Since Efan Ekoku became the trailblazer in April 1993 with Norwich City, Nigerian players have been a constant presence in England’s top flight for over three decades, bringing skill, flair, determination and an unmistakable African flavour to the world’s most-watched league.

Alex Iwobi (Arsenal, Everton & Fulham) – 298 appearances

At 28 years old and still performing at the highest level, Alex Iwobi has carved out a successful niche in the Premier League that continues to evolve. The nephew of Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha, Iwobi has stepped out of his uncle’s considerable shadow to forge his own path, one marked by adaptability, intelligence and consistent improvement.

Iwobi’s Premier League journey began at Arsenal, where he emerged from the academy to showcase dribbling skills and creativity that hinted at his famous bloodline. Making his debut in 2015, he became a regular feature under Arsène Wenger, contributing to FA Cup triumphs in 2017 and making 149 appearances for the Gunners.

His development took a significant turn when he moved to Everton in 2019 for a fee reported at £28m. At Goodison Park, Iwobi’s game matured considerably.

The transformation reached its peak following his move to Fulham in 2023. Under Marco Silva’s guidance, Iwobi has blossomed into a complete midfielder, capable of operating in central areas as well as out wide.

With 298 appearances now to his name, Iwobi stands alongside Ameobi as Nigeria’s joint-highest appearance maker in Premier League history. As the only active Nigerian in the competition following Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho’s departures before the 2024/25 season, Iwobi is poised to claim the record outright in the coming weeks.

Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United & Crystal Palace) – 298 appearances

For 14 years, Shola Ameobi was the embodiment of loyalty and dedication at Newcastle United. Born in Zaria, Nigeria, but raised in Newcastle from the age of one, Ameobi became a cult hero at St. James’ Park, a towering figure who endeared himself to the Geordie faithful through sheer work ethic and an unbreakable bond with the club.

While statistics may not fully capture Ameobi’s impact, his 298 Premier League appearances tell the story of a player who consistently answered his manager’s call. Standing at 6ft 3in, he provided a crucial focal point in attack during Newcastle’s efforts throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, a period marked by financial uncertainty and repeated battles against relegation.

Ameobi was never the most prolific goalscorer, finding the net 43 times in the Premier League, but his value extended beyond goals. The striker made his Premier League debut in 2000 and remained with Newcastle through their highs and lows, including their Champions League campaigns and subsequent relegations.

A solitary season at Crystal Palace in 2014/15 yielded just four appearances before his retirement, but by then, Ameobi had already secured his place in Premier League history. His record of 298 appearances stood unchallenged as the highest for a Nigerian until Iwobi matched it on Friday.

Nwankwo Kanu (Arsenal, West Brom & Portsmouth) – 273 appearances

Few players have brought as much joy and artistry to the Premier League as Nwankwo Kanu. With 273 appearances spread across three clubs, the legendary striker is revered not just for his statistics but for the manner in which he played the game: with creativity, intelligence, and an infectious smile that endeared him to fans across the country.

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Kanu arrived in England as an established star, having won the Champions League with Ajax and Olympic gold with Nigeria in 1996. His move to Arsenal in 1999 saw him join one of the Premier League’s most exciting teams, though he often found himself competing with Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and others for starting positions.

He made 119 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, scoring 30 goals, and was part of the squad that won two league titles and two FA Cups.

After leaving Arsenal in 2004, Kanu enjoyed productive spells at West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth. It was at Portsmouth where he truly blossomed as a leader, helping the club establish itself in the top flight. He made 96 appearances for Pompey, forming a formidable partnership with various strikers and using his experience to guide younger players.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton, Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough & Portsmouth) – 252 appearances

Power, precision and a lethal left foot. These were the hallmarks of Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Nigeria’s most prolific Premier League goalscorer with 95 goals in 252 appearances. Known simply as “Yakubu” or “The Yak,” he was a striker who struck fear into defenders throughout his eight-year Premier League career.

