From dusty pitches in Jos and Lagos to the dazzling lights of Stamford Bridge and the San Siro, Nigerian footballers have blazed a trail from local obscurity to global fame. Naija to the World is a weekly series that celebrates the incredible journeys of our football icons—stars who first made a name in the Nigerian Professional Football League or grassroots academies before catching the eye of European scouts.
In this maiden edition, we kick things off by honouring five of Nigeria’s most legendary exports—Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, John Obi Mikel, Vincent Enyeama, and Obafemi Martins—whose beginnings on Nigerian soil laid the foundation for unforgettable careers on the world stage.
Jay Jay Okocha – Enugu Rangers
So good they named him twice, Austin Jay Jay Okocha needs no introduction. He is one of the most technically gifted footballers to emerge from the African continent. His technical abilities were off the charts. Elegant, mesmerizing, and magical with a ball at his feet, Okocha was one of those players you would pay to come and watch in football stadiums, leaving you spellbound by his skills.
Born and bred in Enugu, his playing style epitomizes his upbringing in the ways of Nigerian street football. Okocha burst onto the scene with local club Enugu Rangers in the Nigerian Professional Football League, impressing greatly with the Flying Antelopes and producing numerous jaw-dropping displays. His time with the Rangers provided him with valuable experience in the Nigerian league, helping him hone his skills and earn the attention of European scouts. Following his stint in the NPFL, Okocha moved to Borussia Neunkirchen in Germany, marking the start of his career in Europe, and the rest, as they say, is history.
John Obi Mikel – Plateau United
The highly decorated midfielder spent the bulk of his playing career in London with Chelsea FC, winning countless titles with The Blues. Long before his widely publicised transfer saga involving Manchester United and Chelsea, he was on the books of Plateau United.
An ever-reliable presence in Chelsea’s midfield, Mikel grew up in Jos, a Nigerian City famed for its vibrant sports culture. In Jos, his superb talents earned him local recognition. After a successful stint with the Pepsi Football Academy in his early teenage years, his talent shone out to scouts, and he was handpicked to play for Plateau United. Club officials at Plateau United firmly believed they had unearthed the best young talent in Nigeria at the time.
In the few games he played in the Championship for Plateau, he was outstanding despite his youth. John Obi Mikel earned the attention of Austin Eguavoen, the coach of Nigeria’s Under-17 at the time, and was called up for the U-17 World Cup. He was a key player for Nigeria at the 2003 FIFA Under-17 World Championships, and his standout performances secured a transfer to Norwegian Club Lyn before a move to England ensued two years later.
Vincent Enyeama – Enyimba, Iwuanyanwu Nationale & Ibom Stars
Without a doubt, Vincent Enyeama is one of the finest African goalkeepers in history and, unarguably, the best of his generation. Enyeama’s iconic career commenced in the NPFL, with the Aba-born goalkeeper turning out for a string of Nigerian clubs. The former Super Eagles Team Captain kick-started his professional career at Ibom Stars (now known as Akwa United FC) before he moved to Enyimba FC.
He clinched the CAF Champions League twice during his three-year stint with The Aba Warriors, playing a vital role as they claimed consecutive triumphs in 2003 and 2004, bagging the CAF Champions League Player of the Year award in both seasons. Exceptional behind the goal and in front of the goal, Enyeama netted a first-half penalty to help Enyimba defeat Tunisian Club Etoile du Sahel in the final in 2004. He picked up three consecutive winners’ medals in the Nigerian Premier League.
Vincent Enyeama called the curtain on his NPFL career with a season-long stint at Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now known as Heartland) and moved to the Israeli top flight, signing for Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv. His career trajectory took him from Israel to France.
Nwankwo Kanu – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
Papilo as he is fondly called by Nigerians, and trophies went hand in hand with the lanky forward across Europe. From Ajax to Inter Milan to Arsenal and Portsmouth, Nwankwo Kanu was a serial winner.
Papilo came from humble beginnings in Owerri, Imo State. His journey, resilience, hard work and iconic career have served as an inspiration for Nigerian footballers. Kanu commenced his professional football career with Iwuanyanwu Nationale (Heartland FC) in the NPFL.
At Iwuanyanwu Nationale, he clinched his maiden career title in the 1992/1993 NPFL season, putting in superb performances in front of goal. He followed it up with clinical performances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup as Nigeria defeated Ghana in the final to clinch the title for the second time in history, finishing the tournament as the joint second-highest goal scorer with five goals. His national and international success earned him a move to AFC Ajax. His stint in the Nigerian league set the tone for his storied career in Europe.
Obafemi Martins – FC Ebedei
Kids were filled with disbelief when Obafemi Martins revealed that he was faster than most of the fastest footballers in the world today in his prime. However, the older generation can testify to his insane abilities. Blessed with a rocket of a left foot, Martins was fast and deadly at any distance within sight of the goal.
The Lagos-born Martins was discovered by Churchill Oliseh of FC Ebedei while balling on the streets of Lagos. Captivated by the teenager’s talent, Oliseh made an immediate move and signed him up for FC Ebedei. The talented teenager only spent a year in the academy before Italian side A.C. Reggiana made a move for him. Alongside Ebedei teammate Stephen Makinwa, Martins signed a youth contract with the club in 2000 following a successful three-month trial. He showed glimpses and flashes of brilliance in his first season with Reggiana, doing more than enough to convince Inter Milan to make a move for him. At Inter Milan, he established himself as one of the best African Strikers in Europe.
These legends remind us that greatness often begins on the streets, in grassroots academies, and in local stadiums across Nigeria. As we relive the stories of our football trailblazers, stay tuned for more episodes of Naija to the World, where we’ll spotlight the heroes who carried the dreams of a nation beyond borders. The journey has only just begun.
