Eagles legends missing as Siasia reveals his ‘Dream Team’ of Nigeria’s greatest footballers

Samson Siasia, former Super Eagles coach and a former star of the Super Eagles, has made his selection for Nigeria’s all-time best 11, including many of his former international teammates.

In an interview with Edafe Matthew, Siasia, who played 49 times for the Super Eagles between 1984 and 1998, shared his preferences for the top Nigerian players, highlighting those who have made significant contributions to the national team.

Goalkeeper

Enyeama (left) exchanging pleasantries with Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, after Nigeria’s last group game against the South Americans at the Brazil 2014 World Cup. PHOTO: AFP

Siasia chose Vincent Enyeama, Nigeria’s most-capped goalkeeper, who won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2013, as his first-choice goalkeeper. Enyeama’s record and performances with the Super Eagles made him the ideal candidate over 1994 AFCON and World Cup hero Peter Rufai.

Defenders

Nigeria line-up before the 1996 Olympic Games final against Argentina. Okechukwu Uche (standing 2nd from right) and Taribo West (standing 3rd from right) are Siasia’s all-time favourite central defensive pair.

For the defensive line, Siasia selected Ben Iroha at left-back and Augustine Eguavoen at right-back. In the centre, he opted for Taribo West, known for his stint at AC Milan, and Uche Okechukwu, who also had a solid career with the Super Eagles. This central partnership highlights the strength and reliability of Nigerian defenders through the years.

Midfield

Super Eagles line up before a 1998 World Cup game against Spain; Oliseh (standing 2nd from left), Adepoju (first from right, front row), and Okocha (middle, front row) are his favourite midfield trio).

In midfield, Siasia picked a trio of Mutiu Adepoju, Sunday Oliseh, and Austin Okocha, forming a dynamic and creative midfield. Okocha, known for his skill and flair, adds a unique element to the lineup. Siasia’s intentional omission of John Obi Mikel, a Chelsea icon, indicates his preference for a more balanced midfield with players who have excelled in national and international tournaments.

Forwards

Rashidi Yekini celebrates after scoring Nigeria’s opening goal in the 3-0 whitewash of Bulgaria at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Yekini, who was Siasia’s strike partner for many years, is Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer. Credit: David Cannon / ALLSPORT

For the forward line, Siasia, who scored 17 times for the Super Eagles, selected Emmanuel Amunike and Finidi George for the left and right flanks, respectively. Both players have a rich history with the Super Eagles and played key roles in Nigeria’s footballing success. As the center-forward, Siasia picked Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria’s all-time leading goalscorer and a 1994 AFCON winner. This choice underscores Yekini’s impact and goal-scoring prowess.

Exclusions

Nwankwo Kanu is the only Nigerian to have won the African Player of the Year twice.

Siasia’s selection excludes some notable players though, including Stephen Keshi, Arsenal great Nwankwo Kanu, who is the only Nigerian to have twice been crowned African Player of the Year, and former Portsmouth striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni. Additionally, despite his admiration for Chinedu Obasi Ogbuke, Siasia explained that he did not include him in the best eleven because he never played for Nigeria at the World Cup, despite his talents.

Overall, Siasia’s all-time best eleven reflects a mixture of skill, experience, and success at both national and international levels, showcasing the rich history of Nigerian football.