Over the years, the Nigerian League has produced several stars that became famous while playing in the domestic league.Some of these stars eventually took their game to the next level by moving abroad to play for foreign clubs.
As part of Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary,Ojeikere Aikhoje takes a look at famous transfers from the Nigerian League and reasons why these transfers generated attention at home.
Stephen Keshi: NNB to Stade d'Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire)
Former Super Eagles captain Stephen Keshi was instrumental to the success of the defunct New Nigeria Bank FC in the '80s. Keshi was also a regular face at the national team, then called the Green Eagles.
However, his transfer became famous due to a mistake. Keshi and some of his colleagues incurred the wrath of the Football Federation when they reported late to camp. As a result, they were banned from playing football for their Nigerian clubs.
This generated a heavy uproar in the domestic scene. Ironically, it marked the turning point in his career as he secured a famous move to the lucrative Ivorian League, which had fantastic welfare facilities for players.
Keshi landed at Stade d’Abidjan, where he had a glorious career before heading for Belgian, which later replaced Cote d’Ivoire as the ‘home of Nigerian players.’
Peter Rufai: Femo Scorpions to Dragons (Republic of Benin)
Peter Rufai’s status as one of the best goalkeepers in the Nigerian League was not contestable. His imposing presence in goal was an advantage that earned him respect.
Playing for one Nigeria’s most supported clubs; Stationery Stores also boosted his career and popularity. The fans just loved him.
‘Dodo Mayana’ as he was fondly called later joined Femi Scorpions owned by his friend and eventually became Nigeria’s first goalkeeper in a foreign league when he signed for Dragons in neighbouring Republic of Benin.
This was at a time the league in Benin Republic was highly lucrative enough to attract some of the best in the Nigerian League.
Daniel Amokachi: Ranchers to Club Brugge (Belgium)
Amokachi was the best young player in Nigeria back in 1988.
The youngster did a yeoman’s job as his club; Ranchers Bees won the sub-regional, WAFU Cup, in 1989.
While Amokachi was doing his thing, Belgian side, Club Brugge, had their scouts monitoring and eventually offered him a contract.
This was the same period that he was noticed by Nigeria’s most successful manager, Clemens Westerhoff, who gave him a chance at the National Team.
Vincent Enyeama: Enyimba to Bnei Yehuda (Israel)
Enyeama’s road to stardom began when former Super Eagles manager, Adegboye Onigbinde, saw the potentials in him on the eve of the 2002 World Cup.
Enyeama got his chance and since then has held on tightly to the number one position in the National Team.
He played a key role as Nigeria’s Enyimba broke the infamous CAF Champion League jinx in Africa and then became a regular in the Super Eagles.
This attracted the attentions of several clubs in the continent and beyond, but he eventually settled for Israeli side, Bnei Yehuda.
Austin Eguavoen: ACB to Gent (Belgium)
A playing tour of modest Belgian side, Gent, opened the road for Austin Eguavoen to take his career to the next level.
The Belgian side played ACB and discovered the skills of Eguavoen would boost their club’s profile. At this time, the defender was already one of the best in the local league.
Gbenga Okunowo: Shooting Stars to FC Barcelona (Spain)
This was the biggest transfer involving a Nigerian youngster in 1997.
Indeed, Okunowo’s transfer to the famous Barcelona shocked the football world.
Barcelona scouts were impressed with his performance at the 1997 Uefa-CAF Meridian Cup and he eventually sealed a deal worth $50 000 (a massive transfer fee for an untested player at that time.)
However, injury prevented him from making an impact at the Nou Camp until the 1998/99 season when he debuted for the first team.
A poor outing for Nigeria at the Fifa Under-20 World Cup tagged Nigeria ’99 didn’t help his career. Shortly after his return from the WYC, Okunowo lost his position and his career gradually crumbled.
Attempts to revive his career at Benfica (Portugal), Dinamo Bucaresti (Romania), Ionikos (Greece) failed due to a recurring injury. His contract was eventually terminated by Barcelona in June 2002.
Okunowo’s efforts to revive his career at the tiny Maldives Island in the Indian Ocean, Albania, Ukraine and Poland yielded no results.
The former Nigerian International presently plays non-league football for Waltham Forest, in England, eight flights below the English Premier League.
