The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is the top division of football in the country and is home to some of the most talented and hardworking players in the world.
With its long history of producing some of the best players in the African continent, the NPFL has become a hotbed for potential professional footballers.
From the likes of Kanu Nwankwo to John Mikel Obi, the NPFL has had a significant influence on the game of football and has truly made its mark in the international football scene.
This article will look into the best players to have ever graced the NPFL and how they have gone on to make a name for themselves in the world of football.
1. Abubakar Aliyu Ibrahim
Abubakar Aliyu Ibrahim is a professional Nigerian football player. He currently plays for Wikki Tourists, a professional football club based in Bauchi State of Nigeria. Abubakar has been a part of the team since 2018 and has been highly successful in his time there.
His skill and performance have been instrumental in the team’s success in both domestic and international competitions. Abubakar is known for his impressive technical ability and passing accuracy, as well as his ability to read the game and spot opportunities.
He has been a key figure in the team’s victories in the Nigerian Premier League and the CAF Champions League. Abubakar has also been an important part of the Nigerian national team and has been involved in several international tournaments.
He has been a great asset to the club and country, and his presence on the pitch has been a great boost to the team’s morale and performance. Abubakar Aliyu Ibrahim is a true professional and an important part of the Nigerian football scene.
2. Eneji Moses
Peter Eneji Moses is a professional soccer player who hails from Nigeria. He is an international player, having represented his home country in various competitions. His most recent team was Sereď, a squad in the Slovak Fortuna Liga.
During his time there, he played as a striker, a position he has become renowned for. Moses has proven to be a reliable goal scorer, having netted more than 30 times in the Fortuna Liga.
His impressive record helped him gain recognition from international scouts, leading to his participation in various tournaments.
He has also been a part of the Nigerian national team, helping them to reach the final of the African Cup of Nations. Overall, Moses has established himself as one of the top footballers in Nigeria and beyond.
He is an integral part of Sereď’s lineup and a valuable asset to the Nigerian national team. With his skill and experience, he is sure to have a bright future in the sport.
3. Isah Aliyu
Isah Aliyu is a professional footballer from Nigeria. He plays as an attacking midfielder for Remo Stars, a Nigerian club competing in the Nigerian Professional Football League.
Aliyu is a dynamic and creative player who is capable of creating chances out of nothing, and his ability to make key passes and score goals makes him an invaluable asset for his team.
He is known for his excellent ball control, accurate passing, and his ability to pick out the right pass to unlock the opposition’s defense. Aliyu is also known for his tenacity and work rate on the pitch, making him a reliable and consistent performer for his team.
With his technical skills, tactical awareness, and mental strength, Aliyu is sure to be an important part of Remo Stars’ success in the future.
4. Abraham Marcus
Abraham Ayomide Marcus is a talented Nigerian professional footballer who has had an impressive career in the sport. He currently plays as a forward for the Portuguese club Porto B, on loan from Remo Stars.
His impressive skill and knowledge of the game have seen him called up to represent his country, Nigeria, as part of the national team.
Marcus has been able to showcase his talent on an international level, which has allowed him to gain recognition and appreciation for his abilities. He is an asset to both his club and his country, and his skill and dedication to the sport makes him an admirable player.
5. Ikouwem Udo
Ikouwem Udo Utin is an international footballer from Nigeria. He currently plays for Croatian club NK Slaven Belupo, a team based in the city of Koprivnica. Utin usually plays as a left back, which means he is responsible for defending the left side of the pitch.
His role is to help prevent opposing teams from scoring goals by blocking shots and tackling opponents. Utin is a key player for his team, as his defensive skills and ability to read the game help to keep the opposition from scoring.
He has also been known to contribute to the attack, providing accurate crosses and impressive dribbling skills. Utin has become an important member of Slaven Belupo and has even earned the nickname “The Nigerian Wall” due to his ability to stop opponents from getting past him.
Utin is proving to be a valuable asset for the Croatian club, and his presence on the pitch is sure to help them achieve their goals.
