Top six Nigerians who have played for Everton – Could Ndidi be next?

Everton Football Club have been a familiar home for some of Nigeria’s finest footballers over the decades, Soccernet.ng reports.

Daniel Amokachi’s unforgettable FA Cup heroics and Alex Iwobi’s creative presence in midfield have long made Everton a club where Super Eagles stars shine.

As Wilfred Ndidi continues to attract transfer interest following Leicester City’s relegation from the Premier League in the 2024–25 season, speculation is growing that the experienced midfielder could become the latest Nigerian to join the Everton legacy.

Here’s a look at the six Nigerians who have proudly worn the Everton shirt

Daniel Amokachi (1994–1996)

Amokachi was the first Nigerian to play for Everton, signing from Club Brugge in 1994. As reported by the BBC, He quickly made his mark with a memorable brace in the 1995 FA Cup semi-final, having famously substituted himself into the match. That year, Everton went on to lift the trophy.

Joseph Yobo (2002–2012)

Yobo became Everton’s first African captain and one of the club’s most reliable defenders. The Super Eagles stalwart made over 250 appearances, scoring 10 goals during his time on Merseyside, per Transfermarkt.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni (2007–2011)

Nicknamed “The Yak,” Yakubu was a lethal finisher whose goal-scoring exploits made him an instant fan favourite. He scored 21 goals in his debut season, although injuries eventually slowed him down. Yakubu left with a reputation as one of Everton’s most clinical forwards of the modern era.

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Victor Anichebe (2006–2013)

A product of Everton’s youth system, Anichebe broke into the senior team as a powerful and dependable forward.

He featured prominently in Everton’s domestic and European campaigns, and his time at the club saw him amass over 160 appearances and play a key role in the 2009 FA Cup run.

Ademola Lookman (2017–2019)

Although born in England, Lookman later chose to represent Nigeria at international level. He arrived at Everton with promise and scored on his debut against Manchester City. Though he struggled for regular starts. A loan spell at RB Leipzig followed, and he eventually made his Super Eagles debut.

Lookman, currently playing for Atalanta BC, is now firing on all cylinders for the Italian outfit.

Alex Iwobi (2019–2023)

Iwobi joined Everton from Arsenal and, after a mixed start, grew into one of the team’s most reliable performers. Under Frank Lampard, he became the heartbeat of the midfield and made over 120 appearances before moving to Fulham in 2023.

Could Wilfred Ndidi Be Next?

According to talkSPORT, Everton have revived their interest in Wilfred Ndidi, who was previously linked to the club in 2023.

While the 27-year-old midfielder signed a contract extension with Leicester in July 2024, the club’s relegation to the EFL Championship at the end of the 2024–25 season may have reactivated a £9 million release clause in his contract.