Nigeria national football team players: Did they qualify for the Olympics? …C0NTINUE READING HERE >>>
The Nigeria national football team, also known as the Super Eagles, represents Nigeria in men’s international football and is governed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The team features a dynamic and talented squad comprising both seasoned players and rising stars. Discover who the Nigeria national football team players are.
William Troost-Ekong (L), Semi Ajayi (C) and Calvin Bassey (R) are some of the Nigeria national football team players. Photo: @wtroostekong, @semishems, @cbasseyy on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
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Established in 1949, the Nigerian national football team is one of Africa’s most successful football teams. The team has won the Africa Cup of Nations three times and qualified for the FIFA World Cup six times as of 2024. In February 2024, the Nigerian national football team was ranked 28th in the FIFA rankings. But did they qualify for the Olympics?
Did the Super Eagles qualify for the 2024 Olympics?
The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s men’s football team, did not qualify for the 2024 Olympic football tournament. However, the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s national team, qualified for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
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The Nigeria national football team is a member of FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Over the years, Nigeria has produced many who have achieved success both domestically and globally. Learn more about the Nigerian football players below:
1. Stanley Nwabili
Stanley Nwabili in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, South Africa (L). Stanley Nwabili in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire (R). Photo: @nwabali32 (modified by author)
Source: UGCFull name: Stanley Bobbi ‘Bobo’ NwabaliDate of birth: 10 June 1996Place of birth: Port Harcourt, NigeriaPosition: Goalkeeper
Stanley Nwabili is a Nigerian professional football player who plays goalkeeper for the Nigerian national team and Premier Soccer League club Chippa. He has also played for numerous teams, including Go Round FC, Wikki Tourists, and Lobi Star.
2. Francis Uzoho
Francis Uzoho at Estadio Jose Alvalade on 17 November 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: Jose Manuel Alvarez
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Francis Odinaka UzohoDate of birth: 28 October 1998Place of birth: Nwangele, NigeriaPosition: Goalkeeper
Francis Odinaka Uzoho is a goalkeeper for Cypriot First Division club Omonia and the Nigeria national team. He was named in Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He has also played for various clubs, such as Omonia and APOEL FC.
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3. Semi Ajayi
Semi Ajayi at The Hawthorns on 1 April 2024 in West Bromwich, England. Photo: Malcolm Couzens
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Oluwasemilogo Adesewo Ibidapo “Semi” AjayiDate of birth: 9 November 1993Place of birth: Crayford, Dartford, United KingdomPosition: Defender
Semi Ajayi is an English-Nigerian footballer who plays as a centre-back or defensive midfielder for EFL Championship club West Bromwich Albion and the Nigeria national team. He previously played for teams such as Crewe Alexandra, Rotherham United and AFC Wimbledon.
4. Calvin Bassey
Calvin Bassey at Ibrox Stadium on 1 November 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. Photo: Ian MacNicol
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Calvin Chinedu BasseyDate of birth: 31 December 1999Place of birth: Aosta, ItalyPosition: Defender
Calvin Bassey plays as a left-back or centre-back for Premier League club Fulham and the Nigeria national team. He debuted with Nigeria on 25 March 2022 in a 0–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification tie with Ghana.
5. William Troost-Ekong
Captain of Nigeria William Troost-Ekong at AT&T Stadium on 27 May 2022 in Arlington, Texas. Photo: Omar Vega
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: William Paul Troost-EkongDate of birth: 1 September 1993Place of birth: Haarlem, NetherlandsPosition: Centre-back
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William Paul Troost-Ekong plays as a centre-back for Super League Greece club PAOK and the Nigerian national team, where he is the captain. In June 2018, he was named in Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
6. Ola Aina
Ola Aina at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on 27 January 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Photo: Visionhaus
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Temitayo Olufisayo Olaoluwa “Ola” AinaDate of birth: 8 October 1996Place of birth: London Borough of Southwark, United KingdomPosition: Full-back
Ola Aina is a full-back for Premier League club Nottingham Forest and the Nigeria national team. He has also represented England at under-16, under-17, under-18, under-19 and England under-20 levels.