6. Lukman Adefemi
Lukman Adefemi Abegunrin is a talented professional footballer from Nigeria. He currently plays as a forward for Rivers United F.C., a team in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Abegunrin’s speed and agility make him a valuable asset to any team, and he is known for his ability to score goals.
He has become an important part of Rivers United’s success, and his presence on the team has helped the club to become one of the most successful teams in the NPFL.
In addition to his skills on the field, Abegunrin is also an ambassador for the league, helping to promote the game in Nigeria and across Africa. He is an example of the quality of footballers coming out of the African continent and is a role model for aspiring footballers.
7. Godwin Obaje
Godwin Obaje is a professional Nigerian footballer. He currently plays for Abia Warriors, a Nigerian football club based in Umuahia. Obaje is a striker, meaning he is responsible for getting the ball into the opposing team’s goal.
He is known for his excellent technique and his ability to score spectacular goals. He has been an important part of Abia Warriors’ success in recent years, and his influence on the team is undeniable.
His hard work and dedication to the sport have earned him a great deal of respect among his peers and fans alike. Godwin Obaje is certainly a force to be reckoned with on the football pitch..
8. Anthony Okpotu
Anthony Okpotu is a professional footballer from Nigeria who plays as a forward. He is currently signed to Al-Ain, a Saudi Arabian club, and the Nigerian national football team.
Okpotu is an experienced player who has been playing professionally for a number of clubs, including Kano Pillars, Enyimba, and Lobi Stars.As a forward, Okpotu is known for his ability to score goals.
He has scored numerous goals for his various clubs, and he is a key player for the Nigeria national team. He is an important player for the team, as he provides them with a consistent source of goals. Okpotu is also known for his dribbling ability.
He is able to dribble the ball past defenders and create chances for his teammates. This makes him a valuable asset to any team, as he can create goals out of nothing.Overall, Anthony Okpotu is an experienced and talented professional footballer.
He has been an important player for both his club and the Nigerian national team, and he is known for his ability to score goals and create chances. With his dribbling ability, he is a valuable asset to any team.
9. Ahmed Musa
Ahmed Musa is an incredibly talented soccer player from Nigeria who currently plays for a Turkish Süper Lig club named Sivasspor, as well as the Nigerian national team.
He is known for his ability to play the forward or left winger position with great skill.Musa has achieved a great deal of success throughout his career, and he made history in 2014 when he became the first Nigerian player to score more than once in a FIFA World Cup match.
His two goals against Argentina were some of the most memorable moments of the tournament, and they helped Nigeria to an impressive 2-3 victory. Musa has since continued to make a name for himself in the world of soccer, and his skill and determination have earned him a great deal of respect from both fans and players alike.
His success is a testament to the fact that anyone can achieve greatness if they put in the hard work and dedication, no matter where they come from.
10. Mfon Udoh
Mfon Udoh is an extremely talented footballer from Nigeria. He currently plays as a forward for Sheikh Russel KC, a club in the Bangladeshi Premier League, as well as the national team of Nigeria.
His skill set is incredibly impressive, as he has a rare combination of qualities that most professional forwards strive for. He is incredibly fast, has excellent positioning, can finish shots naturally and can also provide assists to his teammates.
He is often described as a complete forward as he has all the qualities needed to be successful in this position. Udoh’s skill and talent have made him a highly sought-after player in the football world.
11. Ike Ibenegbu
Bartholomew Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, more commonly known as Mosquito, is a Nigerian football player who plays for Enugu Rangers. He is an attacking midfielder, which is a position on the team that focuses on creating chances and opportunities for the offense to score goals.
As an attacking midfielder, Mosquito uses his passing skills, dribbling ability, and vision to move the ball forward and create chances. He is a key component of the Enugu Rangers team, as his skill and presence on the field allows the team to have a more potent offense.
Mosquito’s talent has been recognized by his teammates and coaches, and he has been a part of the Rangers squad for many years. He has become a fan favorite due to his energetic and creative playing style, and his ability to make the team more dangerous when he takes the field.