Uche Okafor: ACB to Mechelen (Belgium)
Okafor made his name at defunct Lagos based ACB, fondly called ‘Lagos Rangers.’
He was one of the best in the league and was often invited to the National Team. As expected, Uche later headed for Belgian side, Mechelen.
Finidi George: Sharks to Ajax Amsterdam (Holland)
Finidi proved the quality in the domestic league cannot be contested when he held tightly to his position in the Super Eagles after a great debut against Burkina Faso.
He not only created goals for Rashidi Yekini that day, but also got his own on match day.
The famous Ajax, then under Dutch master, Louis Van Gaal couldn’t ignore this jewel.
Rashidi Yekini: Abiola Babes to Africa Sports (Cote d’Ivoire)
Known for his goalscoring prowess, Rashidi Yekini was one of the most popular Nigerian league stars. The forward became a legend at Abiola Babes where his goals brought smiles to the faces of football fans across the country.
Yekini later earned a famous move to Africa Sports, which was one of the best teams in the continent at that time.
Nwankwo Kanu: Iwuanyanwu Nationale to Ajax Amsterdam (Holland)
The young Kanu was an up-and coming star at Iwuanyanwu Nationale when Ajax came calling shortly after his impressive showing at the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Japan.
However, before leaving for Ajax, Kanu had given fans across the country a dose of his football magic.
Taye Taiwo: Lobi Stars to Olympique Marseille (France)
This strong left full back with killer shots in his boots became the first Nigerian to move from the domestic league to the first team of star-studded former European champions, Olympique Marseille.
Before leaving Nigeria, Taiwo ensured that he put his name in the history books. Gabros made a fortune following his transfer to Lobi Stars and the Makurdi based side equally got a wonderful bargain ($100 000) when he moved abroad.
TT, as he is fondly called was able to grab a first team shirt without difficulty.
The Nigerian International recently helped his capital city club win the French Ligue 1 after many years without a silverware.
Slyvanus Okpala: Rangers to Clube de Futebol União or União da Madeira (Portugal)
Slyvanus Okpala was already a famous star at Enugu Rangers in the 80s.
His consistency earned him a move to Portugal where he starred for Clube de Futebol Uniao fondly called Uniao de Madeira.
Benjy Nzeakor: Iwuanyanwu Nationale to Esporte Club Victoria (Brazil)
Nzeakor was famous for his dazzling runs on the right flank.
He played for Iwuanyanwu Nationale where he became of the fans’ favourite.
However, Nzeakor didn’t spend a long time at Nationale as he entered the history books by becoming the second Nigerian to play in Brazil after Richard Owubokiri.
Richard Owubokiri: ACB to America FC (Brazil)
Richard Owubokiri was a famous star at his hometown club, Sharks and defunct Lagos based ACB.
His transfer to Brazil earned him stardom at a time the Brazilian League was not considered the right place for any Nigerian to go due to the quality of Brazilian players.
In spite of this challenge, the Nigerian was able to prove his mark in Brazil and eventually headed for Europe where he also made his mark.
Mutiu Adepoju: Julius Berger to Real Madrid B (Spain)
Fondly called ‘Headmaster’, Mutiu Adepoju made his mark at Shooting Stars and Julius Berger.
Fans across the league centres in the country knew that Mutiu would always deliver when it mattered most.
He was a member of Nigeria’s U-20 team that excelled at the Saudi ’89 World Youth Championship.
Like Ohenhen, his performance did not go unnoticed at the Saudi ’89 Championship as Real Madrid’s B team gave him his first European contract.
Chris Ohenhen: Julius Berger to Real Madrid B (Spain)
Ohenhen became famous at defunct Hoechst of Ota where he was well known for scoring free-kicks.
From Hoechst, he joined Julius Berger and was invited to the Flying Eagles.
His impressive performance at the Saudi ’89 World Youth Championship was monitored by scouts of the famous real Madrid.
At the end of the competition, he moved to the B Team of Real.
Emmanuel Olisadebe: Jasper United to Polonia Warsaw (Poland)
A former Jasper United forward, who made his name in the domestic league scoring goals for his club. He was well known for his goal scoring form.
Although, he was among the first set of Nigerians who moved to Poland, Olisadebe eventually became the biggest African to play in the country.
