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.
Barcelona have been handed a €602 fine by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a formal complaint from Atlético Madrid about the Catalan club’s handling of interest in striker Julián Álvarez.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Wednesday, the sanction, confirmed on Tuesday, was imposed under Article 133 of the RFEF’s disciplinary regulations for failure to comply with orders, instructions, agreements or regulatory obligations.
It is classified as a minor infringement. Spanish rules require any club seeking to negotiate with a contracted player to first notify the player’s current club in writing.
Atlético alleged Barcelona approached the Argentina international without properly fulfilling that requirement.
Álvarez, 26, remains under contract at Atlético until June 2030 after joining from Manchester City in 2024.
Interest from Barcelona intensified during the summer transfer window, fuelled in part by the player’s public comments expressing a desire to fulfil a long-held dream of playing for the Blaugrana.
No deal materialised, and Álvarez stayed in Madrid.
Atlético also lodged a parallel complaint with FIFA, which ruled it had no jurisdiction over a dispute between two Spanish clubs and left the matter with the RFEF.
The federation opened an extraordinary disciplinary file in late July and has now resolved it with the maximum fine available under the relevant light-infringement clause.
The amount has been widely described as symbolic or “irrisoria.” It closely mirrors a 2019 case in which Atlético complained about Barcelona’s approach for Antoine Griezmann and the resulting fine was just €300.
Barcelona intend to appeal. Club sources and reports from outlets including Marca and El Chiringuito indicate the decision is being challenged on principle rather than over the modest sum.
Barcelona maintain they informed Atlético of their interest and conducted themselves correctly throughout the process.
Meanwhile Álvarez has been working to repair relations with Atlético supporters.
He has faced some booing this season but scored the decisive goal in Saturday’s win over Deportivo La Coruña, after which he publicly apologised for the timing and manner of his earlier comments about wanting to leave.
The fine closes the formal disciplinary chapter of a tense summer saga between two La Liga rivals, though Barcelona’s planned appeal means the matter is not yet fully settled.
English football has produced some extraordinary giant-killings, with lower-league and non-league clubs shocking established giants in the FA Cup and League Cup.
From Hereford United’s famous victory over Newcastle United to Bradford City’s stunning comeback against Chelsea, these matches have become unforgettable moments in English football history.
Here are 10 of the most memorable cup upsets as reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday
1. Hereford United 2-1 Newcastle United (FA Cup, 1972)
Hereford United produced one of the most iconic giant-killings in FA Cup history by defeating top-flight Newcastle United in a third-round replay. Ronnie Radford’s spectacular long-range equaliser sent the match into extra time before substitute Ricky George scored the winner.
2. Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal (FA Cup, 1992)
Fourth-tier Wrexham stunned reigning league champions Arsenal. After Alan Smith gave the Gunners the lead, Mickey Thomas scored a memorable free-kick before Steve Watkin netted the winner to complete a remarkable comeback.
3. Sutton United 2-1 Coventry City (FA Cup, 1989)
Non-league Sutton United shocked Coventry City, who had won the FA Cup just two years earlier. Matthew Hanlan scored the decisive goal to send Sutton into football folklore.
4. Bradford City 4-2 Chelsea (FA Cup, 2015)
Bradford City produced a stunning comeback at Stamford Bridge after falling 2-0 behind to Chelsea. Goals from Jon Stead, Filipe Morais, Andy Halliday and Mark Yeates turned the tie around and eliminated the Premier League leaders.
5. Bradford City 1-1 Arsenal (3-2 on penalties, League Cup, 2012)
Bradford City, then a fourth-tier club, knocked Arsenal out of the League Cup quarter-finals. Garry Thompson scored for Bradford before Thomas Vermaelen equalised late, but the home side prevailed in the penalty shootout.
6. Oldham Athletic 3-2 Liverpool (FA Cup, 2013)
League One side Oldham Athletic stunned Liverpool despite the visitors featuring stars such as Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge. Matt Smith scored twice, while Reece Wabara added another goal to secure a famous victory.
7. York City 3-0 Manchester United (League Cup, 1995)
York City stunned Manchester United with a commanding first-leg victory at Old Trafford. Paul Barnes scored twice and Tony Barras added a third. Despite United winning the return leg, York progressed 4-3 on aggregate.
