Mbah,Oshaniwa and other forgotten Super Eagles players: Where are these stars now?

Over the years, the Nigeria Professional Football League has thrilled us with some beautiful performances from good players.

Due to their performances, these players have been called to represent the country, and a few were part of our triumph at the 2013 AFCON.

Some have gone on to Europe to establish themselves as squad players for their teams, while others have slipped into obscurity in inconspicuous leagues. Here at Soccernet, we list some of these players.

Ejike Uzoenyi
The 2013 AFCON winner is one of the players in obscurity. Ejike set the league alight with his fantastic skill on the ball and lightning speed.

The 33-year-old was selected to go to the AFCON 2013 and 2014 FIFA World cup. He was awarded the best player at the 2014 CHAN, which earned him a move abroad to Mamelodi Sundowns the same year.

Ejike played in the Bosnian league after being away from football for over two years; He played for Zvijezda before signing for his current Montenegrin side, Titograd, in July 2020.

Stephen Eze
The former Kano Pillars defender was a rock in defence for Sai Masu Gida. He was one of the best talents from the league and represented Nigeria at the 2016 CHAN.

The stout defender later went in search of greener pastures in 2018 when he moved to Bulgarian side, Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

The former Sunshine defender had a difficult start to life, but with time, he became a regular. However, Injuries and loss of form ensured that he moved to Kazakhstan club Tobol in January 2020.

But a long time spent on the sidelines due to injury meant that the former CHAN finalist made his way to Indian club, Jamshedpur FC, in September 2020.

Juwon Oshaniwa
He was part of the squad that won the 2013 edition of AFCON in South Africa. The former Sharks left-back also made the 2014 World Cup squad. He dumped the now-defunct Sharks FC for Ashdod FC in Israel.

The 30-year-old then moved to Hearts in 2015, but that moved signalled the downturn for his career as he could only muster 24 appearances after spending two years in Scotland.

In 2018, Juwon was signed by Akwa United, where he made 12 appearances. He is currently without a club.

Sunday Mbah
The scorer of the winner against Burkina Faso in the final of 2013 AFCON. Sunday Mbah was vital to Nigeria’s triumph at the 2013 AFCON.

He was on loan at Rangers before the World Cup. After the world cup, there was a back and forth between Warri Wolves and Enugu Rangers when he wanted to leave for Bastia.

In December 2014, the rugged midfielder signed for French side Bastia, after which he left for Yeni Malatyaspor in 2015. The 32-year-old is currently without a club.