AFCON 2023: Nigeria’s 2013 Winning Squad, Where Are They Now? From Joseph Yobo to Sunday Mba

Nigeria are gearing up for their 20th Africa Cup of Nations appearance. As giants in African football, they are always considered favourites in AFCON.

The Super Eagles last won the continental title in 2013 under the late great Stephen Keshi after beating Burkina Faso in the final held in South Africa.

Nigeria's triumph in 2013 was their last AFCON title, and they have not come close to repeating that success since. Incidentally, that was the Super Eagles' only title since winning it in 1996 - their third crown.

The team's near misses had agonised the nation for years, but that finally came to an end. This time around, Nigeria have the best player on the continent in Victor Osimhen, per CAF's official website.

The squad that took home the title 10 years ago wasn't world class but they etched their names in Nigeraa's football history. Sports Brief takes a look at where the players are now.

Nigeria's 2013 AFCON squad

1. Vincent Enyeama

The goalkeeper is arguably Nigeria's greatest. He is one of Nigeria's most capped players, but he would retire from international football just two years after winning AFCON. He last played for French giants, Lille.

2. Joseph Yobo

The centre-back played nearly a decade in the Premier League. He captained the Super Eagles to the title but was dropped in the starting 11 over the course of the tournament. He retired from international football after the 2014 World Cup. He also played for Norwich City and Turkish giants, Fenerbahce.

3. Elderson Echiejile

The left-back produced some commendable performances in the tournament. He spent over a decade in Europe but retired in 2019, and he's still just 35.

Denmark's World Cup squad: Which players will be booting up for the Danish Dynamites in Qatar?

Football

4. Kenneth Omeruo

Omeruo started in the final against Burkina Faso and has been called up to the squad for the 2023 tournament. He plays for the Turkish side, Kasimpasa.

5. Godfrey Oboabona

He was one of the six local-based players called up to the squad by Keshi and was started in the final. He had a few spells abroad, including a spell in Croatia. He's been without a club since leaving Dinamo Batumi of Georgia in 2021.

6. Sunday Mba

Mba became the nation's hero after scoring the only goal in the final against Burkina Faso. He was also one of the local players called up by Keshi. After the tournament, he moved to France but faded out of the game in his late 20s.

7. John Obi Mikel

Mikel spent a decade in the Premier League and won everything there is to win in Europe with Chelsea. He retired from football in 2022.

8. Ogenyi Onazi

Onazi is still only 31. The midfielder currently plays for Italian fourth-tier side, Avezzano. He was in the 2018 World Cup squad and last played for the Super Eagles in 2018.

9. Brown Ideye

The centre-forward was a key player for Keshi in 2013. He started the final and scored Nigeria's second goal in their semi-final win over Mali. He currently plays for Kuwaiti club, Al-Yarmouk.

10. Ikechukwu Uche

The striker started the final and played just 53 minutes. He failed to score in the tournament and made 46 appearances for the national team before retiring in 2014. He spent most of his time playing in Spain.

11. Victor Moses

Moses started in the final but retired in 2018 from international football. He played a major role in Chelsea's 2017 Premier League triumph. He currently plays in Russia with Spartak Moscow.

12. Nwankwo Obiora

The midfielder played just 14 minutes in the tournament and only featured eight times for his country. He has played for Inter Milan and Boavista.

13. Azubuike Egwuekwe

The 34-year-old was reliable when called upon. He made 35 appearances for the Super Eagles and played in Finland. He has been without a club since leaving Rivers United in 2020.

14. Ahmed Musa

Musa has been a regular for Nigeria in the last decade but his inclusion in the squad in the last few years has raised eyebrows. He is the country's most capped player and he brings plenty of experience to the team. He currently plays for Sivasspor.

15. Reuben Gabriel

The promising midfielder only made just 12 appearances for Nigeria. He played in Belgium, Portugal, and Scotland.

16. Fegor Ogude

The midfielder played the first three games of the tournament but didn't feature in the remaining contests. He made 16 appearances for Nigeria and played his club career at home, as well as in Russia and Norway.

17. Ejike Uzoenyi

The winger played 21 times for Nigeria, including one appearance in the 2013 edition of AFCON. He appeared for Mamelodi Sundowns and Rennes at a club level. He is currently on the books of Nigeria's Enugu Rangers.

18. Nosa Igiebor

He played twice in the 2013 tournament but could only make a total of 15 appearances for his country. He played in Turkey, Israel, and Spain and is currently without a club at the age of 33.

19. Juwon Oshaniwa

Oshaniwa played 24 minutes in the final against Burkina Faso and ended up making 16 appearances for the Super Eagles. His club career took him to Israel and Scotland but he is currently unemployed.

20. Chigozie Agbim

Agbim played most of his career in Nigeria and won 16 caps. With Enyeama on top of his game, it was difficult for Agbim to get into the starting 11. He didn't make a single appearance in AFCON 2013 or in the 2014 World Cup.

21. Efe Ambrose

The centre-back was a key player for Keshi throughout the tournament. He ended up playing 47 times for Nigeria. His club career took him to Scotland and Israel.

22. Austin Ejide

Just like Agbim, Ejide arrived when Enyeama was the nation's first-choice goalkeeper. He was part of five AFCON tournaments (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2013). However, he would play just four AFCON games in his career.

Teams with the most to prove at AFCON