FULL LIST: 15 Nigerian players with most Premier League appearances

Nigeria has produced some of the finest footballers to grace the English Premier League — a competition that has long been a stage for African excellence.

From skillful playmakers to commanding defenders and lethal forwards, Nigerian stars have left their mark on English football.

Here are 15 Nigerian players with the most Premier League appearances:

1. Alex Iwobi – 302 Appearances (Arsenal, Everton & Fulham)

Alex Iwobi leads the list as the Nigerian with the most Premier League appearances. Bursting onto the scene at Arsenal, Iwobi’s flair, versatility, and consistency have seen him become a mainstay in English football. After leaving Arsenal for Everton, and later Fulham, he has continued to impress as a creative midfielder capable of influencing play.

2. Shola Ameobi – 298 Appearances (Newcastle United & Crystal Palace)

Shola Ameobi spent most of his career at Newcastle United. He was a powerful striker with a knack for scoring crucial goals with a total of 43 goals for the side, Ameobi remains a cult hero among Newcastle fans. His loyalty and longevity in the league earn him a well-deserved place near the top of this list.

3. Nwankwo Kanu – 273 Appearances (Arsenal, West Brom & Portsmouth)

Two-time African Footballer of the Year, Nwankwo Kanu dazzled at Arsenal, contributing to the famous Invincibles season. His technical brilliance, creativity, and calmness in front of goal made him one of Africa’s most beloved exports to the Premier League. He’s also one of the most decorated Nigerian players, winning multiple titles with Arsenal and an FA Cup triumph with Portsmouth.

4. Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 252 Appearances (Everton, Blackburn, Middlesbrough & Portsmouth)

Nicknamed “The Yak,” Yakubu Aiyegbeni was a natural goalscorer. With 95 Premier League goals, the most of any Nigerian footballer in the competition’s history. His physical presence and clinical finishing made him one of the most feared strikers of his era.

5. John Obi Mikel – 249 Appearances (Chelsea)

John Obi Mikel anchored Chelsea’s midfield for over a decade, and was known for his composure and tactical awareness.

Mikel was crucial to Chelsea’s domestic and European successes, including their historic 2012 UEFA Champions League triumph.

6. Joseph Yobo – 228 Appearances (Everton & Norwich City)

Joseph Yobo was a rock at the back for Everton, where he spent the majority of his career. A reliable and composed defender, Yobo captained the Toffees and later became the first Nigerian to reach 200 Premier League appearances — a testament to his durability and professionalism.

7. Victor Moses – 220 Appearances (Wigan, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Stoke City & Chelsea)

Victor Moses’s Premier League journey is one of adaptability and resilience. Starting as a winger, he reinvented himself as a wing-back under Antonio Conte at Chelsea, playing a pivotal role in their 2016/17 Premier League title win. His versatility and work rate have been hallmarks of his career.

8. Wilfred Ndidi – 207 Appearances (Leicester City)

Wilfred Ndidi has been Leicester City’s midfield engine since arriving in 2017. Renowned for his tackling and defensive intelligence, Ndidi became one of the league’s best ball-winning midfielders, contributing significantly to Leicester’s 2021 FA Cup victory and their memorable 2020 Europa League qualification.

9. Victor Anichebe – 204 Appearances (Everton, West Brom & Sunderland)

A product of Everton’s academy, Victor Anichebe combined strength and determination to forge a solid Premier League career. While injuries occasionally hampered his progress, his physicality and work ethic earned him respect at every club he represented.

10. Kelechi Iheanacho – 196 Appearances (Manchester City & Leicester City)

Kelechi Iheanacho made his mark at Manchester City with an impressive goal-per-minute ratio before joining Leicester, where he blossomed further. His intelligent movement and finishing prowess saw him earn the Premier League Player of the Month award in March 2021 after a remarkable scoring run.

Read Also: FULL LIST: Nigerian players who moved to EPL this transfer window

11. Celestine Babayaro – 179 Appearances (Chelsea & Newcastle United)

Celestine Babayaro was one of the first Nigerians to become a household name in the Premier League. His overlapping runs, pace, and defensive tenacity made him a fan favorite at Chelsea before he moved to Newcastle. His flair and energy on the left flank set the tone for future Nigerian defenders in England.

12. Efan Ekoku – 160 Appearances (Norwich City & Wimbledon)

Efan Ekoku was a trailblazer for Nigerian footballers in the Premier League era. Known for his strength and sharp finishing, he made history in 1993 as the first player to score four goals in a Premier League match, doing so for Norwich against Everton.

13. Peter Odemwingie – 129 Appearances (West Brom, Cardiff City & Stoke City)

Peter Odemwingie brought excitement and goals wherever he went. His debut season at West Brom saw him score 15 goals, earning multiple Player of the Month awards. Despite a few off-field controversies, his flair and eye for goal made him one of Nigeria’s most entertaining exports.

14. Jay-Jay Okocha – 124 Appearances (Bolton Wanderers)

Jay-Jay Okocha’s time in the Premier League with Bolton may have been relatively short, but it was unforgettable. His flair, skill, and joyful approach to football earned him legendary status. Okocha’s creativity transformed Bolton into a formidable side and left fans mesmerized week after week.

15. Dickson Etuhu – 111 Appearances (Sunderland & Fulham)

A hard-working midfielder, Dickson Etuhu was a vital presence in the teams he played for. At Fulham, he was instrumental in their remarkable run to the 2010 UEFA Europa League final. His physicality and defensive contributions often went underappreciated but were key to his teams’ stability.

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