From John Fashanu and Celestine Babayaro to Jay-Jay Okocha, Mikel Obi and Kanu, Nigerian football has long had a real footprint in England. That pipeline is thriving in 2025-26: big EPL sides lean on Super Eagles quality, and lower-league clubs are developing the next wave.
Below is the complete, up-to-date list of Nigerians playing professionally across England’s top four tiers this season – with quick scouting notes on each.
Premier League (9)
Alex Iwobi (Fulham) – Just matched Shola Ameobi’s Nigerian record of 298 Premier League appearances in the Whites win vs Bournemouth, underlining a decade of durability. Creative link in Silva’s 4-3-3 and a set-piece option.
298 and counting ???
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) October 6, 2025
Alex Iwobi has equalled Shola Ameobi’s record for the most EPL appearances ???? by a Nigerian player ? pic.twitter.com/pRFtYNxNLo
Calvin Bassey (Fulham) – Left-sided CB/FB who gives Fulham aggression and recovery pace; rotation vs high-press opponents, first choice in back-four.
Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest) – Versatile full-back/wing-back; Forest miss his ball-carrying when he’s out, and he’s part of their transition threat down the right.
Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest) – Penalty-box specialist and outlet for direct play. Fitness concerns remain after being put in an induced coma in May.
Tolu Arokodare (Wolves) – Summer arrival from Genk after a breakout season in Belgium, physical 9 who attacks crosses and offers hold-up depth behind the starter.
Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace) – 20-year-old forward signed on loan with an obligation after tearing up La Liga with Getafe; raw tools, presses with energy and can operate off either side of the front.
Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, loan from AC Milan) – Deadline-day wing addition: 1v1 dribbler to stretch low blocks and attack the far post on counters.
Frank Onyeka (Brentford) – Ball-winning, second-phase hoover in midfield; covers ground, breaks play and frees the 8/10s to advance.
Championship (7)
Josh Maja (West Brom) – Link-forward who drops to knit play, with penalty-area movement for cut-backs; depth/rotation after last season’s injury stops.
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City) – Returned to England from Fenerbahçe; explosive runner who can play RB/RWB or RW, gives Birmingham direct ball-progression.
Joe Aribo (Southampton) – Hybrid 8/10; carries through pressure, late box entries, and can play wide in a 4-3-3 when needed.
David Akintola (Hull City) – Summer winger addition; arrived hot, including a winner v Sheffield United on Saturday, and offers final-third directness.
Semi Ajayi (Hull City) – Signed this summer. Commanding CB, aerially dominant on both ends, brings leadership and experience.
Ehije Ukaki (Sheffield United) – 20-year-old wide attacker signed from Botev Plovdiv; data-scouted, pacey, and comfortable 1v1.
Christian Nwachukwu (Sheffield United) – Followed the same Bulgaria-to-Blades pathway as Ujaki; developmental winger/forward with end-product upside.
Are you looking forward to the Lesotho game?! ??? pic.twitter.com/hLwtlJmOMz
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) October 7, 2025
League One (4)
Gabriel Osho (Cardiff City) – Joined from Ligue 1 Auxerre in summer; athletic CB who can step into midfield and defend big spaces – useful in a front-foot high line.
Victor Adeboyejo (Bolton) – Target forward and channel runner; presses aggressively and has chemistry in Wanderers’ front unit.
Fred Onyedinma (Wycombe) – Powerful direct runner from wide; recently returned to form after injuries and can double as wing-back.
Kelechi Nwakali (Barnsley) – Former Arsenal youth player. Deep-lying playmaker with range; still under contract but not in the manager’s current plans.
League Two (4)
Daniel Udoh (Salford) – Now at Salford; mobile 9 who attacks the near post and links play – settled quickly after his move.
Nnamdi Ofoborh (Barnet) – All-action CM; story of resilience after past heart issues detected during his medical ruined his move to Rangers. Now back playing men’s football in North London.
Adrian Akande (Colchester United) – Pacy winger/forward who came through Crystal Palace and Chelsea academies.
Adebola Oluwo (Salford) – Left-sided CB from Mushin. Aerial presence and set-piece threat.
