‘From Jay Jay Okocha to Alex Iwobi’ - The 60 Nigerian players who blessed the Premier League honoured

The English Premier League (PL) has paid a powerful tribute to the profound and enduring contribution of Nigerian footballers, celebrating the 60 players led by Jay Jay Okocha, who have graced the competition since its inception in 1992. 

The league's acknowledgment, featured in a social media post, displayed a graphic of the Nigerian map and flag, confirming the nation's status as a powerhouse of African talent in the world's most-watched domestic league. 

The message succinctly captured the legacy: "From Jay Jay Okocha to Alex Iwobi, 60 Nigerian players have blessed the Premier League since 1992. Greatness comes from everywhere."

The tribute spanned multiple generations of Super Eagles legends and current stars. Icons like the supremely skillful Jay-Jay Okocha (Bolton Wanderers), the two-time Premier League winner Kanu Nwankwo (Arsenal, West Brom), goal machine Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Portsmouth, Everton), and Champions League winner John Mikel Obi (Chelsea) were prominently recognised. 

They paved the way for the current crop, including the likes of Alex Iwobi (Arsenal, Everton, Fulham), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, Leicester City), and Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest).

Nigeria currently stands as the African nation with the highest number of representatives in Premier League history, at 60. 

The list saw new signings Tolu Arokodare (Wolves), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), and Chrisantus Uche (Crystal Palace) as the latest to write Nigeria’s name in Premier League history, swelling the number of Nigerian players competing in the 2025/26 season.

Nigerian stars hold significant Premier League records. Iwobi currently shares the record for the most Premier League appearances by a Nigerian player with former Newcastle United forward Shola Ameobi, both having featured in 298 matches. 

Furthermore, the prolific striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni remains the country's all-time top scorer in the league, netting an impressive 95 goals for four different clubs.

This sustained influx of Nigerian talent shows the country's deep impact on the Premier League's commercial appeal and competitive quality. 

As new players transition into the league, the legacy established by the initial 60 ensures that the Nigerian flair for football will continue to be a defining feature of the English game.