.
As a defender, he was strong, commanding, and tactically astute.
Keshi enjoyed a successful club career in Europe, notably in Belgium, and also represented Nigeria in two World Cups and was a pillar of the golden generation.
As a coach, he rebuilt Nigerian football with locally based players, restoring national pride at a time when the national side was struggling. His legacy as both a player and coach cements his spot as one of the greatest of all time.
3) Nwankwo Kanu
A two-time African Footballer of the Year, Kanu won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax, multiple Premier League titles with Arsenal, and an Olympic gold medal in 1996 with Nigeria, making him one of the greatest African footballers of all time.
Overcoming a life-threatening heart condition early in his career, Kanu went on to enjoy remarkable longevity at the highest level, inspiring not only with his ability but with his resilience and fortitude.
His intelligent movement, ball control and lethal finishing made him a unique forward who thrived in tight spaces despite his huge 6 foot 5 frame.
Kanu’s post-playing career and humanitarian work further enhance his legacy, with the Kanu Heart Foundation tackling homelessness, building hospitals and paying for life-changing medical care.
2) Jay-Jay Okocha
Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha is widely regarded as Nigeria’s most technically gifted footballer ever and one of the most “Barclays” players of all time.
Blessed with extraordinary dribbling ability, flair, and creativity, Okocha played the game with a smile on his face, and has even been compared to Brazil legend Ronaldinho.
He was the heartbeat of the Super Eagles for over a decade, starring in three World Cups and winning the 1994 AFCON. At club level, he shone for Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahçe, PSG, and Bolton Wanderers, where he became a cult hero in the Premier League.
Okocha’s influence went beyond trophies – he changed how Nigerian footballers were perceived globally.
1) Rashidi Yekini
Rashidi Yekini stands as the most iconic striker in Nigerian football history. He remains Nigeria’s all-time leading goalscorer with 37 goals in 58 appearances, a record that has never seriously been threatened until Osimhen’s emergence.
His physical strength and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders throughout the late 1980s and 1990s.
Yekini’s legacy is inseparable from Nigeria’s first World Cup goal in 1994, scored against Bulgaria. His emotional celebration – clutching the net and shouting in disbelief – became one of the most enduring images in World Cup history.
He also finished as the tournament’s top scorer in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph.
Yekini remains the benchmark against which all Nigerian players are measured.
The race for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is gathering pace, with 18 of the 32 places at the tournament now secured.
With qualification battles continuing across the world, five confederations have already produced their confirmed representatives, setting the stage for a highly competitive tournament in Brazil next year.
Africa sends four
Africa’s qualification campaign has produced four teams: Algeria, Cameroon, Malawi and Morocco.
Brazil will host the tournament, while Algeria, Cameroon, Malawi and Morocco have secured their places among the world’s elite.
Their qualification represents a major moment for women’s football on the continent.
Asia completes its allocation
Asia has filled all six of its available places.
Australia, China, Japan, North Korea, the Philippines and South Korea will represent the Asian Football Confederation at the tournament.
The Philippines’ qualification is particularly significant as the team continues to establish itself among Asia’s leading women’s football nations.
European giants qualify
Europe has so far confirmed four teams: Denmark, France, Germany and Spain.
The European qualification race, however, remains far from over, with seven additional places still to be decided.
France, Germany and Spain arrive with strong tournament pedigrees, while Denmark will be looking to make its mark on the global stage.
New Zealand leads Oceania
New Zealand has secured Oceania’s sole direct place.
The Football Ferns will once again carry the region’s hopes into the world’s biggest women’s football tournament.
South America makes its mark
South America has also completed its direct allocation, with Argentina, Brazil and Colombia qualifying.
Brazil automatically take their place as tournament hosts, while Argentina and Colombia have earned their spots through South America’s qualification process.
Brazil will now prepare to welcome the world’s best women’s teams for what promises to be a landmark tournament on home soil.