Yakubu’s Premier League journey began at Portsmouth in 2003, where his 16 goals in two seasons announced his arrival as a genuine goalscoring threat. His performances earned him a move to Middlesbrough in 2005, where he truly established himself as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.

At Middlesbrough, Yakubu formed a devastating partnership with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and later Mark Viduka, scoring 47 goals in 92 Premier League appearances. He helped the club reach the 2006 UEFA Cup final and consistently kept them competitive in the league.

Everton secured his services in 2007 for what was then a club-record fee, and Yakubu continued his goalscoring exploits at Goodison Park. Despite suffering a serious Achilles injury that sidelined him for much of the 2009/10 season, he scored 21 league goals for the Toffees, further cementing his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most reliable finishers.

A move to Blackburn Rovers in 2011 saw Yakubu continue adding to his goal tally, though the club’s struggles meant his 11 goals in 32 appearances couldn’t prevent relegation in 2012. He returned briefly for a second spell at Blackburn in 2014/15, making eight more appearances before moving on.

John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) – 249 appearances

John Obi Mikel spent 11 years at Chelsea, making 249 Premier League appearances and establishing himself as one of the most successful African players in the competition’s history.

Mikel’s arrival at Chelsea in 2006 was shrouded in controversy, with a bitter dispute between Chelsea and Manchester United over his signature. Once the dust settled and Mikel donned the blue shirt, he began a career that would be defined by tactical intelligence, tough tackling, and an unwavering commitment to the defensive side of the game.

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His trophy haul at Chelsea is remarkable: two Premier League titles (2009/10 and 2014/15), four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League in 2012, and the Europa League in 2013. Few players in Premier League history can match such a collection of silverware, and Mikel was integral to each triumph.

Joseph Yobo (Everton & Norwich City) – 228 appearances

For eight seasons, Joseph Yobo was the rock upon which Everton built their defence. A commanding centre-back with aerial prowess, leadership qualities and an unwavering commitment to his craft, Yobo made 228 Premier League appearances and became one of the most respected defenders in the competition.

Yobo joined Everton from Marseille in 2002, initially on loan before making the move permanent. At Goodison Park, he found his home, forming partnerships with various defensive colleagues but most notably with Sylvain Distin during Everton’s successful period under David Moyes.

His reading of the game improved significantly under Moyes’ guidance, and he developed into one of the division’s most consistent defenders. Everton’s strong defensive record during the mid-to-late 2000s owed much to Yobo’s presence at the heart of the backline.

During his time at Everton, Yobo made 221 Premier League appearances, helping the club secure multiple top-seven finishes and qualification for European competition. A brief loan spell at Fenerbahçe in 2012 was followed by a return to England with Norwich City in 2013, where he made seven Premier League appearances before the Canaries were relegated.

Victor Moses (Wigan Athletic, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Stoke City & Chelsea) – 220 appearances

With 220 appearances across five different clubs, Moses’ journey through English football is a story of adaptation, versatility and ultimately, redemption and triumph.

Born in Nigeria, Moses moved to England as a child following the tragic death of his parents. He rose through the ranks at Crystal Palace’s academy before making his Premier League debut with Wigan Athletic in 2010.

His performances for Wigan, including 27 appearances in the 2011/12 season, earned him a move to Chelsea in 2012 for a reported £9m. However, his early years at Stamford Bridge were frustrating, with loan spells at Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham United following as Moses struggled to establish himself in the Chelsea first team.

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It appeared his Chelsea career was destined to peter out until Antonio Conte arrived in 2016. What happened next was a remarkable transformation that would define Moses’ legacy. Conte converted Moses from a winger into a wing-back in his revolutionary 3-4-3 system, and the Nigerian thrived in his new role.

He was instrumental in Chelsea’s title triumph in the 2016/17 season, making 34 league appearances and establishing himself as a key component of Conte’s tactical masterplan.

While subsequent seasons saw his playing time reduce following Conte’s departure, Moses had already secured his place in Chelsea history. He made 128 Premier League appearances for the Blues across various spells, adding to his earlier appearances at Wigan, Liverpool and Stoke to reach a total of 220.

