Nigeria is one of the great African football nations. The Nigerian football team has won three African Cup of Nations titles (1980, 1994, 2003), a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games, and several appearances at the World Cup and the Confederations Cup. This emblematic football team has always had some incredible talents: exceptional players who have expanded their field of action internationally.
Nwankwo Kanu
It is impossible to talk about Nigeria’s best days without mentioning international Nwanko Kanu. The owner of two N1Bet African Golden Ball awards, the celebrated striker has long shone for the national team and has caught the eye of new Western scouts. The 45-year-old Nigerian has been part of his team’s rise to prominence across the continent. Indeed, he was one of the players selected for the African Cup of Nations, notably in 1994 and 2003 where he proudly won the gold medal.
Nwankwo Kanu was a nugget for his team and his position as a striker was strategically allocated to him. The famous footballer has played among the greatest. He embarked on a brilliant career with renowned football clubs. Notably, Ajax Amsterdam (between 1993 and 1996), Inter Milan (between 1996 and 1998), Arsenal FC (between 1998 and 2004), West Bromwich Albion (between 2004 and 2006) and Portsmouth FC (between 2006 and 2012).
John Utaka
Thanks to his enviable track record, footballer John Utaka is ranked among the best of his generation. The 1.82m tall sportsman was a long-time striker for the Nigerian national football team. He has also helped his team to victory in national, continental and international competitions. It is clear that John Utaka is one of the most selected players in the national team. He became a very famous player and European coaches were looking for him. He made a name for himself at the international level with major French clubs such as Montpellier HSC, Stade Rennais, RC Lens and CS Sedan Ardennes. The Nigerian’s career has been crowned with several victories, including the Egyptian Cup and the French championship in 2012. He was also named top scorer in the French Cup in 2005 and 2006.
Peter Rufai
Peter Rufai is one of the best goalkeepers in the Nigerian football team. The 58-year-old retired footballer has made his position worthwhile and led his team to victory in the 1994 edition of the CAN. It is hard not to remember his face. The player has always suffered from a skin disease that has left him with indelible scars. The disease has never been a hindrance to his career, quite the contrary. Peter Rufai has also played internationally for a number of clubs, including Portuguese (Gil Vicente FC), Spanish (Deportivo La Coruna) and Belgian (KSC Lokeren).