7. Zaidu Sanusi
Zaidu Sanusi at Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny on 2 February 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Photo: Visionhaus
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Zaidu Muhammed SanusiDate of birth: 13 June 1997Place of birth: Lagos, NigeriaPosition: Left-back
The Nigerian footballer plays left-back for Primeira Liga club Porto and the Nigerian national team. Sanusi made his senior international debut for Nigeria in 2020 and played at the 2021 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
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8. Kenneth Omeruo
Kenneth Omeruo at Estadio Anoeta on 16 February 2019 in San Sebastian, Spain. Photo: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Kenneth Josiah OmeruoDate of birth: 17 October 1993Place of birth: Kaduna, NigeriaPosition: Defender
Kenneth Omeruo is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a defender for Süper Lig club Kasımpaşa and the Nigeria national team. He played for the Nigerian Under-20 team that reached the quarter-finals at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.
9. Chidozie Awaziem
Chidozie Awaziem at Estadio Camp Nou on 30 January 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Tim Clayton
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Chidozie Collins AwaziemDate of birth: 1 January 1997Place of birth: Enugu, NigeriaPosition: central defender
Chidozie Collins Awaziem is a central defender for Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati and the Nigeria national team. He made his senior debut in the Nigeria national team on 1 June 2017 against Togo in Paris.
10. Benjamin Tanimu
Benjamin Tanimu in Marrakech, Morocco (L). Benjamin Tanimu posing for a picture in a Super Eagles’ Jersey (R). Photo: @benjamintanimu (modified by author)
Source: UGCFull name: Benjamin TanimuDate of birth: 24 July 2002Place of birth: Benin City, NigeriaPosition: Centre back
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Benjamin Tanimu plays centre-back for the Nigeria national team and Bendel Insurance F.C. He gained attention after being called up to the Nigeria national team, the Super Eagles, for the first time for international friendlies against Mali and Ghana.
11. Jamilu Collins
Jamilu Collins in North Rhine-Westphalia, Paderborn on 15 July 2021. Photo: Friso Gentsch
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Jamilu CollinsDate of birth: 5 August 1994Place of birth: Kaduna, NigeriaPosition: Left back
Jamilu Collins is a professional football player for EFL Championship club Cardiff City and the Nigerian national team. He debuted for the Nigerian national team on 11 September 2018 in a friendly match against Liberia.
12. Bruno Onyemaechi
Bruno Onyemaechi at Estadio Municipal de Portimao on 13 October 2023 in Portimao, Portugal. Photo: MB Media
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Sopuruchukwu Bruno OnyemaechiDate of birth: 3 April 1999Place of birth: Owerri, NigeriaPosition: Left-back, centre-back
Bruno Onyemaechi plays for Boavista and the Nigeria national team. He first played for the Super Eagles on 10 September 2023 as a left-back against São Tomé and Príncipe.
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13. Ismail SodiqFull name: Ismail SodiqDate of birth: 13 August 2003Place of birth: NigeriaPosition: Right back
Sodiq Ismail is a Nigerian footballer who plays right wing-back for Remo Stars. His recent inclusion in the national team has been seen as a breakthrough moment for both him and his club.
14. Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi at Molineux on 9 March 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. Photo: Nathan Stirk
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Alexander Chuka IwobiDate of birth: 3 May 1996Place of birth: Lagos, NigeriaPosition: Midfielder
The Nigerian footballer plays as a midfielder for the Premier League club Fulham and the Nigerian national team. He has also played for various notable football clubs, including Arsenal, Everton, and Fulham.
15. Frank Onyeka
Frank Onyeka at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on 27 January 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Photo: Visionhaus
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Ogochukwu Frank OnyekaDate of birth: 1 January 1998Place of birth: NigeriaPosition: Defensive midfielder
The Nigerian soccer player is a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Brentford and the Nigeria national team. He debuted for the Nigeria national team in a friendly match against Algeria on 9 October 2020.
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16. Bright Osayi-Samuel
Bright Osayi-Samuel of Fenerbahce in Istanbul, Turkiye on 29 July 2024 . Photo: Ali Atmaca
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Bright Osayi-SamuelDate of birth: 31 December 1997Place of birth: Okija, NigeriaPosition: Right-back
The English-Nigerian footballer plays as a right-back or winger for Süper Lig club Fenerbahçe and the Nigeria national team. He was among the 25-man Nigerian squad that emerged runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
17. Samuel Chukwueze
Samuel Chukwueze at Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy on 1 September 2023. Photo: Elianton
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Samuel Chimerenka ChukwuezeDate of birth: 22 May 1999Place of birth: Umuahia, NigeriaPosition: Right Midfielder
Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze debuted for the Nigerian senior team on 20 November 2018 against Uganda. He plays right winger for the team and the Serie A club AC Milan. He played for Villarreal from 2018 to 2023.