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) – 207 appearances

Wilfred Ndidi’s 207 appearances serve as a reminder of one of the division’s most complete defensive midfielders of recent years.

Ndidi arrived at Leicester in January 2017 from Genk for approximately £17m, tasked with the impossible job of replacing N’Golo Kanté, who had left for Chelsea the previous summer. The pressure on the then-20-year-old was immense, but Ndidi responded with performances that quickly established him as one of the Premier League’s premier ball-winners.

His debut season set the tone for what would follow. Ndidi led the Premier League in tackles and interceptions, showcasing an incredible ability to read the game, anticipate danger and dispossess opponents. His energy and work rate were phenomenal, covering every blade of grass as he patrolled Leicester’s midfield.

For several seasons, Ndidi’s statistics were remarkable. He consistently topped the charts for tackles, interceptions and ball recoveries, making him a nightmare for opposing attackers.

The pinnacle of Ndidi’s Leicester career came with the FA Cup triumph in 2021, where his performance in the final against Chelsea at Wembley was outstanding.

Victor Anichebe (Everton, West Bromwich Albion & Sunderland) – 204 appearances

Victor Anichebe’s Premier League career is a study in persistent injury struggles. With 204 appearances across three clubs, the powerful striker showed flashes of the talent that made him one of Nigeria’s most promising young forwards, but consistency remained elusive throughout his career.

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Born in Lagos, Anichebe moved to England as a child and progressed through Everton’s academy, making his Premier League debut in 2006 at the age of 18. Standing at 6ft 1in with pace, strength and technical ability, he possessed all the attributes needed to succeed at the highest level.

At Everton, Anichebe made 168 Premier League appearances over seven seasons and scored 25 goals for the club, but injuries repeatedly disrupted his progress.

His move to West Bromwich Albion in 2013 offered a fresh start, and for a brief period, Anichebe showed his best form. He scored some crucial goals for the Baggies, including a memorable strike against Manchester United in his debut, and his physical presence made him a valuable asset for Steve Clarke’s side.

A subsequent move to Sunderland in 2015 saw his injury problems resurface, and his time at the Stadium of Light was largely forgettable. He made just 11 Premier League appearances for the Black Cats before leaving in 2016, effectively ending his top-flight career.

Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City & Leicester City) – 196 appearances

Iheanacho burst onto the Premier League scene at Manchester City in 2015, a product of their revamped academy system. His combination of pace, technical skill and clinical finishing marked him as a potential star, and his early performances suggested he could become one of the Premier League’s elite forwards.

During his two seasons at City, Iheanacho made 46 Premier League appearances, scoring 12 goals despite limited playing time behind Sergio Agüero. His goals-per-minute ratio was exceptional, and several crucial strikes in cup competitions earned him a reputation as a super-sub who could change games from the bench.

However, regular starting opportunities remained scarce at the Etihad Stadium, prompting his £25m move to Leicester City in 2017.

At the King Power Stadium, Iheanacho expected more playing time, but it wasn’t until the 2020/21 season that Iheanacho truly came alive at Leicester. He scored 12 Premier League goals that campaign, forming an effective partnership with Jamie Vardy and playing a crucial role in Leicester’s FA Cup triumph.

Iheanacho’s subsequent seasons at Leicester were a mixture of important contributions and periods on the periphery.
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Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu has announced her retirement from football, bringing an end to a professional career that spanned more than a decade across the United States, France, and Nigeria.

In a statement shared on Instagram in the early hours of Saturday, the 31-year-old expressed gratitude for her journey, describing her retirement as a “natural conclusion” to a lifelong discovery that began at the age of eight.

“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I bid farewell to my playing career on the pitch,” Onumonu wrote, reflecting on her early years with a youth team called Magic in the United States.

“We played in white, black, and green jerseys at the AYSO fields near my house. I remember how vast I thought the field was. I don’t remember if I played an actual position or if I even passed the ball.

