Since Efan Ekoku’s trailblazing debut for Norwich City in April 1993, Nigerian players have left a lasting impact on the English Premier League, bringing skill, flair, and African dynamism to the world’s most-watched league for over three decades, as explored by PETER AKINBO.
1. Alex Iwobi (Arsenal, Everton & Fulham) – 298 appearances
At 28, Alex Iwobi has carved a versatile Premier League career marked by adaptability and intelligence. Nephew of Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha, Iwobi has forged his own path. Starting at Arsenal’s academy, he debuted in 2015, playing 149 games and winning the 2017 FA Cup under Arsène Wenger. His £28m move to Everton in 2019 honed his all-around game, and by 2023, he thrived at Fulham under Marco Silva as a dynamic midfielder. Tying Shola Ameobi’s 298 caps, Iwobi, the only active Nigerian in the league post-2024/25, is poised to break the record.
2. Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United & Crystal Palace) – 298 appearances
Shola Ameobi, a Newcastle United icon, epitomized loyalty over 14 years. Born in Zaria, Nigeria, and raised in Newcastle, the 6ft 3in forward won fans with grit across 298 games. Despite 43 goals, his reliability shone through Newcastle’s turbulent 2000s and 2010s, including relegation battles and Champions League runs. A brief 2014/15 Crystal Palace stint added four games before retirement.
3. Nwankwo Kanu (Arsenal, West Brom & Portsmouth) – 273 appearances
Nwankwo Kanu brought artistry and joy across 273 games at three clubs. Joining Arsenal in 1999 after Ajax and Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic triumphs, he played 119 games, scoring 30 goals and winning two Premier League titles and two FA Cups. At West Brom and Portsmouth, his 96 appearances showcased leadership and creative flair.
4. Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton, Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough & Portsmouth) – 252 appearances
Known as “The Yak,” Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s power and lethal left foot yielded a record 95 Premier League goals in 252 games. Starting at Portsmouth in 2003, he excelled at Middlesbrough (47 goals in 92 games) and Everton (21 goals). Despite an Achilles injury, his 2011–12 Blackburn stint added 11 goals, with a brief 2014/15 return.
5. John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) – 249 appearances
John Obi Mikel’s 11-year Chelsea career spanned 249 games, delivering two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the 2012 Champions League, and 2013 Europa League. Joining in 2006 after a Manchester United saga, his defensive tenacity and vision were pivotal.
6. Joseph Yobo (Everton & Norwich City) – 228 appearances
Joseph Yobo, a commanding center-back, anchored Everton’s defense for eight seasons across 221 games, excelling under David Moyes with top-seven finishes. A 2002 Marseille move, followed by a 2012 Fenerbahçe loan and 2013 Norwich stint (seven games), cemented his 228-appearance legacy.
7. Victor Moses (Wigan Athletic, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Stoke City & Chelsea) – 220 appearances
Victor Moses’ resilience shone across 220 games at five clubs. Rising from Crystal Palace’s academy, he debuted for Wigan in 2010. After a £9m Chelsea move in 2012, loans at Liverpool, Stoke, and West Ham followed. Reinvented as a wing-back under Antonio Conte, his 34 games fueled Chelsea’s 2016/17 title.
8. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) – 207 appearances
Wilfred Ndidi’s 207 games highlight his prowess as a defensive midfielder, known for tackles and stamina. Signed from Genk in 2017 for £17m, he led the league in tackles his debut year and starred in Leicester’s 2021 FA Cup win.
9. Victor Anichebe (Everton, West Bromwich Albion & Sunderland) – 204 appearances
Victor Anichebe’s 204 games across three clubs showed promise despite injuries. An Everton academy graduate, he played 168 games, scoring 25 goals. His 2013 West Brom move included a standout goal vs. Manchester United, while a 2015 Sunderland stint added 11 games.
10. Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City & Leicester City) – 196 appearances
Kelechi Iheanacho’s speed and finesse yielded 196 games. At Manchester City, 46 games brought 12 goals. His £25m Leicester move in 2017 peaked in 2020/21 with 12 goals and a key FA Cup role alongside Jamie Vardy.
