Nigerians, being lovers of the round leather game are, arguably the most ardent followers of the various European football leagues in Africa and their fanaticism is to the extent of giving their favorite players’ name to their children, pets and even adding the names to their nicknames.
It is a common knowledge that football is the most unifying force in Nigeria and Super Eagles players are perceived as national heroes anywhere they are spotted in the country.
The men in green have only won the Africa Cup of Nations on three occasions, while they head into the summer’s Federation of International Football World Cup in Russia, PMParrot’s LANRE OLABISI looks at the top ten players in the team that are easily recognizable by Nigerians. Enjoy…
- Emmanuel Emenike
This powerhouse forward plays for Turkish team, Fenerbache and also the Super Eagles. He is reputed for his strength and his habit of forcing the ball when nothing else is working. Emenike was once called a monkey at his club by racists. But in his epic reply he told them not to forget to call him a rich monkey the next time. With a net worth of $18million, it is not difficult to see why Emenike is a known face in Nigeria and he always parties with other Nigerian celebrities, musicians especially at very exclusive venues.
- Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi is a popular Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a winger and a striker for Premier League club, Arsenal and the Nigeria national team.
Iwobi was born in Lagos before moving to England at the age of four. He is a nephew to ex-professional footballer, Jay-Jay Okocha.
Iwobi, who has represented England at Under-16, 17 and 18 levels, made his debut for the Super Eagles during a 2-0 defeat of the Democratic Republic of Congo in a friendly in Vise, Belgium. He scored the only goal that took Nigeria to Russia against Zambia in Uyo in the crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
- Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Iheanacho is known for his time with the English Premier League club Manchester City. He has also gained popularity for his successful youth career with the Nigerian youth national teams.
He now plays for another Premier League side, Leicester City.
He played five games in Super Eagles FIFA World Cup qualifiers with two goals.
The former FIFA U-17 World Cup winner pockets over hundred thousand dollar weekly as wages.
- Odion Ighalo
A former Granada and Watford striker, Odion Ighalo, who moved to Chinese super league club Changchun Yatai is another popular Nigerian footballer.
The skillful player, who is Nigeria’s highest paid footballer, plays for Changchun Yatai where he earns, £190,000 weekly. He is an important part of the World Cup bound Super Eagles
- Osaze Odemwingie
He is partly Nigerian and Russian by birth, he was born in Russia 35 years ago. He grew up partly in Russia and Nigeria. Odemwingie plays for Madura United In Liga 1. He debuted for the Super Eagles in 2002 and played until 2014. He was one of the most consistent players while he played for Nigeria’s national team. He was known to have carried the team on his shoulders even when others were not doing well. He has had endorsement from big brands like Pepsi and others.
- Ahmed Musa
Musa is a forward for premier league side, Leicester City and for the Nigerian Super Eagles. He came from CSKA Moscow to England during the 2016/2017 season. He started his professional football career in Nigeria in 2008 and by 2010 he moved to Europe. In his seven years’ stay in Europe, he has amassed a whopping $18 million. In April 2017, the 24 year old divorced his wife Jamila, due to her refusal to allow him to marry a second wife- which according to laws of Islam is right, Musa has since married the second wife. He has returned on loan to CSKA Moscow to ensure he has more playing time to help the Super Eagles in Russia during the World Cup.
- Obafemi Martins
Obafemi Martins is a Nigerian international who left Nigeria for Europe at the age of 16. He is 32 now and for the past 16 years, he has plied his trade all across Europe, America and even Asia. He has probably played for more clubs than any Nigerian player has. In 2016 he moved from MLS side Seattle Sounder to Shanghai Shenhua where he earned – €8.4 million annually. As at 2016 while he was at Seattle Sounder his net worth was $35million. Obagoal has hotels in Italy and properties in other parts of the world.
- Vincent Enyeama
One time number one shot stopper for the Super Eagles, Vincent Enyeama made his debut for Nigeria in Nigeria’s 0-0 draw against England at Korea-Japan 2002. And ever since then, he’s played top flight football in Nigeria, Israel and France. Enyeama was goalkeeper at Enyimba for the two seasons they won the CAF champions league back to back. This feat made Eyinmba of Aba the first Nigeria team to do so. Enyeama retired last year from Nigerian football after a fall out with the then Super Eagles handler, Sunday Oliseh. Currently he’s injury free but his name is missing from Nigeria provisional World Cup squad, but prior to then, he was French League Lille’s first choice goalkeeper. Vincent Enyeama has a net worth of $7million and an annual salary of €1.8 million.
- Victor Moses
Now Victor Moses plays for Chelsea Football Club of England. His career actually seems to be on the rise. The very hard working Victor Moses has been very instrumental to Chelsea winning last season’s Premier League Trophy. He is an integral part of Antonio Conte’s, (Chelsea Manger) team. He has endorsement of over $1million annually, and he also has many landed properties. He was instrumental to Super Eagles’ qualification to FIFA World Cup in Russia. PMParrot can proudly submit that he was also on duty on Saturday, May 19, when Chelsea lifted the FA Cup.
- Mikel Obi
Mikel Obi started his football career in Norweigian Lyn Oslo. After he won second most valuable player in the youth World Cup, he was bought by Chelsea Football Club. He plied his trade at the North London club for over 10 years before moving to the Chinese Major League.
He moved to Chinese giants, Tianjin Teda where he earns €8.4 million annually. Mikel Obi has various properties in London, Lagos and Jos. He also loves exotic cars. He equally has endorsement deals from Samsung and Amstel Malta. The Jos born footballer will lead the Super Eagles to the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