12. Ikechukwu Ezenwa
Ikechukwu Vincent Ezenwa is an outstanding Nigerian professional footballer. He currently plays as a goalkeeper for Katsina United Football Club, a Nigerian team competing in the Nigerian Professional Football League.
Ezenwa began his football career playing in the youth academies of his local team, Enugu Rangers, before signing with Katsina United in 2012. Ezenwa has been an integral part of the Katsina United team since his arrival.
He is renowned for his superb reflexes and agility, as well as his ability to read the game and anticipate the movement of the opposition forwards.
He is also an excellent shot-stopper, having kept numerous clean sheets for Katsina United over the years. Ikechukwu Vincent Ezenwa has also represented the Nigerian national team on numerous occasions.
He was part of the squad that won the 2018 African Nations Championship, and he was also part of the team that won a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Ezenwa has proved to be an invaluable asset for Katsina United and the Nigerian national team, and he will continue to be a key figure in both teams as long as he is playing.
His skill and dedication to the game will ensure that he continues to be a success and an inspiration to football fans everywhere..
13. Mohammed Gambo
Muhammad Gambo, more commonly known as Muhammed, is a professional footballer currently playing for the Nigerian club Katsina United F.C. He plays in the position of forward, which is a vital attacking role in any team.
Muhammed is renowned for his quick feet, agility and ability to create chances out of nothing. He is also an excellent finisher, scoring many goals for his club over the years.
His excellent technique and vision allow him to find pockets of space and cause problems for his opponents. He is also excellent at running with the ball, taking on defenders and creating chances for his team.
Muhammed is a key player for Katsina United F.C., helping them to achieve success both domestically and in African competitions. His skills, attitude and determination on the pitch have made him a fan favorite and an integral part of the team.
14. Israel Abia
Israel Abia is a professional footballer from Nigeria. He currently plays as a striker for Al-Rawdhah, a team in the Saudi Second Division.
Abia began his football career at Sunshine Stars before joining Enugu Rangers in 2019. At Enugu Rangers, Abia made a significant impact on the team’s performance during the 2019-20 season.
He was the team’s leading goalscorer in the 2019-20 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) season, which was canceled due to the pandemic.
Abia’s performances for Enugu Rangers earned him a transfer to Saudi Second Division side Al-Rawdhah. Abia is known for his quick feet and goalscoring ability. He is a hard-working player who is committed to helping his team succeed.
He is a great example of a player who has worked hard to reach the professional level and has been recognized for his contributions to the game.
15. Gbolahan Salami
Fuad Gbolahan Salami is a professional soccer player from Nigeria. He currently plays as a forward for Al-Nasiriya, an Iraqi-based football club. Salami is a highly talented player, and his signing by Al-Nasiriya is a testament to his skill.
Salami has been a key member of the Al-Nasiriya team since joining in 2019. He has scored important goals for the club and has made significant contributions to the team’s success.
Salami is also a leader on the team, setting an example to his fellow players with his commitment and attitude. He is highly regarded by his teammates and coaches alike and is an important part of the Al-Nasiriya team.
16. Endurance Idahor
Endurance Idahor was a talented Nigerian professional footballer who had the ambition of playing at the highest level. He chose to take his career to Sudan, signing for Al-Merreikh, a Sudanese club.
His career was cut tragically short on 6 March 2010, when he collapsed during a league game. Despite the efforts of the medical staff on the scene, Idahor was unable to be saved and sadly passed away on his way to the hospital.
His death was a shock to the footballing world, as he had been a promising young talent that had shown much promise on the pitch. Idahor will be remembered for his passion and skill, and his untimely death is a reminder of the fragility of life.
17. Sibi Gwar
Sibi Gwar is a professional football player from Nigeria. He currently plays for Nasarawa United F.C., one of the premier clubs in the Nigeria Premier League. Gwar is a highly sought-after player and is known for his exceptional skill and athleticism on the pitch.
