A list of the best Nigerian players abroad: Super Eagles’ best footballers

A list of the best Nigerian players abroad: Super Eagles’ best footballers

Babu Tendu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:14 PM

It is one of the most talented football countries in the African continent. It has hosted some of the biggest African talents over the years. Nigerian players have a track record of aggression and stamina on the pitch. Their remarkable ability has dominated big European leagues over the years. The Nigerian players abroad are arguably more than those who play in their local leagues.

Nigerian players abroad
Get to know all the talented Nigerian superstars who play in European elite leagues. Photos by Ryan Pierse and Alex Livesey. (Modified by author).
Source: Getty Images

When you think of Nigeria, legendary names like John Obi-Mikel come into mind. However, in 2022, we are in a new era, and thus many new names have burst into the scene due to their incredible abilities. Nigerian players abroad and their huge salaries clearly show their ability.

Who is the best Nigerian footballer of all time?

Many publications on the internet declare several players to be very talented. However, some very reputable talents are worth discussing in the Super Eagles squad. This post will focus on the 15 best Nigerian players abroad and their teams.

15. Joshua Erowoli Orisunmihare Oluwaseun Maja. (C.F)

Josh Maja, a centre-forward who also represents Bordeaux of Ligue 1, is a star representing the Super Eagles at international stage. He spent last season's Premier League playing on loan for Fulham's English team and has since returned to his parent club to resume his regular performance schedule. Maja is only 23 years old, so she still has a lot to learn and hopefully grow as the years pass.

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Player who play for Nigeria
Bordeaux's forward Josh Maja celebrates after scoring a goal during the match between FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Nimes in Southwestern France on December 3, 2019. Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT.
Source: Getty Images

14. Jamilu Collins. (L.B)

The left-back for the Super Eagles is renowned for his quickness and ability to anticipate a move from the opposition. Jamilu Collins competes in club football for the German team SC Paderborn 07, competing in Bundesliga 2.

Nigerian players in the Germany
Jamilu Collins leaves the pitch after being sent off during the match between Sport-Club Freiburg and SC Paderborn 07 on January 25, 2020, in Freiburg in Breisgau, Germany. Photo by Daniel Kopatsch.
Source: Getty Images

Even at 28, Jamilu Collins still has a lot of football left in him. When he has the ball, he is a fun player to watch.

13. Temitayo Olufisayo Olaoluwa Aina. (R.B)

A versatile full-back who can play on both sides of the defence, Super Eagles star Ola Aina is also a talented player worth being on this list. Following his departure from the Chelsea youth team a few years ago, Ola Aina currently competes for Torino in the Italian Serie A.

Nigerian players in Belgium, Italy, Germany
Ola Aina as he celebrates scoring their 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Fulham and West Bromwich Albion on November 2, 2020, in London, United Kingdom. Photo by Charlotte Wilson.
Source: Getty Images

Last year, he was given a loan to play for Fulham, an English team that was later demoted to the Championship. Ola Aina was born in London, and he is currently 26.

12. Victor James Osimhen. (C.F)

Nigerian Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen plays club football for SSC Napoli in Italy. Osimhen has established himself as a top player for Napoli after being signed by French team Lille for over $42m in 2019, where he put up great performances and scored many goals. He was consistently involved in helping the team score goals.

Nigerian players in 2022
Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 07, 2021, in Naples, Italy. Photo by Francesco Pecoraro.
Source: Getty Images

11. Isaac Success Ajayi. (C.F)

Super Eagles player Isaac Success previously played club football for Watford. He was then moved to the Italian Serie A team Udinese after their promotion back to the EPL.

Nigerian players in EPL in 2022
South Africa's Thamsanqa Mkhize (R) gets tackled by Nigeria's Ajayi Isaac during the match between South Africa and Nigeria on November 17, 2018, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE.
Source: Getty Images

Isaac Success, 26 years old, is a native of Benin City, Nigeria. He currently plays as a striker for Udinese and appears to have a bright future with the team.

10. Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze. (R.W)

The young and talented footballer Samuel Chukwueze plays club football for Villarreal CF of the Spanish La Liga. He was a squad member that won the UEFA Europa League last year. However, he could not play in the final two matches against Arsenal and Manchester United due to an injury.

Chukwueze, at only 23 years old, has already competed internationally for the national team on several levels. The Super Eagles would depend on players like Chukwueze to perform well in the World Cup 2022. He is one of the best Nigerian footballers.

9. Kenneth Josiah Omeruo. (C.B)

The Super Eagles star is renowned for his physical prowess and aggressive playing style. Presently competes as a Defender for CD Leganes in Spanish La Liga 2.

