Over the course of their careers, many Nigerian footballers have left their imprint on the English Premier League (EPL) and made significant contributions to several of the most successful clubs in England.
On Saturday, Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi secured his place among Nigeria’s Premier League legends, becoming the ninth Nigerian to reach 200 appearances in England’s top flight.
With his achievements, Ndidi joins an elite group of Nigerian football players who have had a lasting impact on the Premier League.
Over the years, Ndidi has established himself as a mainstay in Leicester’s midfield because of his consistency and work ethic.
Sporting Tribune presents the top 10 Nigerian players with the most appearances in Premier League history.
Shola Ameobi – 298 Appearances
Club: Newcastle United
Status: Retired from active football
Ameobi was a fan favourite at Newcastle, known for his loyalty and impact during his long spell at the club.
He spent 14 years at Newcastle United, making 397 appearances and scoring 79 goals, and received a winner’s medal when they won the Championship in 2010.
He has the fifth most appearances as a substitute in the Premier League.
Kanu Nwankwo – 273 Appearances
Clubs: Arsenal, West Brom, Portsmouth
Status: Retired from active football
A Premier League legend, Kanu won multiple titles with Arsenal and added an FA Cup victory at Portsmouth.
He became very popular among the fans for his two-fingered salute which started in 1999 against Middlesbrough – something that he later explained was based on the team’s nickname, The Gunners.
He played 197 games for Arsenal, scoring 44 goals. In 2008, Kanu was voted 13th in the “Gunners’ Greatest 50 Players” poll. He was a member of Arsenal’s historic Premier League invincible season.
Alex Iwobi – 261 Appearances
Clubs: Arsenal, Everton, Fulham
Status: Still active, currently playing for Fulham
Iwobi remains a key player in the Premier League, known for his versatility and creativity in midfield.
Iwobi began his career at Arsenal, making 149 appearances and scoring fifteen goals. He won the FA Cup in 2017, and scored in the 2019 UEFA Europa League final as well. In August 2019, he transferred to Everton for an initial £28 million fee.
Iwobi signed for Fulham on 2 September 2023 for an undisclosed fee.
On 6 April 2024, in a game against Newcastle United, Iwobi became the Nigerian footballer with most minutes played in the history of the Premier League, surpassing the previous record held by Mikel John Obi.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 252 Appearances
Clubs: Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers.
Status: Retired from active football
Nicknamed “The Yak,” he was famous for his goal scoring abilities and finishing prowess.
He appeared in over 250 Premier League matches for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers, and is the fourth highest African goal scorer in Premier League history with 96 goals.
John Obi Mikel – 249 Appearances
Club: Chelsea
Status: Retired from active football
Mikel was instrumental in Chelsea’s midfield, winning multiple trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League.
Joseph Yobo – 228 Appearances
Club: Everton
Status: Retired from active football
Yobo became a rock in Everton’s defence and served as captain of Nigeria’s national team. He scored 12 goals during his time at Everton.
Victor Moses – 220 Appearances
Clubs: Wigan Athletic, Chelsea, Stoke City, West Ham, Liverpool
Status: Still active, currently playing for Luton Town in the Championship
Moses enjoyed success at Chelsea, especially under Antonio Conte, winning the Premier League as a wing-back.
Victor Anichebe – 205 Appearances
Club: Everton, West Brom, Sunderland
Status: Retired from active football
Anichebe made a name for himself as a strong and physical forward during his time at Everton.
He scored 29 goals during his time in the Premier League.
Wilfred Ndidi – 200 Appearances
Club: Leicester City
Status: Still active for Leicester City
Ndidi recently made his 200th Premier League appearance in Leicester’s 2-1 win over Southampton on Saturday, October 19, 2024. He has so far, scored 12 goals in the Premier League and will be looking to increase his goals tally soon.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 196 Appearances
Clubs: Leicester City, Manchester City
Status: Still active, currently playing for Sevilla in Spain
Iheanacho began his Premier League at Manchester City but he didn’t get enough playing time. However, he made his mark with Leicester and now continues his career in La Liga.
This has shown the influence and impact Nigerian footballers have had throughout the years, spanning several talented generations and also inspired younger generations of footballers.
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