He has an impressive record of success in the league, having helped his team to win several titles in recent years. Gwar is a great asset to Nasarawa United F.C. and is one of the most important players on the team.
He is a respected leader and role model in the Nigerian football community, and his dedication to the sport is evident in his performances.
Gwar is an inspiration to many aspiring Nigerian footballers, and his success serves as an example of what hard work and dedication can achieve in the sport.
18. Peter Ijeh
Peter Ijeh was a Nigerian professional footballer who dedicated his career to playing as a forward. Ijeh was known for his speed, agility and determination on the pitch, as well as his goalscoring ability.
As a professional footballer, Ijeh played for a number of different teams throughout his career, including the Nigerian National Team. He was a regular in the Nigerian team and went on to help them to win the African Nations Cup in 1994.
Ijeh was also part of the Nigerian squad which competed in the 1996 Olympic Games. As a forward, Ijeh was known for his ability to make incisive runs and create chances for his team. He had a great eye for goal and was capable of scoring from almost any angle.
He had a knack for finding the back of the net, often with his head or feet. Ijeh was a threat in the air, and often caused opposition defenders problems with his movement and physicality. Ijeh had a successful career and was a great asset to any team he played for.
His presence up front was invaluable, especially when the team needed a goal. His tireless running and work ethic on the field made him a fan favorite in Nigeria.
He was a true professional, and it is no surprise that he is still remembered fondly by fans and footballers alike.
19. Victor Namo
Victor Namo, more commonly known as V.I.C., is a professional footballer who is currently playing for Al Ahly Benghazi in the Libyan Premier League.
V.I.C has been playing football since he was a child and has since then developed his skills to become one of the most promising footballers in Libya. He has been playing for Al Ahly Benghazi since 2018 and has become an integral part of the team.
He is known for his ability to create chances and score goals, and his athleticism and technical ability have made him a fan favorite. V.I.C has become one of the most important players in Al Ahly Benghazi’s squad and is an integral part of the team’s success.
He is always looking for ways to improve his game and is an example to all young footballers in Libya.
20. Junior Lokosa
Junior Sewanu Lokosa is a professional footballer from Nigeria. He currently plays for Sporting Lagos F.C, a Nigerian football club based in Lagos. He is a forward player who has earned a reputation for his strong presence in the field, with an ability to score goals.
He is known for his aggressive style of play and his ability to make use of the full width of the pitch. He is also known for his ability to link up well with other players, allowing him to create effective attacking plays.
He has also been praised for his work rate and determination on the field. Overall, Junior Sewanu Lokosa is a great asset to Sporting Lagos F.C and is a great example of what a professional footballer should be.
21. Kabiru Alausa
Kabiru Oluwamuyiwa Alausa is a prominent figure in Nigerian football. He is a retired footballer, having played as a forward for several clubs throughout his career.
After concluding his playing career, he transitioned into a coaching role and is currently serving as an assistant coach at the Nigerian club Shooting Stars.
Alausa is highly respected by his peers, both in the Nigerian football scene and beyond, for his professionalism and commitment to the sport.
He has been praised for his willingness to help young players develop their skills, and is known for his ability to help teams reach their goals.
Alausa is a prime example of a successful footballer whose passion and dedication have allowed him to remain in the game long after his playing days have ended.
22. Jude Aneke
Jude Aneke is a professional footballer currently playing in Nigeria. He is a forward, meaning that he plays in the attack-minded position of the team. Aneke is currently signed with the Nigerian football club, Ikorodu United F.C.
This is an amateur club, but they have had some success in the Nigerian football league. Aneke has been with the club since they were founded in 2006 and has been an important part of their success.
He has scored some important goals for the team and has been a key figure in their recent success. Aneke is a talented player and is likely to continue to be an important part of the team in the coming years.
23. Aruwa Ameh
Aruwa Ameh was a Nigerian professional footballer who had a remarkable career in the Nigeria National League. He most recently played for Bayelsa United, but it was during his time with Kaduna United in 2007 that he became the top scorer in the Nigeria Premier League.
