Finidi George names Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo in the Super Eagles all-time greatest XI
- The former winger shuns the likes of Taribo West, Peter Rufai and a few others in the list
- Finidi remains one of the few Nigerian stars to have won the UEFA Champions League title
Former Nigeria international Finidi George has named his all-time Super Eagles best XI and no doubt some notable names are missing.
The one-time Champions League winner with Dutch League side Ajax Amsterdam made an incredible impact on the pitch which earned global recognition in the 90s.
Finidi represented the three-time African kings twice at the FIFA World Cup - 1994 and 1994 and could have made 2002 shortlist but was dropped at the last minute.
The 49-year-old also won the Africa Cup of Nations title with the country's national team 26 years ago, the same year they made their debut appearances at the global football level.
However, despite playing alongside Kanu Nwankwo at Ajax, Finidi felt the forward didn't do enough to make his all-time Eagles XI.
Here's how #Nigeria line up before one of their matches at USA '94 World Cup.
Can you name this @NGSuperEagles XI and their OPPONENT?
NOT eligible: @CalvinEmeka, @MrSawyerr @OsasuO, @Toyin_Ibitoye and @EmekaEnyadike
Others: Give it a go
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Speaking in an exclusive live interview, Finidi also snubbed Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel from his list, while goalkeeping icon Peter Rufai was replaced by Vincent Enyeama in goal.
Below is the list of XI players who are Finidi's best XI of all time at the national team level as revealed in a live interview
Goalkeeper - Vincent Enyeama (101 caps)
Two-time CAF Champions League winner broke into the Super Eagles team under former boss Adegboye Onigbinde in 2002.
Clap forVincent Enyeama:
• He's the last goalkeeper toin a #ChampionsLeague game (post qualifying stage)
• The African legend scored forHapoel Tel Aviv
Lyon in 2010
• He's the 2nd keeper with the most #ChampionsLeague
• @vinpee has 25 career goals.
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The 37-year-old former Enyimba went ahead to win the AFCON championship for the country in 2013 after several tries and retired from the national team in 2015 having made 101 appearances for the team.
Joseph Yobo - Right-back (101 caps)
The former Premier League star retired in 2014 after the FIFA World Cup in Brazil where Nigeria crashed out in the second round under late Stephen Keshi.
"Nimecheza timu ya Nigeria kwa miaka 13 sijawahi kuombwa rushwa ili niitwe timu ya taifa. Lakini kwa kuwa Obasi, Taiwo, Adeye wamesema waliombwa rushwa basi maelezo ya mtu yaheshimiwe." Joseph Yobo
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He scored seven goals during his 13-year reign with the Eagles and also won the AFCON title seven years ago.
Uche Okechukwu - Centre-back (47 caps)
Daniel Amokachi (14), Emmanuel Amunike (11), and Uche Okechukwu (5) celebrate Amokachi's goal against Bulgaria at the FIFA World Cup tournament, USA, 1994. #HistoryVille
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The former Fenerbahce defender was rock solid for the Super Eagles while representing the national team for eight years.
His set remains the most celebrated squad following the feat they achieved in 1994 - winning the Nations' Cup and also reaching the World Cup for the first time.
Stephen Keshi - Centre-back (64 caps)
The late defender ticks all legendary boxes having won the Africa's topmost football title as a player in 1994, and then as a manager in 2013.
Stephen Keshi's last goal in the AFCON. In all he scored 4 goals appearing in 6 tournaments not a bad stats for a defender
2 goals in 1982
1 goal in 1984
1 goal in 1992
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He scored nine goals during his 14 years reign with the three-time African kings and was also part of the team that made their debut appearance at the World Cup in 94.
Ben Iroha - left-back (50 caps)
Classic Match
NigeriaIvory Coast
Nigeria won 4-2 on penalties
AFCON 1994
Semi finals
Goals
Ben Iroha 26'
Rasheed Yekini 40'
Michel Bassole 19', 31'
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The overlapping defender remains one of the players to have represented the country in the history of the national team.
Iroha was known for his great tackles regardless of the quality of the opposition he faced back then and also scored one goal in the process. He belongs to the golden Super Eagles generation.
Sunday Oliseh - Defensive midfielder (54 caps)
Sunday Oliseh with a sceamer in Nigeria's famous 3-2 win over Spain at the 1998 World Cup.
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The midfielder known for his long-range passes spent most of his professional career abroad having started out at NPFL side Julius Berger.
His screamer against Spain at the 1998 World Cup cannot be forgotten in a hurry as his effort helped Nigeria beat the European country.
Finidi George - Right-wing (62 caps)
Let this splendid
• Enjoy his celebrations too
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The 49-year-old remains the best number seven Nigeria has ever produced. He bagged Nigeria's first-ever assist at the world stage after creating the chance that led to Yekini's goal against Bulgaria.
Emmanuel Amunike - left-winger (27 caps)
The former Barcelona star made just 27 appearances for the national team but scored seven goals in his eight-year reign with the team.
#WorldCupAtHome | Emmanuel Amuneke's opener in
at USA 1994 topped the Moment of the Match poll
Watch the game in full, for free and on demand right here
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He made a name for himself after coming on int he final of the 1994 Nations' Cup against Zambia and scored two crucial goals that handed the team their second AFCON title.
The former Tanzania head coach also played a key role in Nigeria's triumph in the men's football event at the 1996 Olympic Games in the United States.
Austin Okocha - Attacking-midfielder (73 caps)
Nigeria have not found a replacement for their former number 10 whose control on the ball was mind-blowing.
The former Enugu Rangers star spent 13 years with the national team and scored 14 goals in the process. He won the 1994 AFCON title and two years later won Olympic hold in the US.
Okocha made an impact int he Premier League having spent time in France and Germany.
Daniel Amokachi - Forward (44 caps)
Quaresma değilde Daniel Amokachi geri dönmek istediğini yönetime bildirdi
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Often referred to as 'The Bull', he scored 13 goals in 44 appearances across competitions for the country. He was part of the golden generation who made history with the country.
Rashidi Yekini - striker (58 caps)
Yekini remains Nigeria's all-time highest goals scorer with 37 goals in 58 appearances across competitions.
Who can forget this iconic World Cup image of Rashidi Yekini?! Impossible!
Can’t believe it’s 8 years already. One of my favourite all-time Nigerian players
Keep resting in peace African football legend
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He scored the country's first-ever goal at the World Cup, though, assisted by Finidi and their combination wrecked defences during their prime.
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