The Premier League has long been a stage where football talents from around the globe showcase their skills, and Super Eagles players have made significant contributions to this prestigious league.
Over the years, numerous Super Eagles players have graced the Premier League, leaving their mark with memorable performances, crucial assists, and spectacular goals.
Their impact on the league is evident not just in their impressive statistics but also in the fervent following they have inspired among fans both in Nigeria and worldwide.
From the early trailblazers like Efan Ekoku, who became the first Nigerian to play in the Premier League, to modern stars like Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, Nigerian players have consistently demonstrated their prowess on England’s top stage.
These Super Eagles players have not only racked up impressive numbers in terms of appearances but have also excelled in providing assists and scoring goals.
The Premier League's history is dotted with Nigerian players who have distinguished themselves through their exceptional skills, dedication, and game-changing abilities.
This exploration delves into the achievements of Super Eagles players in the Premier League, highlighting the top contributors in assists, appearances, and goals, and celebrating their enduring legacy in one of the world’s most competitive football leagues.
Super Eagles players in the Premier League: Numbers
Top goals scorers
Yakubu Aiyegbeni: Nigeria’s Top Premier League Goal Scorer
Nicknamed “The Yak,” Yakubu Aiyegbeni is celebrated as Nigeria's top goal scorer in the Premier League.
A formidable centre-forward, Yakubu played for four Premier League clubs—Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers—accumulating 252 appearances, 95 goals, and 24 assists.
His exceptional performances in the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League for Maccabi Haifa earned him a loan move to Portsmouth, which became a permanent transfer following their promotion to the Premier League in 2003.
Over his prolific career in England's top flight, Yakubu became the fourth highest African goal scorer in Premier League history with 96 goals.
Internationally, he is the third highest scorer for the Nigeria national football team, having represented his country at four Africa Cup of Nations finals, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the 2000 Summer Olympics.
| # | Player | Clubs | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yakubu Aiyegbeni | 4 Clubs | 252 | 95 |
| 2 | Nwankwo Kanu | 3 Clubs | 271 | 54 |
| 3 | Efan Ekoku | 2 Clubs | 159 | 53 |
| 4 | Shola Ameobi | 2 Clubs | 299 | 43 |
| 5 | Kelechi Iheanacho | 2 Clubs | 196 | 42 |
| 6 | Peter Odemwingie | 3 Clubs | 129 | 37 |
| 7 | Obafemi Martins | 2 Clubs | 92 | 28 |
| 8 | Victor Anichebe | 3 Clubs | 204 | 27 |
| 9 | Alex Iwobi | 3 Clubs | 253 | 22 |
| 10 | Victor Moses | 5 Clubs | 220 | 20 |
Top assists
Nwankwo Kanu
Nwankwo Kanu stands as the top assists provider among Super Eagles players in the Premier League, amassing an impressive tally of 29 assists during his tenure.
With 271 appearances to his name, Kanu's impact transcended mere statistics, as evidenced by his illustrious career.
The Nigerian football icon boasts an enviable collection of honors, including UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup medals, three FA Cup titles, and two African Player of the Year awards, among others.
Remarkably, Kanu is among the select few players to have clinched major trophies spanning the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup, and an Olympic Gold Medal—a testament to his unparalleled versatility and success on the pitch.
His legacy extends beyond accolades, as he holds the record for the third-most substitute appearances in Premier League history, with 118 appearances off the bench.
Widely revered as one of the greatest players in African football history.
| # | Player | Club | Appearances | Assists |
|---|
| 1 | Nwankwo Kanu | 3 Clubs | 271 | 33 |
| 2 | Shola Ameobi | 2 Clubs | 299 | 32 |
| 3 | Alex Iwobi | 3 Clubs | 253 | 30 |
| 4 | Kelechi Iheanacho | 2 Clubs | 196 | 25 |
| 5 | Yakubu Aiyegbeni | 4 Clubs | 252 | 24 |
| 6 | Victor Moses | 5 Clubs | 220 | 20 |
| 7 | Peter Odemwingie | 3 Clubs | 129 | 15 |
| 8 | Victor Anichebe | 3 Clubs | 204 | 13 |
| 9 | John Obi Mikel | Chelsea FC | 249 | 11 |
| 10 | John Utaka | Portsmouth FC | 66 | 10 |
Top appearances
Shola Ameobi
Shola Ameobi holds the distinction of being the Nigerian player with the most appearances in the Premier League, with an impressive tally of 299 matches.
Born on October 12, 1981, Ameobi enjoyed a distinguished career as a professional footballer, primarily as a striker.
He is best known for his remarkable 14-year tenure at Newcastle United, where he made 397 official appearances and netted 79 goals, contributing significantly to the team's success.
Ameobi's contributions were pivotal in securing Newcastle's Championship title in 2010, earning him a winner's medal.
Notably, he ranks fifth in the Premier League for the most substitute appearances—a testament to his enduring impact and versatility on the pitch.
Following his departure from Newcastle in 2014, Ameobi had brief stints at various clubs, including Gaziantep BB in Turkey, Crystal Palace, Bolton Wanderers, Fleetwood Town, and Notts County.
Although born in Nigeria, Ameobi was raised in England and initially represented the England under-21 team before later opting to play for Nigeria, making his debut in 2012 and representing the nation at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
| # | Player | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|
| 1 | Shola Ameobi | 2 Clubs | 299 | 43 | 32 |
| 2 | Nwankwo Kanu | 3 Clubs | 271 | 54 | 33 |
| 3 | Alex Iwobi | 3 Clubs | 253 | 22 | 30 |
| 4 | Yakubu Aiyegbeni | 4 Clubs | 252 | 95 | 24 |
| 5 | John Obi Mikel | Chelsea FC | 249 | 1 | 11 |
| 6 | Joseph Yobo | 2 Clubs | 228 | 8 | 2 |
| 7 | Victor Moses | 5 Clubs | 220 | 20 | 20 |
| 8 | Victor Anichebe | 3 Clubs | 204 | 27 | 13 |
| 9 | Kelechi Iheanacho | 2 Clubs | 196 | 42 | 25 |
| 10 | Wilfred Ndidi | Leicester City | 192 | 7 | 9 |
This article was most recently revised and updated 7 months ago