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”All I wanted to do was run as fast as I could and score. I didn’t much care about winning or losing; I just loved playing.”

Onumonu said that passion for football guided her for 22 years and culminated in unforgettable moments on both club and international stages.

“I had the profound pleasure of lifting an NWSL championship trophy, representing Nigeria at the Olympics and a World Cup, and helping to lift the African Cup of Nations trophy with the Super Falcons for a historic 10th time,” she added.

The American-born striker, who made her senior debut for Nigeria in 2021, was part of the country’s 2023 Women’s World Cup squad and also represented the Super Falcons at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

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She featured in the team’s WAFCON triumph in July 2025, the country’s record-extending 10th continental title.

Though her involvement in the tournament in Morocco was limited to a 54-minute outing in the goalless draw against Algeria in the group stage, she remained one of the squad’s oldest players, behind veterans Tochukwu Oluehi, Osinachi Ohale and Francisca Ordega.

Her inclusion in Nigeria’s 2024 Olympic roster came after she was upgraded from the alternates list following Halimatu Ayinde’s withdrawal due to injury.

Onumonu, who was born in California to a Nigerian father and raised in the United States, began her professional journey in the National Women’s Soccer League with Boston Breakers and subsequently featured for Portland Thorns, Reign FC, Utah Royals, and NJ/NY Gotham FC before moving to France to play for Montpellier HSC.

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A product of the California Golden Bears collegiate programme, she represented the United States at U-23 level before switching allegiance to Nigeria, where she earned international recognition for her intelligent movement, composure, and work ethic.

Reflecting on her decision, Onumonu said her retirement does not mark an end to her involvement in football.

“This is not a goodbye to football, but a new beginning.

“I am excited to explore opportunities off the pitch, using the skills and lessons learned from my time on it,” she stated.

She expressed deep appreciation to all who supported her journey, adding, “Thank you to all the staff, teammates, coaches, doctors, fans, and my incredible friends and family for your unwavering support through the years. Although my time as a player has come to an end, my love and devotion for this game will never waver.”

Alex Iwobi has written his name into the history books as the joint-highest Nigerian appearance maker in Premier League history, equalling Shola Ameobi’s record of 298 matches when he started for Fulham against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Friday night.

The Super Eagles midfielder’s milestone comes just two days after his club celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary with a vibrant gathering at their Motspur Park training ground on Wednesday, where Fulham wore green jerseys to mark the occasion.

Iwobi, who began his Premier League journey at Arsenal before stints at Everton and now Fulham, has been a consistent performer in England’s top flight since making his debut. His achievement places him level with Newcastle United legend Ameobi, who set the record during his 14-year career with the Magpies and a brief spell at Crystal Palace.

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The 28-year-old is now the only active Nigerian player in the race for the all-time appearance record, with the next closest players, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, having departed the Premier League before the start of the 2025/26 season.

Fulham’s decision to wear bright green jerseys on Friday was part of their Independence Day celebrations, with the club’s official X account posting on Tuesday, “All in green on Friday.”

The celebration at Motspur Park earlier in the week featured Nigerian-themed decorations, music from artists including P-Square, Tekno and Fido, and saw Iwobi joined by club and national team-mates Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze, along with team-mates such as Mali international Adama Traore.

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Iwobi has carved out a reputation for his adaptability and work ethic since arriving at Craven Cottage, where he has become an integral part of Silva’s plans. His progression from a creative winger at Arsenal to a more complete midfielder has been marked by consistent performances across multiple positions.

Behind Iwobi and Ameobi in the all-time Nigerian Premier League appearances list is the legendary Nwankwo Kanu with 273 appearances for Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth, while prolific striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni is fourth with 252 matches.

John Obi Mikel, who won multiple trophies with Chelsea, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League, rounds out the top five with 249 appearances.

Iwobi’s achievement is a testament to his longevity and consistency in one of the world’s most demanding leagues, and he now has the opportunity to stand alone as Nigeria’s most-capped Premier League player when he makes his next appearance for the Cottagers.