This is an all-time ranking of the best players to have played in their respective positions in the Nigeria Men’s National Team. Of course, it would include more players from the 1993/94 golden generation than any other generation of stars.
The ”Golden Generation” took Nigeria to its highest-ever position in the FIFA World Ranking. Also, in 1996, Nigeria won Gold in the football event of the Olympics held in The United States of America, beating powerhouses such as Brazil and Argentina en route.
The team is to take the form of a 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper – Vincent Enyeama
Our Goalkeeper pick is none other than the former OSC Lille, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Enyimba player, Vincent Enyeama. He was a standout performer for the Super Eagles of Nigeria during his playing days and the fact that he was not part of the” Golden Generation” shows how talented and big he was. Even supporters of the Super Eagles were at ease anytime he was between the sticks.
He kept 29 clean sheets in 101 appearances for his nation.
Right Back – Augustine Eguavoen
Augustine Eguavoen was a key member of the Nigeria National Team squad of the ”Golden Generation”. He was part of the team that qualified for the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup in 1994.
He later went on to deliver top performances as the Eagles won the African Nations Cup in the same calendar year.
There are other notable names in this position but the legend, who is now a Professional Football Coach takes this one.
Left Back – Taribo West
Another player on our list from the “Golden Generation” is Taribo West. He was a fearless, and tough defender who always kept his eyes on the opposition’s attackers. He featured for Nigeria at the 1996 Olympics in Atalanta and he made a name for himself as one of the best defenders in Africa as a whole.
He played for both Milan clubs as a defender during his prime days. This tells how talented and adorned he was.
Taribo West was quite versatile as he could play the center-back role alongside his main role as a fullback. He won the Europa League with Inter Milan in 1997/98.
Centre Back – Joseph Yobo
Another star who was not part of the “Golden Generation” but appears in this list is Joseph Yobo. He was a very reliable defender for the nation and showed his commitment every time he made the squad.
He began his career as a right-back but later developed into a top centre back. Joseph Yobo also shares the record for the most appearances for the Super Eagles, featuring in 10 World Cup games, 24 AFCON matches, and 18 World Cup qualifiers, in addition to other friendlies.
He was a wall, a leader, and a humble person during his playing days.
Centre Back – Stephen Keshi
A naturally composed and organized defender in the early 90s. Stephen Keshi was a present figure in the heart of the Nigerian defense.
He had a positive and passionate approach to defending and it earned him a place in fans’ hearts during his playing days. Although he didn’t have a long spell with the Super Eagles, he still made 64 appearances for the team.
Defensive Midfielder – Sunday Oliseh
Attacking Midfielder – Austin Jay-Jay Okocha
Austin Jay-Jay Okocha is not in any contest for his spot on this team. He is the number-one pick for this position. Nigeria football fans and lovers continue to miss him for the excitement he brought to the sport.
He played the game in his special way and he always had something fresh for the fans when he played. He was a terror for opposition players.
His first game for Nigeria was on May 3, 1993, and ever since, was a blessing and a source of joy for football lovers.
Attacking Midfielder – Kanu Nwankwo
Kanu Nwankwo scored against Brazil and Argentina in the 1996 Olympics as he led Nigeria to a historic gold medal. Nwankwo Kanu became a national treasure and hero.
He remains the most decorated Nigerian Player ever for both club and country. He won a UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995 and also won 3 FA Cups, one UEFA Cup, an Under-17 World Cup, an Intercontinental Cup (Ajax), one Community Shield, and 2x African Player of the Year in 1996 and 1999.
He had 87 appearances for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Right Winger – Emmanuel Amunike
Emmanuel Amunike was an exciting winger for Nigeria and he is one of many the nation has ever witnessed. He was very composed with the ball at his feet and defences were terrified by his presence. His career was sadly blighted by several injuries but that did not stop him from performing greatly within the little stint he had with the national team. He won one African Player of the Year award and enjoyed successful spells at Barcelona, Albacete, Sporting CP, and Zamalek.
Left Winger – Finidi George
Finidi George had pace, skill, passion, cross, goals, and commitment in his playing days. He is one of the few Nigerian players who have won lots of trophies and he is a respected figure in his nation.
He was an important part of the Super Eagles team. He came into the limelight while playing for Ajax in the Eredivisie, where he won a UEFA Champions League title. He contributed widely from the left wing as Nigeria stormed to victory in the 1994 Nations Cup.
Centre Forward – Rashidi Yekini
Rashidi Yekini was the greatest thing to ever happen to the Nigeria National team in the Striker position. He was so strong, reliable, and ferocious in front of the net.
He was the first Nigerian player to net a goal at the World Cup and won the top scorer award in the 1994 AFCON with 5 goals to his name.
He scored 37 Goals in 57 matches for the Super Eagles and to date, it has not been surpassed. He had successful spells with Vitoria Setubal banging in 34 goals in 32 games in the 1992/93 season and 21 goals in 28 matches in the following season.
Tell us what you think about this selected all-time xi in the comment section and if you have any changes to make to the team.
Thanks for reading.
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