18. Wilfred Ndidi
Wilfred Ndidi during the friendly match between Portugal and Nigeria at Estadio Jose Alvalade on 17 November 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: Jose Manuel Alvarez
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Onyinye Wilfred NdidiDate of birth: 16 December 1996Place of birth: Lagos, NigeriaPosition: Defensive midfielder
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Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi is a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Leicester City and the Nigeria national team. Known for his defensive prowess, Ndidi joined the national team in October 2015. He formerly played for Genk from 2015 to 2017.
19. Raphael Onyedika
Raphael Onyedika poses for a squad photograph ahead of the 2023-2024 Belgium Pro League football season on 18 July 2023 in Knokke-Heist. Photo: LUC CLAESSEN
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Raphael Onyedika NwadikeDate of birth: 19 April 2001Place of birth: Imo, NigeriaPosition: Midfielder
Raphael Onyedika currently plays for Belgian club Club Brugge and the Nigeria national team. He has been playing for the national team since 2022. He signed a five-year contract with Club Brugge in Belgium on 28 August 2022.
20. Alhassan Yusuf
Alhassan Yusuf at the Bosuil Stadium on 13 December 2023 in Antwerp, Belgium. Photo: ANP
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi PiguiDate of birth: 18 July 2000Place of birth: Kano, NigeriaPosition: Midfielder
Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi Pigui plays for Belgian First Division A club Royal Antwerp and the Nigeria national team. He has played for football clubs, including IFK Göteborg and Antwerp. Alhassan made his AFCON debut against Equatorial Guinea on 14 January 2024.
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21. Joe Aribo
Joe Aribo at Estadio Jose Alvalade on 17 November 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: Jose Manuel Alvarez
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Joseph Oluwaseyi Temitope Ayodele-AriboDate of birth: 21 July 1996Place of birth: Camberwell, London, United KingdomPosition: Midfielder
Joe Aribo is an English-Nigerian football player for Premier League club Southampton and the Nigeria national team. He commenced his club career at Staines Town and has since played for numerous other clubs, such as Charlton Athletic and Rangers.
22. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru at Deva Stadium on 10 July 2021 in Chester, England. Photo: James Williamson
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Oluwafisayo Faruq Dele-BashiruDate of birth: 6 February 2001Place of birth: Hamburg, GermanyPosition: Midfielder
Oluwafisayo Faruq Dele-Bashiru is a who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Lazio on loan from Turkish side Hatayspor. He made his senior debut on 5 September 2020 in the EFL Cup and has been playing for the Nigeria national team since 2023.
23. Ibrahim OlawoyinFull name: Ibrahim OlawoyinDate of birth: 1 December 1997Place of birth: Lagos, NigeriaPosition: Attacking midfielder
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Ibrahim Olawoyin is an attacking midfielder for Süper Lig club Çaykur Rizespor and the Nigeria national football team. He previously played for the Abia Comets, Abia Warriors, Rangers International and Ankara Keçiörengücü.
24. Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman at Estadio Jose Alvalade on 17 November 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: Carlos Rodrigues
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Ademola Olajade Alade Aylola LookmanDate of birth: 20 October 1997Place of birth: Wandsworth, London, United KingdomPosition: Left winger
The English-Nigerian footballer plays for Serie A club Atalanta and the Nigerian national team. He made his senior debut in 2015, playing for Charlton Athletic, and has since played for numerous other teams, such as Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester City.
25. Moses Simon
Moses Simon poses with the trophy after the Group D Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match between Nigeria and Sudan at Stade Roumde Adjia on 15 January 2022. Photo: Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Moses Daddy-Ajala SimonDate of birth: 12 July 1995Place of birth: Jos, NigeriaPosition: Left winger
Moses Simon is a forward or left winger for Ligue 1 club Nantes and the Nigeria national team. He made his in the Super Eagles on 25 March 2015 in an international friendly match against Uganda. Before that, he played for Trenčín, Gent and Levante.
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26. Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on 27 January 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Photo: Visionhaus
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Victor James OsimhenDate of birth: 29 December 1998Place of birth: Lagos, NigeriaPosition: Centre forward
Victor Osimhen plays for Serie A club Napoli and the Nigeria national team. He is widely considered among the best players in the world and is recognised for his elite finishing, pace, strength and athleticism. He has represented the Super Eagles since 2017 and has also played for numerous international football teams, including VfL Wolfsburg and Charleroi.
27. Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Iheanacho poses during the official FIFA World Cup 2018 portrait session on 12 June 2018 in Yessentuki, Russia. Photo: Ryan Pierse
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Kelechi Promise IheanachoDate of birth: 3 October 1996Place of birth: Imo, NigeriaPosition: Centre forward
Kelechi Iheanacho has represented the Nigeria national football team for almost ten years since 2015. He last played for Premier League club Leicester City and will leave the club as a free agent in July 2024. He also played for Manchester City between 2015 and 2017.
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28. Paul OnuachuPaul Ebere Onuachu at the Stade du Pays on 17 October 2021 in Charleroi, Belgium. Photo: Joris Verwijst
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Ebere Paul OnuachuDate of birth: 28 May 1994Place of birth: Owerri, NigeriaPosition: Centre forward
Paul Onuachu is a Nigerian professional soccer player for Premier League club Southampton and the Nigeria national team. He was voted Belgian Footballer of the Year and won the country’s top-scoring Golden Bull trophy.
29. Terem Moffi
Terem Moffi at Red Bull Arena on 2 June 2022 in Harrison, New Jersey. Photo: Tim Nwachukwu
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Teremas Igobor MoffiDate of birth: 25 May 1999Place of birth: Calabar, NigeriaPosition: Centre forward
Terem Moffi has played for the Nigerian national football team since 2021. He debuted with the Super Eagles on 4 June 2021 during a match against Cameroon. Terem also plays for Ligue 1 club Nice, where he has played since 2023.
30. Umar Sadiq
Umar Sadiq at Estadi de Son Moix on 6 February 2024 in Mallorca, Spain. Photo: Cristian Trujillo
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Umar Sadiq MesbahDate of birth: 2 February 1997Place of birth: Kaduna, NigeriaPosition: Centre forward
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Umar Sadiq is a striker for La Liga club Real Sociedad and the Nigeria national team. He previously represented the Nigeria national under-23 team and was part of the squad that won a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
31. Cyriel Dessers
Cyriel Dessers at Estadio Benito Villamarin on 14 December 2023 in Seville, Spain. Photo: Fran Santiago
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Cyriel Kolawole DessersDate of birth: 8 December 1994Place of birth: Tongeren, BelgiumPosition: Centre forward
Cyriel Kolawole Dessers is a professional footballer who is a forward for Scottish Premiership club Rangers and the Nigeria national team. He made his senior international debut in October 2020 in a friendly match with Tunisia.
32. Victor Boniface
Victor Boniface at the BayArena in Leverkusen, western Germany, on 24 April 2024. Photo: Ina FASSBENDER
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Victor Okoh BonifaceDate of birth: 23 December 2000Place of birth: Akure, NigeriaPosition: Centre forward
Victor Boniface is a striker for Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen and the Nigeria national team. He is well-known for his pace, strength, dribbling ability, finishing and work ethic. Boniface made his debut for the Nigeria senior team on 10 September 2023.
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33. Ahmed Musa
Ahmed Musa at Saint Petersburg Stadium on 26 June 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Photo: Alex Morton
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Ahmed MusaDate of birth: 14 October 1992Place of birth: Jos, NigeriaPosition: Right winger
Musa has represented the Nigeria national team internationally since 2010. He began his career in the GBS Football Academy and has since played for various clubs, such as Leicester City, Al Nassr and Fatih Karagümrük. He last played as a forward and Winger for Sivasspor.
Finidi George, a former football player, is the current head coach of the Nigeria national football team. He replaced Jose Peseiro and was officially unveiled in May 2024.
William Troost-Ekong is the captain of the Nigerian national football team. He has led the team through several major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the World Cup qualifiers.
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How many gold medals has Nigeria won in the Olympics?
The nation has won a total of three gold medals in the history of the Olympics. They include:
1996 – Men’s Football (Atlanta Olympics)1996 – Chioma Ajunwa in Women’s Long Jump (Atlanta Olympics)2000 – Women’s 4x400m Relay Team (Sydney Olympics)
Most of these Nigerian national football team players have gone on to play for various international teams that compete in the UEFA Europa League, Spanish La Liga, Bundesliga, and English Premier League. They have also represented the nation in various tournaments, including the AFCON and World Cup.
Henzodaily.ng recently published an article about the fastest soccer players. Football is one of the most popular sports in the world. The game is partly about athleticism; players must be mentally and physically fit to excel in the sport. And one of the critical attributes of a player is speed.
Speed is one of the most crucial qualities of a footballer when putting together a team. The fastest players outplay opponents and are hired by the best clubs. Most football stars are fast players regardless of their position as defenders, strikers, or midfield fielders. Discover some of the fastest soccer players with lightning speed.
Source: Henzodaily.ng
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