In an event organized by SuperSport to decide the best eleven players from Africa to have ever played in the English Premier League, some Super Eagles players joined the spectacular players from across the continent who made the list.
It is important to note that these decisions were made by football fans across Africa, who voted to arrive at the best eleven players of which most have retired, with a few still active at the time of writing.
The list is of particular interest for Nigerians who have a couple of their Super Eagles icons selected, players who've brought joy to the country, whose dedication and patriotism has won titles for the national team.
Three players from Nigeria made the list, all retired Super Eagles legends, and it's not very surprising that these players got in. They're legendary Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Mikel Obi.
Austin Jay Jay Okocha
For some who don't know, Okocha played in the Premier League. He spent four years at Bolton Wanderers, mesmerizing with his dribbling skills and scoring brilliant goals. He was the highest-ranking Nigerian from the votes, coming fifth on the list of the best eleven players from Africa to have played in the Premier League.
Mikel Obi
Next to him from Nigeria is Chelsea legend, Mikel Obi. The 2013 AFCON winner ranked ninth on the list. The 36-year-old won two league titles, four FA Cups and one UEFA Champions League trophy during his 11 years stay at Chelsea.
Mikel Obi was an ever present figure with the London club in his prime. He was at the heart of the defensive midfield position for Chelsea when they defeated Bayern Munich in the 2012 UCL final, playing the entire 90 minutes of the game. And we can say that Mikel Obi indeed deserves a place on this list.
Nwankwo Kanu
The last Nigerian on the list is Nwankwo Kanu who was voted in 10th position for his time and achievements with Arsenal Football Club, where he won two league titles and FA Cup trophies. The Super Eagles iconic figure was part of Arsène Wenger's legendary invincibles that won the 2003/04 Premier League title with an unbeaten record, a record that's still unmatched till date.
The spectacular list of African football icons was announced at an event in Lagos on Thursday, 7 July 2023.
Full list of the best African XI to play in the English Premier League
The names are ranked according to the number of votes these players accumulated. It begins with Didier Drogba who scored the highest votes and ended with Ivorian Kolo Toure.
The list:
Didier Drogba (Côte D'Ivoire)
Yaya Touré (Côte D'Ivoire)
Mohammed Salah (Egypt)
Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Austin Jay Jay Okocha (Nigeria)
Michael Essien (Ghana)
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Edouard Mendy (Senegal)
Mikel Obi (Nigeria)
Kanu Nwankwo (Nigeria)
Kolo Touré (Côte D'Ivoire)
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