Interestingly, he became a Polish International and will always be remembered for helping his adopted country qualify for the World Cup, in Korea/Japan 2002.
Willy Okpara: ACB to Orlando Pirates (South Africa)
Okpara is one of the famous stars produced by defunct Lagos based ACB.
He was the goalkeeper for Nigeria’s U-20 Team, the Flying Eagles at the Chile ’87 edition of the World Youth Championship.
Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha: Enugu Rangers to Borussia Neunkirchen (Germany)
Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha was a hit at Enugu Rangers where he spent a short time before heading for Germany.
Okocha played at Borussia Neunkirchen and later moved to Eintracht Frankfurt where he became a legend.
Christian Obodo: Plateau United to Peruggia (Italy)
No one believed this creative midfielder who move so fast from a Nigerian club to the famous Italian Serie A. But it became a reality after all.
Obodo was a member of the Flying Eagles that failed to qualify for the 2001 Fifa U-20 World Cup following their poor performance at the African Championship, in Ethiopia.
However, his performance for Nigeria was good enough to attract scouts from Peruggia.
Victor Obinna Nsofor: Enyimba to Chievo Verona (Italy)
Obinna Nsofor was one of Nigeria’s emerging stars after distinguishing himself at Kwara United in the top flight.
As expected, he moved to the biggest team in the land, Enyimba and he was in Samson Siasia’s squad in Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles.
Against all odds, he went for trials at Serie A side, Chievo Verona and the rest is now history as the club decided to retain him.
The gamble eventually paid off as the Nigerian adapted very fast scoring on his debut against Parma. 2005.
John Owoeri: Bendel Insurance to Feyenoord (Holland)
A creative forward with a high workrate, Owoeri came to limelight while plying for Nigeria at the 2005 World Youth Championship, where Nigeria recharged the finals, but lost to Argentina.
His first sojourn abroad may have ended abruptly, due to his inability to establish himself at Dutch side, Feyenoord and Belgian side, Westerloo, but the Nigerian didn’t allow this to weigh him down.
Owoeri eventually returned to the Nigerian league.
Gabriel Okolosi: Julius Berger to Africa Sports (Cote d’Ivoire)
Gabriel Okolosi was one of Nigeria’s most flamboyant forwards.
He attained legendary status at one of Nigeria’s most glamorous teams, Julius Berger. His performance attracted the attention of Africa Sports, which lured him to Cote d’Ivoire.
Etim Esin: Iwuanyanwu Nationale to Lierse (FC Belgium)
Nigeria’s Maradona, Etim Esin was clearly the biggest discovery of Nigerian football back in 1987. Esin was not only creative, but possessed al the attributes of a future star.
He joined the Belgium train to play for Gent.
Uche Okechukwu/Friday Elaiho: Iwuanyanwu Nationale to Brondby (Denmark)
The ‘Gentle Giant’ Uche Okechukwu and Friday Elaiho entered the history books as the first set of Nigerians to play in the Danish League. The duo were noticed by scouts of Brondby at the Algiers ’90 Africa Cup of Nations.
Back home, they were big names at their various clubs. While Okechukwu made the defence of Flash Flamingoes tight, Elaiho was one of the fastest left wingers in the league. He had a nice time Bendel Insurance and later ACB.
However, both players became teammates at Iwuanyanwu Nationale, which was Nigeria’s best team.
Emmanuel Amuneke: Julius Berger to Zamalek (Egypt)
After watching Nigeria’s wing sensation, Emmanuel Amuneke, damage the defence of several teams at the 2001 All Africa Games, Cairo warlords, Zamalek, were convinced the Nigerian is the answer to the goalscoring problems.
Discovered at a local side, Amuneke became one of the big names at Julius Berger following a wonderful season.
Taribo West: Julius Berger to AJ Auxerre (France)
This dreadlocked central defender was a regular at all the Nigerian clubs he featured namely Sharks, Rangers, Ibukun Oluwa (later Obanta).
He represented Nigeria at the Mauritius ’93 Africa Youth Championship where the team had a dismal outing.
Ironically, he was spotted by scouts of French side, AJ Auxerre, despite the team’s shambolic outing.
