Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has shared his picks for the top five Nigerian footballers of all time, a list that celebrates some of the nation’s most iconic and influential players, MySportDab reports.
Speaking on Metro FM’s *Sports Night Amplified* with Andile Ncube, Nwabali recognized Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of producing elite football talent, paying tribute to legends who have left their mark on both African and global stages.
Nwabali’s top five includes Jay-Jay Okocha, whose skillful play dazzled fans across leagues, especially during his time with Bolton Wanderers and PSG.
Okocha’s creativity and flair earned him worldwide admiration, and he remains one of Africa’s most beloved players. Another Nigerian football icon, Nwankwo Kanu, also made Nwabali’s list.
Known for his memorable moments with Arsenal, Kanu’s incredible career is highlighted by his two African Player of the Year awards and a key role in Nigeria’s historic gold medal win at the 1996 Olympics.
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel also features in Nwabali’s top five. Mikel’s consistency and success in the Premier League earned him a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most reliable players, and his contributions helped the Super Eagles secure the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title.
In addition, Vincent Enyeama, often regarded as Nigeria’s greatest goalkeeper, was an unsurprising pick. Enyeama’s remarkable saves and commanding presence made him a fan favorite during his club career with Lille and as a pillar for the Super Eagles.
In a surprising choice, Nwabali included current Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen. The 24-year-old striker, who was recently crowned CAF Footballer of the Year, has already made an impressive impact with his scoring prowess in both European and African competitions.
Nwabali’s choice reflects a belief in Osimhen’s potential to cement his legacy as one of Nigeria’s all-time greats, despite his relatively recent rise to fame.
Both Nwabali and Osimhen played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s journey to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final in Côte d’Ivoire, and Nwabali himself was a standout in his debut tournament.
Although he narrowly missed out on the best goalkeeper award, Nwabali has quickly established himself as one of Nigeria’s key players.