Unfortunately, Ameh passed away in 2011 at the age of 28. It all began when he was hospitalized for arm pain, and only a week later, he succumbed to paralysis.
Aruwa Ameh was a highly respected figure for his talent and skill on the field, and his death was a great tragedy for the football community in Nigeria.
24. Chijioke Akuneto
Chijioke Akuneto is a professional Nigerian footballer who currently plays for Enyimba F.C. in the Nigerian Professional Football League.
He has had a long and successful career so far, having been the league’s top goalscorer in the 2021–22 season whilst playing for Rivers United.
Akuneto is well known for his eye for goal, having scored double figures in every season he has played in the NPFL since his debut in 2014.
His goal-scoring prowess has endeared him to fans of both Enyimba and Rivers United, and he is now looking to extend his impressive goalscoring record in the 2021–22 season.
Akuneto is a highly skilled player who is capable of playing in a variety of positions, from forward to winger to defensive midfielder. He is known for his work rate and is praised for his ability to link up with his teammates and create chances.
Akuneto is a player that all fans of Nigerian football should watch out for in the upcoming season, as he is sure to make an impact for both his club and the Nigerian Professional Football League.
25. Theophilus Afelokhai
Joel Theophilus Afelokhai is a highly accomplished Nigerian professional footballer who has made a name for himself as a goalkeeper. He has won multiple Nigeria Professional Football League titles throughout his career, playing for Kano Pillars, Enyimba, and Rivers United.
Afelokhai has achieved great success and earned a reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in African football. He began his career with Kano Pillars in 2009, where he quickly established himself as a reliable goalkeeper.
During his three-year stay at Kano Pillars, Afelokhai won the Nigeria Professional Football League in the 2009/2010 season. He then moved to Enyimba in 2012 and helped the team to win the Nigeria Professional Football League again in the 2014/2015 season.
In 2016, he signed with Rivers United and went on to have a successful career, winning the Nigeria Professional Football League title in the 2018/2019 season. Afelokhai has also achieved success in the continental arena, helping Enyimba to win the CAF Confederation Cup in 2015.
He has played a key role in the success of his teams, making crucial saves and using his experience and leadership to guide younger players. Joel Theophilus Afelokhai is a leader on and off the pitch and is one of the most decorated Nigerian professional footballers.
His achievements demonstrate his commitment to excellence and his dedication to the game.
26. Tosin Omoyele
Tosin Omoyele is a professional footballer from Nigeria. He currently plays as a striker for USM Khenchela, a club in Algeria. Omoyele has been playing football since his teenage years, and he has since developed a reputation as one of the leading strikers in the region.
He is known for his ability to create chances in the attacking third, and his clinical finishing in front of goal. His movement off the ball and ability to create space for himself and his teammates has made him a crucial part of USM Khenchela’s attack.
In addition to his footballing prowess, Omoyele is also an active member of the Nigerian football community, taking part in various initiatives to promote and develop the game in the country.
He is an inspiration to many aspiring footballers in Nigeria and a role model for those who wish to make a career out of the beautiful game.
27. Augustine Oladapo
Augustine Tunde Oladapo is a professional soccer player from Nigeria. He currently plays as a midfielder for TP Mazembe, a team in the Linafoot club. Oladapo has been playing soccer since he was a young child, and trained hard to become a professional.
He is known for his quickness and agility on the pitch, as well as his excellent passing and vision to make plays. He is also a reliable defender, able to anticipate potential danger and shut down attacks.
His impressive playing style has earned him numerous awards and recognition, and he is respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
Oladapo’s commitment to the sport has been a major factor in his success, and his dedication to the game has made him a valuable asset to his team.
28. Rashidi Yekini
Rashidi Yekini was an exceptional footballer who had a long and successful career. He was a forward and was most known for playing for the Portuguese team Vitória de Setúbal.
He was also highly successful in his native Nigeria, where he became the all-time top goalscorer. Yekini’s career spanned more than two decades, and he played in seven different countries throughout his career.