Ike Shorunmu: Shooting Stars to FC Basel (Switzerland)
Ike had a wonderful time at Shooting Stars Sports Club where he got an offered to begin his European football career FC Basle.
For a goalkeeper, it was a big transfer.
Tijani Babangida: Niger Tornadoes to Roda Kekrade (Holland)
Tijani Babangida’s transfer from Niger Tornadoes was well celebrated by the club.
In fact, at that time in the country, it was the biggest move for a player in the lower division as Tornadoes were then in the old Division Two.
Unknown to many, it was the transfer fee that the club paid to register in the newly introduced Professional League.
Osaze Odemwingie: Bendel Insurance to La Louviere (Belgium)
Osaze Odemwingie spent three seasons at Bendel Insurance where he became one of the league’s best players. He was always outstanding in the colours of Insurance which was one of the biggest teams in the league.
While playing for Insurance, Osaze was selected by former Super Eagles manager, Adegboye Onigbinde, as an alternate player during the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup. p> After the World Cup, in Asia, modest Belgian side, La Louviere secured his services.
Garba Lawal: Julius Berger to Esperance (Tunisia)
Garba Lawal made his name at Julius Berger where he became one of the league’s most outstanding stars.
An impressive performance for the Bridge Boys earned him a famous move to Esperance in Tunisia.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni: Julius Berger to Maccabi Haifa (Israel)
For a youngster who joined the famous Julius Berger from relatively unknown Okomu Oil, a move to one of Israel’s famous side, Maccabi Haifa was well celebrated.
Although Berger had transferred several stars abroad, Aiyegbeni’s move earned the club good foreign exchange.
Peter Ijeh: Julius Berger to FF Malmo (Sweden)
After winning the Highest Goal Scorer Award in the 2000 League, Ijeh moved to Sweden’s FF Malmo where he became a legend.
Ijeh may not have played in any of Mainland Europe’s big teams, but he earned himself legendary status in the Scandinavia scoring goals with ease.
Alloy Agwu: ACB to MVV (Holland)
Former Super Eagles Dutch manager, Clemens Westerhoff gave Alloy Agwu a good chance to make an impact at the goalkeeper made maximum use of the opportunity.
In no time, he became the Super Eagles number one goalkeeper even as a player at Nigerian side, ACB.
Alloy eventually attracted the attention of Dutch side, MVV, which offered him a taste of European football.
Samson Siasia: El-Kanemi Warriors to Lokeren (Belgium)
Samson Siasia will always be remembered as one of the players at excelled at Julius Berger, a club that is well known for developing great footballers.
When El-Kanemi was formed, Siasia was one of big names lured to the club. He later moved to Belgium’s Lokeren from El-Kanemi.
Joseph Akpala: Bendel Insurance to Charleroi
Akpala finished as leading scorer in the Nigeria League during the 2005 season which made Charleroi to invite him on trials.
The former Bendel Insurance star convinced the club and he was eventually offered a deal.
He confirmed his status as goalking by topping the scorers chart in Belgium at the end of the 2007/8 season.
Before heading for Charleroi, he was already a member of the homebased National Team.
Apam Onyekachi: Rangers to OGC Nice (France)
Apam Onyekachi made Rangers a formidable team by helping to organize the defence effectively.
The defender wormed his way into the hearts of the coaches and fans during the CAF Confederations Cup.
He was a member of Samson Siasia’s U-20 side that excelled at the 2005 Fifa U-20 World Cup, in the Netherlands.
His performance attracted the attention of scouts from OGC Nice.
Muri Ogunbiyi: Enyimba to Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia)
Originally a Nigerian, but now a Republic of Benin International, Ogunbiyi became one of the favourite of the Aba fans when he joined Enyimba.
He won everything with the Aba Elephants, thus putting his name in the history books.
Ogunbiyi later moved to Tunisian club, Etoile du Sahel.
Stephen Worgu: Enyimba to El-Merriekh (Sudan)
Worgu’s road to fame began in the CAF Champions League where he made goal scoring so easy.
Several clubs from Europe and Africa eventually queued for his services, but the Nigerian headed for Sudan where he got the best deal financially.
The deal was worth an estimated $2.5 million, with $1 million annual salary and the remaining $1.5 million his former club, Enyimba.