Fourteen places remain
With 18 teams qualified and 14 places still available, the final line-up is beginning to take shape.
Europe has seven places still to fill, while CONCACAF has four direct places available. A further three teams will earn their tickets through the inter-confederation playoff route.
For the teams still chasing qualification, the margin for error is shrinking.
The 2027 Women’s World Cup will bring together established powerhouses, emerging nations and debutants, with Brazil set to provide the stage for another chapter in the rapid growth of women’s football.
The qualified teams as listed by BBC Sport on Monday
Africa
Algeria
Cameroon
Malawi
Morocco
Asia (6)
Australia
China
Japan
North Korea
Philippines
South Korea
Europe (4)
Denmark
France
Germany
Spain
Oceania (1)
New Zealand
South America (3)
Argentina
Brazil (Hosts)
Colombia
A former non-league footballer, Ibrahim Thomas, whose career took him across dozens of clubs and several countries, has encouraged young players to embrace opportunities to play abroad, describing the experience as one of the most rewarding parts of his journey.
As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, Thomas, who represented clubs including Shaw Lane, Stafford Rangers, Frickley Athletic and Mickleover, spent the longest spell of his career during his second stint at Brighouse Town between 2020 and 2023.
Despite his extensive travels, he admits he has never kept track of the many destinations his football career has taken him.
“Not at all. There’s definitely been too many to count,” Thomas said.
The well-travelled defender reflected on a career that saw him play in England, Belgium, Canada and the United States.
While he acknowledged that some of his moves were motivated by better financial opportunities rather than career progression, he believes the experience of working under different coaches and adapting to different styles of football was invaluable.
“It’s been a good experience but it could have been better. I moved up or went sideways for more money,” he said.
“But playing in different countries was a great experience and I would encourage all young players to go and experience that if they get a chance.
“I worked under different coaches with different ideas and philosophies.”
Thomas also revealed that his career nearly came to an end in 2013 after a serious groin injury.
While working in a call centre in Rotherham, he even considered joining the army before receiving an opportunity to revive his playing career with Thunder Bay Chill in Ontario, Canada.
Earlier in his career at Stocksbridge Park Steels, Thomas played against Jamie Vardy during the striker’s time at Halifax Town, before Vardy went on to represent England and win the Premier League with Leicester City in the 2015-16 season.
Several of football’s most accomplished coaches are reportedly available for new opportunities this summer, with former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola topping a list of high-profile names expected to attract interest from clubs and national teams.
Guardiola, regarded as one of the most successful managers of the modern era, leads the rankings after ending his trophy-laden spell at Manchester City. While the Spaniard is expected to take time away from management, he has already been linked with several high-profile vacancies across Europe and in international football.
Former Napoli, Chelsea and Juventus boss Antonio Conte is ranked second. The Italian, renowned for delivering immediate success wherever he has managed, remains one of the most sought-after coaches despite speculation linking him with a return to international management.
Didier Deschamps, who recently concluded his long tenure as France head coach, is third on the list. The World Cup-winning manager is expected to be a strong contender for any major coaching role should he decide to return to club football.
Dutch coach Arne Slot occupies fourth place, while former Flamengo manager Filipe Luis completes the top five after an impressive start to his coaching career that included multiple domestic and continental titles in Brazil.
Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann is ranked sixth despite mixed fortunes in recent international tournaments. Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is seventh after stepping away from the Premier League club, with ex-Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez eighth as he continues to weigh up his next move.
Former Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is ninth, while Thiago Motta rounds off the top 10. Although his spell at Juventus ended disappointingly, the Italian is still regarded as one of Europe’s promising young coaches following his impressive work at Bologna.
With several major clubs expected to make managerial changes in the coming months, the availability of such experienced and accomplished coaches is likely to fuel speculation throughout the transfer window and beyond.
According to Planet Football on Friday, these are the 10 coaches listed as available this summer:
