)
Who are the greatest players to ever wear the number 9 jersey in AFCON history?
The Africa Cup of Nations has seen a multitude of stellar strikers who have represented their countries wearing the coveted number 9 jersey.
From the Cameroonian idols to the Nigerian “Goalsfather,” we pay homage to the best of the best number 9s that AFCON has ever seen based on their impact in AFCON, overall career achievements, and legacy in African and world football.
Roger Milla (Cameroon)
Roger Milla is an iconic figure in world football, known for his performances in the World Cup and AFCON. He was instrumental in Cameroon's victories in the 1984 and 1988 AFCON tournaments and gained global fame for his goal celebrations at the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
)
Milla's longevity in the sport is also remarkable, having played in the World Cup at the age of 42.
Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria)
Rashidi Yekini is Nigeria's all-time top goalscorer and was crucial in their 1994 AFCON victory. He was the top scorer in both the 1992 and 1994 editions of the tournament.
)
Yekini's powerful playing style made him one of Africa's most feared strikers, and he also scored Nigeria's first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup in 1994.
Laurent Pokou (Côte d'Ivoire)
Laurent Pokou was a legendary striker for Ivory Coast, known for his impressive goal-scoring ability in the AFCON. He scored 14 goals in just 13 AFCON games, setting a record for the most goals in a single match of the tournament with five goals in a 6-1 win for Ivory Coast against Ethiopia.
)
His performances in the 1968 and 1970 editions of the AFCON were particularly noteworthy.
Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
Samuel Eto'o is widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time. He is the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, with 18 goals.
)
His significant achievements also include winning the AFCON with Cameroon in 2000 and 2002, and being named African Player of the Year four times. Eto'o also had a remarkable club career, notably with Barcelona and Inter Milan, winning multiple league titles and the UEFA Champions League.
Hossam Hassan (Egypt)
Hassan is one of the most capped African players and was a key figure in Egypt's football history. He scored 11 goals in the AFCON and represented Egypt in seven different editions of the tournament.
)
His long career and contributions to Egypt's successes in the AFCON cement his place as a football legend.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
Aubameyang, known for his speed and finishing skills, has been a standout player for Gabon and various European clubs.
)
Although he hasn't had significant success in the AFCON, his performances at clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal, where he won the Premier League Golden Boot, highlight his calibre as a top striker.
Tony Yeboah (Ghana)
Yeboah is celebrated for his spectacular goals during his time in the English Premier League and the Bundesliga.
)
He represented Ghana in several AFCON tournaments, contributing to the team's performances with his striking ability. Yeboah's legacy is particularly remembered for his powerful and accurate shots.
Shaun Bartlett (South Africa)
Bartlett had a successful international career with South Africa and played in various European leagues. While his impact in the AFCON might not be as significant as others on this list, his contribution to South African football and his achievements in the European leagues make him a notable figure.
Lomana LuaLua (DR Congo)
Lomana LuaLua is known for his flair, agility, and acrobatic goal celebrations. He had a notable club career, particularly in the English Premier League. While his international career with DR Congo did not reach the heights of some others on this list.
Related content
)
19:13 - 05.01.2024
Victor Osimhen and Boniface ranked behind Saka, Kvaratskhelia in 100 most valuable players list
Nigerian Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface made the list of most valuable players in the World, with Bukayo Saka and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia included.
)
19:17 - 05.01.2024
Ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper defends Peseiro's AFCON squad selection
Retired Super Eagles goalkeeper Sylvanus Okpala argues in favour of Jose Peseiro's AFCON 2023 squad.
)
16:45 - 05.01.2024
Mikel Obi shuns coaching role, eyes administrative position with Super Eagles
Chelsea legend John Mikel Obi shares his intent to take up a role with the Super Eagles.
)
15:04 - 05.01.2024
Super Eagles legend Ogenyi Onazi opens up on how his move to Chelsea failed
Super Eagles legend Ogenyi Onazi has opened up on coming close to joining Chelsea.
)
13:30 - 05.01.2024
FOOTBALL Tactical Algeria boss talks his charge's AFCON chances
Algeria, who whitewashed every team they faced, including Harambee Stars en-route to winning the 2019 AFCON, are not favorites this time round in Belmadi's eyes.
)
12:06 - 05.01.2024
AC Milan and Atalanta face off in Coppa Italia without Chukwueze and Lookman
AC Milan and Atalanta meet in the Coppa Italia last eight, with Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze away with Nigeria on AFCON duty.
)
10:47 - 05.01.2024
AFCON 2023 Ghana – Team guide, key players, lineup, prediction
All you need to know about the Black Stars of Ghana ahead of AFCON 2023
)
20:55 - 04.01.2024
Top 10 most followed footballers at AFCON 2023 revealed as Victor Osimhen makes list
Only one Super Eagles star made the list of top 10 most followed footballers at AFCON 2023.
)
19:07 - 04.01.2024
The 10 best Jerseys at AFCON 2023
Which African country will be rocking the best kits at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast?
)
17:21 - 04.01.2024
AFCON 2023: President Tinubu doles out N1.1 billion to support Super Eagles bid
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has supported the Nigeria Super Eagles' bid to win a fourth AFCON title with monetary incentive.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)