In fact, even after his transfer to Sudan, Africa’s most successful club, Al-Ahly didn’t stop complaining that Worgu had signed a pre-contract agreement with them.
Obinna Nwaneri: Enyimba to FC Sion (Switzerland)
Nwaneri’s performance in the Enyimba defence was always applauded by fans of the club.
Like other legends of the club, he also played a key role in the team’s success in Nigeria and Africa.
Swiss side, FC Sion followed his performance and later offered him a deal.
Abiodun Baruwa: Shooting to FC Sion (Switzerland)
Baruwa made his name in the Nigerian League as one of the best goalkeepers.
Although the goalkeeper couldn’t help his team, Shooting Stars win the then elusive Champions Cup, his performance earned him more accolades in the continent and beyond.
During the first-ever CAF vs Uefa All Star match, the Shooting Stars goalkeeper was one of the best African stars called up for the game.
Swiss club, FC Sion eventually secured his services from his Nigerian club.
Raphael Chukwu: Udoji to Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Just as Nigerian league fans won’t forget this player; it would be difficult for fans of Mamelodi Sundown to also forget him.
This forward got most of the goals as Udoji United rose to become one of the best Nigerian clubs in the 90s.
Chukwu was famous for his goals and got a famous move to the Brazilians where he equally blossomed to become a legend in the PSL.
Thompson Oliha: Iwuanyanwu Nationale to Africa Sports (Cote d’Ivoire)
Oliha was famous at Iwuanyanwu Nationale where he commanded the team’s midfield like a ‘general.’
When Africa Sports need a combatant to marshal their midfield in a bid to win laurels in the continent, they came to Nigeria to lure Oliha.
Yusuf Ayila: Union Bank to Dinamo Kiev (Ukraine)
Like Tijani Babangida, Yusuf Ayila, is one of the few players who never played in Nigeria’s elite class, before moving abroad.
Although the duo of Harry Omokoh and Lucky Idahor were the first set of Nigerians to play at the former Soviet giants, Ayila’s transfer is famous because he is first player from the lower division to join the team.
Nigerians were shocked to see him play in the Uefa Champions League.
In fact, a battle ensured for his services as Ukraine were ready to throw him into their National Team.
Wilfred Agbonavbare: BCC Lions to Rayo Vallecano (Spain)
Another product of the famous NNB squad which paraded Stephen Keshi, Bright Omokaro, Samson Ozogula et al, Agbonavbare was one of the best goalkeepers of his time.
He made other goalkeepers at the club redundant by monopolizing the number one position at the club.
Joetex Frimpong: Enyimba to Al-Nassr (Saudi-Arabia)
He remains the most celebrated foreigner to play in Nigeria’s football scene.
Frimpong attained fame when he scored 16 goals during the 2002 season to become the second foreigner after Arthur Moses to become Nigeria’s Goalking.
Enyimba snapped his and he continued from where he stopped to become the club’s All-Time Goalking.
He won everything with Enyimba both at home and abroad. In fact, he also became the CAF Champions League All-Time Goal scorer with 17 goals from 2003 through 2005.
Frimpong short-time loan deal at Saudi-Arabian club, Al-Nassr fetched Enyimba close to $100 000.
Onyekachi Okonkwo: Enyimba to Orlando Pirates (South Africa)
‘Tico’ as he is fondly called made his name at Enyimba where he was part of the history making team that won everything in Nigeria and Africa.
The midfield remains his area of control which he used effectively to the benefit of the team.
In no time, he headed for Orlando Pirates to become a club legend.
Julius Aghahowa: Bendel Insurance to Esperance (Tunisia)
A famous outing in the colours of Bendel Insurance brought Julius Aghahowa to limelight and he was later offered a lucrative contract at Esperance.
Ben Iroha: Iwuanyanwu Nationale to ASEC (Cote d’Ivoire)
Benedict Iroha remains one of Nigeria’s best ever left full backs.
His road to stardom began at defunct Bendel United back in 1989 when the club lost the finals of the former Cup Winners Cup.
From Bendel United, he moved to Iwuanyanwu Nationale and ensured the club remained one of the best at that time.
Since Cote d’Ivoire was the most lucrative then, he was lured to ASEC Mimosas, where he helped the club attained stardom.
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