Meet the 7 most successful Nigerian footballers in history
By Olaolu Joseph
Nigeria, a country well known for its passion for football, is blessed with players who have competed with some of the biggest names in the sport globally.
Many of these stars have featured for top clubs around the world and have won numerous trophies across different competitions.
In this piece, we highlight the seven most decorated Nigerian footballers in history.
- Sunday Oliseh – 5 Trophies
Oliseh, one of Nigeria’s finest midfielders, was renowned for his leadership, passing, and defensive strength. His club career brought success in the Netherlands and Germany, and he was part of Nigeria’s victorious 1994 AFCON team. His iconic long-range goal against Spain at the 1998 World Cup remains one of Nigeria’s most memorable moments.
Major Honours:
Bundesliga (1)
Eredivisie (1)
Dutch Cup (2)
Africa Cup of Nations (1)
- Finidi George – 9 Trophies
Finidi was an integral part of the Ajax team that dominated Europe in the 1990s. Known for his speed and pinpoint crosses, he won the UEFA Champions League in 1995. He also helped Nigeria win the 1994 AFCON, achieving success both at club and international levels.
Major Honours:
Eredivisie (3)
Dutch Super Cup (2)
UEFA Champions League (1)
UEFA Super Cup (1)
Intercontinental Cup (1)
Africa Cup of Nations (1)
- Ahmed Musa – 10 Trophies + 2 Individual Awards
Musa, known for his electrifying speed, became a national hero after scoring twice against Argentina at the 2014 World Cup. He won multiple league titles with CSKA Moscow and also lifted trophies in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr. He was part of Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON-winning squad and topped the scoring charts in two major competitions.
Major Honours:
Russian Premier League (3)
Russian Cup (1)
Russian Super Cup (2)
Saudi Pro League (1)
Saudi Super Cup (1)
Africa Cup of Nations (1)
WAFU Nations Cup (1)
Nigerian Premier League Top Scorer (1)
Russian Cup Top Scorer (1)
- Obafemi Martins – 11 Trophies + 1 Individual Award
Martins, famed for his pace and finishing, enjoyed a globe-trotting career that saw him lift trophies in Italy, England, Russia, the USA, and China. He won Serie A and Coppa Italia with Inter Milan, the League Cup with Birmingham, and added more silverware in Russia and the USA. Martins capped his career with a Chinese FA Cup title, finishing as the competition’s top scorer.
Major Honours:
Serie A (1)
Coppa Italia (2)
Supercoppa Italiana (1)
UEFA Intertoto Cup (1)
EFL Cup (1)
Russian Cup (1)
Russian Super Cup (1)
MLS Supporters’ Shield (1)
U.S. Open Cup (1)
Chinese FA Cup (1)
Chinese FA Cup Top Scorer (1)
- John Mikel Obi – 12 Trophies
Mikel is one of Nigeria’s greatest midfielders. During his time at Chelsea, he won every major club trophy, including the UEFA Champions League in 2012. Internationally, he led Nigeria to victory in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. His composure and intelligence made him a key figure in both club and national teams.
Major Honours:
Premier League (2)
FA Cup (4)
League Cup (2)
UEFA Champions League (1)
UEFA Europa League (1)
FA Community Shield (1)
Africa Cup of Nations (1)
- Daniel Amokachi – 13 Trophies + 2 Individual Awards
Amokachi, a powerful striker known for his strength and skill, had a successful career in Belgium, Turkey, and England. With Club Brugge, he won multiple league and cup titles before moving to Everton, where he famously scored in the 1995 FA Cup final. He was also part of Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic gold-winning squad. Amokachi received two Belgian Ebony Shoe awards, given to the best African player in the Belgian Pro League.
Major Honours:
Belgian Pro League (2)
Belgian Super Cup (5)
Belgian Cup (1)
FA Cup (1)
FA Charity Shield (1)
Turkish Cup (1)
Turkish Super Cup (1)
Africa Cup of Nations (1)
Belgian Ebony Shoe (2)
- Nwankwo Kanu – 15 Trophies + 4 Individual Awards
Kanu is Nigeria’s most decorated footballer of all time. His illustrious career saw him win major trophies in the Netherlands, Italy, and England. He started by winning multiple Eredivisie titles and the UEFA Champions League with Ajax, then lifted the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan. At Arsenal, Kanu won two Premier League titles and several domestic honours. He also claimed Olympic gold with Nigeria in 1996. Individually, Kanu was crowned African Footballer of the Year twice.
Major Honours:
Eredivisie (3)
UEFA Champions League (1)
UEFA Super Cup (1)
Intercontinental Cup (1)
UEFA Cup (1)
Premier League (2)
FA Cup (3)
FA Community Shield (1)
Nigerian Premier League (1)
African Footballer of the Year (2)
BBC African Footballer of the Year (2)