8. Northampton Town 2-2 Liverpool (4-2 on penalties, League Cup, 2010)
Northampton Town pulled off a major upset at Anfield, holding Liverpool to a 2-2 draw before winning the penalty shootout. The League Two side demonstrated remarkable composure to eliminate their Premier League opponents.
9. Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Liverpool (FA Cup, 2025)
Plymouth Argyle eliminated Liverpool after Ryan Hardie’s second-half penalty secured a narrow victory. The Championship side defended resolutely to knock out a team that would go on to win the Premier League title that season.
10. Grimsby Town 2-2 Manchester United (12-11 on penalties, League Cup, 2025)
Grimsby Town delivered an astonishing upset against Manchester United. The League Two side raced into a 2-0 lead before United fought back to force penalties. After an extraordinary shootout, Grimsby eventually prevailed 12-11.
These historic results demonstrate why the FA Cup and League Cup remain so special.
Smaller clubs can overcome financial disadvantages, league positions and reputations to create unforgettable football moments.
From Hereford’s famous triumph in 1972 to more recent shocks involving Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, English football continues to prove that no favourite is guaranteed victory.
A former France international, Thierry Henry, has defended his interactions with Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal and presenter Kate Scott at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, insisting that his remarks were not intended to disrespect either of them.
Henry, who co-hosted the ceremony with Scott, addressed the backlash in a video posted on his Instagram page on Tuesday, a day after the event was held in London, United Kingdom.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker came under criticism following two separate exchanges during the ceremony, with his question to Yamal over the Kopa Trophy and a joke involving Scott sparking debate on social media.
The incidents divided viewers, with some accusing Henry of embarrassing Yamal and disrespecting his co-presenter, while others defended the former footballer, describing the moments as harmless humour that had been taken out of context.
The first controversy followed Yamal’s third consecutive Kopa Trophy triumph, an award presented to the best young player in world football.
Despite extending his record at the ceremony, the Barcelona teenager missed out on the Ballon d’Or, the event’s most prestigious individual prize.
Henry drew attention to the distinction when he asked Yamal whether the Kopa Trophy was the award he had really wanted, a question widely interpreted as a reference to the teenager’s failure to win the main prize.
The remark triggered mixed reactions online. Critics argued that the question placed Yamal in an uncomfortable position and risked undermining his achievement, particularly given his status as one of football’s brightest young talents.
Others, however, viewed the exchange as light-hearted banter between two prominent figures in football, arguing that Henry was simply acknowledging the significance of the Ballon d’Or and the disappointment of missing out on it.
The reaction prompted Henry to clarify his intentions, insisting that he was not attempting to challenge the Barcelona winger’s ego or diminish his achievement.
“I’m a big fan of Lamine Yamal. I wasn’t trying to check his ego whatsoever. If you didn’t like the joke, I understand,” Henry said.
Explaining the context of his question, the former Barcelona forward said he knew the Ballon d’Or announcement was still to come when he spoke to Yamal.
“I was simply asking if that was the trophy he really wanted because I knew the real prize was coming later,” he said.
Henry further emphasised his admiration for the teenager, describing him as one of the players he particularly enjoys watching.
“He’s actually one of those players I would pay to watch. I love him,” he added.
Henry also addressed the second controversy, which arose during the presentation of the Socrates Award, named after the late Brazilian football legend.
The exchange involved a joke about the pronunciation of Socrates’ name, with some viewers interpreting Henry’s response to Scott as dismissive or disrespectful towards his co-presenter.
The incident generated further debate, with critics questioning Henry’s conduct on stage, while others maintained that the interaction was part of a shared joke between the presenters.
Rejecting suggestions that he had disrespected Scott, Henry insisted that she was aware of the joke and had deliberately participated in the exchange.
“Kate was in on the joke with me, and you can ask Kate, by the way. She did it on purpose to say Socrates,” he said.
The former France captain expressed frustration at the accusations, stressing that he would not deliberately undermine his co-presenter.
“Please stop saying I disrespected Kate. I will never do that,” Henry added.
Henry acknowledged that not everyone would find the exchanges amusing but urged critics not to attribute malicious intentions to his remarks.
His response sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding both incidents, as debate continued over whether the exchanges amounted to inappropriate remarks or were simply jokes that had been misunderstood by some viewers.