Nigerian players in Spain
Kenneth Omeruo runs with the ball during the LaLiga Smartbank match between CD Leganes and AD Alcorcon at Estadio de Butarque, on January 30, 2022, in Leganes, Spain. Photo by Diego Souto.
Source: Getty Images

8. Umar Sadiq Mesbah. (C.F)

Unlike the other players mentioned earlier, Umar Sadiq is a professional footballer from Nigeria who has not yet played for the Super Eagles on the international stage. Despite receiving his first call-up earlier this year, he could not play because of an unexpected injury, and Iwuala from Eyimba eventually took his place.

Nigerian players in Germany
Umar Sadiq of UD Almeria celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the match between CD Leganes and UD Almeria on February 17, 2021, in Leganes, Spain. Photo by Diego Souto.
Source: Getty Images

Umar Sadiq is a Striker who competes for UD Almeria in the Spanish La Liga 2. Top European teams are already paying attention to him and keeping a close eye on his progress. Umar Sadiq Mesbah, 25 years old, was born in Nigeria's Kaduna state.

7. Oghenekaro Peter Etebo. (C.M)

The Super Eagles star was outstanding in 2022, contributing greatly to Xisco Munoz's Watford squad. Etebo is playing for Aris Thessaloniki, and is a 26-year-old Nigerian born in Warri.

Nigerian players abroad and their salaries
Oghenekaro Peter Etebo of Las Palmas looks on during the La Liga match between Real Betis and Las Palmas at Estadio Benito Villamarin on April 19, 2018, in Seville. Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer.
Source: Getty Images

6. Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis. (C.F)

Emmanuel Dennis plays for Nottingham Forest and is a star for the Super Eagles. Ever since he joined Watford from the Belgian team Club Brugge, he has been in excellent form. Born in Abuja, Bonaventure is only 24 years old.

Nigerian players abroad and their teams
Emmanuel Dennis (right) under pressure from Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa during the match between Forest and Aston Villa on October 10, 2022, in Nottingham, England. Photo by Clive Brunskill.
Source: Getty Images

5. William Paul Troost-Ekong. (C.B)

Troost-Ekong has earned a spot in the Super Eagles team of Gernot Rohr's defence thanks to his strong, consistent play. Troost-Ekong currently plays club football for Watford FC alongside teammates Etebo and Bonaventure.

Who is the best Nigerian footballer of all time?
Troost-Ekong of Watford FC waves at the fans following the Premier League match between Watford and Leicester City at Vicarage Road on May 15, 2022, in Watford, England. Photo by Luke Walker.
Source: Getty Images

Troost-Ekong has been in excellent form for the EPL team, and Xisco Munoz's team now regularly starts him in the starting lineup. He was born in Haarlem, Netherlands, and is 29 years old. Of the best Nigerian players abroad, he is right up there.

4. Kelechi Promise Iheanacho. (S.T)

Iheanacho has only had the opportunity to contribute for Leicester City as a substitute this season, with no Premier League starts to his credit. The 24-year-old Imo breed and Super Eagles star deserves a spot in Brendan Rogers' starting lineup after registering 18 goals and assists across all competitions in 2021.

3. Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi. (D.M)

The Super Eagles Star is well known for his consistency in the EPL, with sublime performances for Leicester City as a holding Midfielder. Wilfred Ndidi has drawn interest from several Top European teams in recent years. He is 25 years old. He is one of the best Nigerian players in England.

Nigerian players in England
Wilfred Ndidi arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Leicester City and Nottingham Forest at King Power Stadium on October 3, 2022, in Leicester, United Kingdom. Photo by Plumb Images.
Source: Getty Images

2. Alexander Chuka Iwobi. (L.W)

The former Arsenal player is renowned for his passing and dribbling prowess. Iwobi has won admiration for his Super Eagles and Everton FC performances since his $42 million transfer from Arsenal to Everton. 26-year-old Alex Iwobi was born in Lagos State, Nigeria.

1.Ogochukwu Frank Onyeka. (C.M)

Given that he has only occasionally represented Nigeria at the international level and only recently made the major switch from Danish club FC Midtjylland to the Premier League this season, Frank Onyeka is a surprise inclusion on this list.

Best Nigerian footballers
Brentford's Frank Onyeka during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Arsenal FC at Brentford Community Stadium on September 18, 2022, in Brentford, United Kingdom. Photo by David Horton.
Source: Getty Images

Onyeka currently plays club football for Brentford, an EPL team that received promotion in 2021. He was born in Abuja and is 24 years old.

The Nigerian players abroad are some of the most talented African players that make appearances in the most elite European leagues—like Alex Iwobi, Wilfried Ndidi and many others. They will look to impress in the Qatar World Cup 2022.

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