Former Super Eagles defender Chikelue Iloenyosi has revealed his all-time Nigeria XI, featuring legends like Jay-Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Taribo West and modern star Victor Osimhen.
Former Super Eagles defender Chikelue Iloenyosi has sparked debate after naming Victor Osimhen in his all-time Nigeria XI while leaving out iconic names such as Nwankwo Kanu, Finidi George and Vincent Enyeama.
The former center-back, popularly known as “The General” during his playing days, Iloenyosi built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s toughest defenders in the early 2000s and represented the Super Eagles at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Now reflecting on the greatest players to ever wear Nigeria’s green and white colors, the former defender selected a team packed with AFCON winners, Olympic gold medalists, European stars and African Footballer of the Year recipients.
At the heart of his side is late legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai, fondly remembered as “Dodo Mayana.”
Rufai remains one of the most respected goalkeepers in Nigerian football history after helping Nigeria win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and representing the country at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. The former Deportivo La Coruna and Go-Ahead Eagles shot stopper became a symbol of Nigeria’s golden football era during the 1990s.
In defence, Iloenyosi selected Mobi Oparaku and Celestine Babayaro as his full backs.
Oparaku was part of Nigeria’s historic gold medal-winning squad at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, becoming one of the youngest players in that legendary team.
Babayaro meanwhile enjoyed enormous success in Europe, winning the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and UEFA Super Cup with Chelsea before later starring for Newcastle United. He also won Olympic gold with Nigeria in 1996.
The centre-back pairing featured two of the country’s most feared defenders in Uche Okechukwu and Taribo West.
Nicknamed the “Gentle Giant,” Okechukwu was a defensive pillar during Nigeria’s dominant 1994 AFCON triumph and earned legendary status for his calmness, strength and leadership at the back.
Taribo West, famous for his aggressive defending and iconic hairstyles, enjoyed successful spells with Inter Milan and AC Milan while helping Nigeria win Olympic gold in 1996.
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In midfield, Iloenyosi admitted he made one selection without emotion.
“Not sentimental about this,” he said before naming Sunday Oliseh.
Oliseh remains widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders in African football history after starring for clubs like Ajax, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
The former Super Eagles captain played a major role in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph and scored one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history against Spain at France 1998.
Alongside him, Iloenyosi selected winger Pius Ikedia and powerhouse forward Daniel Amokachi.
Ikedia was known for his explosive pace and dribbling ability during the early 2000s, while Amokachi became one of Nigeria’s greatest-ever forwards after helping the Super Eagles win AFCON 1994 and starring at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
The former Everton striker also played a major role in Nigeria’s historic Olympic gold medal triumph in Atlanta.
Leading the attack is Osimhen, the only active player included in the lineup.
The former Napoli striker has rapidly cemented his place among Nigerian football royalty after winning the 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award and firing Napoli to their first Serie A title in more than three decades.
Osimhen has also continued his prolific form with Galatasaray and is already viewed by many as one of Nigeria’s greatest strikers of the modern era.
Behind him sits perhaps the most naturally gifted player Nigeria has ever produced, Jay-Jay Okocha.
Okocha dazzled fans across the world with his extraordinary skill, creativity and flair during spells with Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton Wanderers.
The former captain remains one of Africa’s most celebrated football icons and was instrumental in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON victory and Olympic gold success.
Completing the lineup is Victor Ikpeba, whom Iloenyosi referred to as “Prince of Monaco”
Ikpeba enjoyed the finest years of his career with AS Monaco, winning the Ligue 1 title before claiming the 1997 African Player of the Year award.
He was also part of Nigeria’s golden generation that conquered Africa in 1994 and stunned the world at the FIFA World Cup.
Illustration of Chikelue Iloenyosi’s all-time Super Eagles XI
Iloenyosi’s selection heavily reflects the dominance of Nigeria’s 1994 generation, widely regarded as the greatest era in the country’s football history, while also acknowledging Osimhen as the modern face of the Super Eagles.