Alongside his time in Portugal, he also appeared at clubs in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey, Spain and the United States. He had a reputation as a determined and hardworking player who was always willing to put in the effort to help his team.
Yekini’s goal scoring record speaks for itself. He scored an impressive number of goals and played an important role in many of the teams he represented. He was a key figure in the Nigerian team, and his legacy will live on long after he has gone.
Yekini was an inspiration to many aspiring footballers, and his name will be remembered in the annals of football history.
29. Rabiu Ali
Rabiu Ali is a Nigerian football midfielder who plays for Kano Pillars F.C. He is a highly respected player in the Nigerian Professional Football League and is considered to be one of the best players in the league.
He has been a key player in the success of Kano Pillars F.C., having served as the club’s captain for several years. Rabiu Ali is an important figure in the Kano Pillars F.C. team and is regarded as one of the team’s greatest-ever players.
He has helped lead the team to many victories, both domestically and internationally, and has been a key contributor to the team’s success. His leadership and skill have been integral to the team’s success and he is highly respected by both his teammates and opponents.
30. Victor Ezeji
Victor Ezeji is a Nigerian football striker who has played in the Nigeria Football League for an impressive amount of time.
He is one of the most successful players in the league, having won two Africa Champions Leagues while playing for Enyimba Football Club in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.
During his time in the Nigeria Football League, Victor Ezeji was able to prove himself as one of the most skilled and reliable strikers in the league. His success and longevity as a player speaks volumes of his skill and determination.
Victor Ezeji is a great example of what is possible in the Nigeria Football League, and he is an inspiration for aspiring footballers in the country.
31. Ola Aina
Temitayo Olufisayo Olaoluwa Aina is an accomplished professional footballer who plays for Premier League club Nottingham Forest as a wing-back or right-back. He was born in England but plays for the Nigeria national team.
Aina started his career with Oxford United in the 2015-16 season, but it was with Tooting & Mitcham United in the Isthmian League that he made his mark.
He impressed so much that he was signed by Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2019, and he has since become an important part of the team, playing in several matches. His prowess with the ball and his ability to create chances have been a great asset for the club.
Aina has also been a regular for the Nigerian national team, appearing in several matches and tournaments. He is an outstanding player and a great role model for aspiring footballers, and with his impressive performances, he is sure to have a bright future ahead of him.
32. Arthur Moses
Arthur Moses is a former Ghanaian professional footballer who enjoyed a successful career as a striker.
He has since retired from the game but has stayed involved in football as the owner and vice-president of Bechem Chelsea, a Ghanaian football club. Moses began his career in Ghana, playing for various teams in his home country, including Accra Great Olympics and Berekum Arsenals.
During his time with these teams, he developed into one of the most prolific strikers in the country, scoring many goals and helping his teams win important matches. Following his success in Ghana, Moses was offered a contract by a professional team in England, where he continued his impressive career.
After a successful stint in England, he returned to his homeland and joined Bechem Chelsea, where he won the Ghanaian Premier League in 2004. Since retiring from playing, Moses has taken up an executive role at Bechem Chelsea.
He is now the owner and vice-president of the club, overseeing the team’s operations and helping to guide the club to further success.
Moses has also been appointed to the Ghana Football Association’s Technical and Development Committee, where he works to develop and promote Ghanaian football. Arthur Moses is an example of a successful Ghanaian footballer who has gone on to have a lasting impact on the game.
Not only did he enjoy a successful playing career, but he has now taken up a leadership role in his home country, contributing to the development of football in Ghana.
Conclusion
The Nigeria Professional Football League is home to some of the best football players in the world. With a combination of homegrown talent and foreign imports, the Nigerian league is a great example of how football can be a great unifying force in a nation.
The players in the league have an incredible amount of skill and talent and are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.
The best players in the league can be found at the top of the table, and their performances show why they are considered some of the best in the world.
With an ever-growing level of talent and competition, it is certain that the best players in the NPFL will continue to be some of the best in the world for years to come..
