Nigeria is one of the biggest football hubs in Africa. The country has always produced exceptional talent who have excelled in leagues worldwide. Although Nigeria is known for its attacking talents, it has also produced fine goalkeepers who have received global recognition. In the years gone by, the West African nation had one of the best goalkeepers in the continent but has also struggled in this position. So, who are the top 10 best Nigerian goalkeepers?
The 10 greatest Nigerian goalkeepers of all time
Vincent Enyeama
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Vincent Enyeama is among the top 10 greatest Nigerian goalkeepers of all time. Between 2005 and 2015, he amassed 101 appearances for the Super Eagles, underscoring his significance to the team. Enyeama won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and represented the country at the FIFA World Cup.
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Peter Rufai
Fondly called Dodo Mayana, Peter Rufai’s stint as Nigeria’s goalkeeper was exceptional, earning him a spot in the top 10 greatest Nigerian goalkeepers. The goalie debuted for the national team in 1983 and accumulated 65 caps. He captained the Super Eagles in the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Anthony Best Odegengbe
Best was one of the most outstanding goalkeepers of his era. His time with Shooting Stars FC put him in the spotlight and earned him a spot as the country’s first-choice shot-stopper. He was between the sticks when the Super Eagles, then the Green Eagles, won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations and attended the Summer Olympics of that year.
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Emmanuel Okala
Emmanuel Anthony Oguejiofo Okala or Emmanuel Okala represented Nigeria between 1972 and 1980. He became a prominent keeper at Enugu Rangers and won 59 caps for his country. During his prime, he won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1973 All-African Games Gold. In 1978, Okala was voted the Footballer of the Year.
Sam Ibiam
Sam Henshaw Ibiam played for Nigeria between 1949 and 1958. He played on the team known as the “1949 UK Tourists.” During his nine-year reign, Ibiam reportedly conceded only five goals.
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Peter Fregene
Peter joins the list of the top 10 best Nigerian goalkeepers of all time. He played for the country between 1966 and 1983 and spent his club career at Stationery Stores and ECN. He was part of the squad that played in the 1968 Olympics and was briefly recalled for the 1980 AFCON tournament.
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Ike Shorunmu
Ike began his international career in 1992. He played 36 times and hanged his boots in 2002. He represented the country at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Interestingly, Ike’s club career was rich with notable teams including Basel, Zurich, Besiktas, and Juventus Zurich.
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Inua Rigogo
Inua Rigogo earned the moniker the flying cat because his saves made him seem like he was jumping from pole to pole. He manned the goal in the 1960s, and those lucky enough to see him attest to his brilliance. Rigogo won the Nigerian Challenge Cup in 1965. However, the keeper did not get a chance to play at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Alloysius Agu
Alloy Agu was the Nigerian goalkeeper between 1998 and 1995 and played 28 times. He was between the sticks in the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations and was also part of the 1994 FIFA World Cup team. His club career took him to NEPA, ACB Lagos, MVV Maastricht, RFC Liège, and Kayserispor.
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Wilfred Agbonavbare
Wilfred’s international career was short-lived, as he only made 15 appearances between 1983 and 1994. He was part of the Nigerian squad that attended the 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship, the 1994 African Cup of Nations and that year‘s FIFA World Cup. In terms of the club, Wilfred spent most of his career on the Spanish La Liga side Rayo Vallecano.
Conclusion
These are the 10 best Nigerian goalkeepers of all time. They proved their prowess at the highest level, including at the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup. Most of them played during the nineties, and unless you’re a dedicated African football fan, you might not know the names. Who was your favorite Nigerian goalkeeper?
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