Top 5 forgotten Super Eagles still playing: Nwakaeme, Moses, Ideye

While the Super Eagles continue to be blessed with emerging talents and global stars, a number of seasoned Nigerian players who once dazzled in green and white have gradually faded from the national team picture — yet they remain active in club football.

These footballers have continued to ply their trade professionally, even though their names no longer appear on Eric Chelle's team sheets.

Here are five forgotten Super Eagles stars still playing the beautiful game.

1. Anthony Nwakaeme – Trabzonspor (Turkey)

Once one of Nigeria’s most prolific forwards in Europe, Anthony Nwakaeme, surprisingly earned only a single cap for the Super Eagles in 2017.

Despite that, the powerful winger has continued to shine, especially during his spell at Trabzonspor, where he helped the club win the Turkish league title in 2022.

After a brief stint away, the 35-year-old returned to Trabzonspor in 2024 and remains a regular in the side.

2. Brown Ideye – Free Agent

Ideye was once a key figure for Nigeria’s attack, notably playing a vital role in the country’s AFCON 2013 triumph. He also featured at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and enjoyed spells in England, Greece, and Ukraine.

Most recently, Ideye made a return to the Nigerian Professional Football League with Enyimba FC, bringing experience and professionalism to the Aba side.

His contract ended in May 2025, and while he’s currently unattached, the 36-year-old hasn’t hung up his boots and may yet make one more move before calling time on his career.

3. Peter Etebo – Gençlerbirliği (Turkey)

Once tipped as the natural heir to Nigeria's midfield engine room, Peter Etebo has had an injury-plagued career that slowed his momentum.

The former Stoke City and Getafe man last featured for Nigeria in 2022 against Portugal and hasn’t had a look-in since.

However, at just 29, Etebo is far from finished. He currently plays for Gençlerbirliği in Turkey, where he’s rebuilding his form and fitness.

4. Victor Moses – Free Agent

A former AFCON winner and 2018 World Cup star, Victor Moses shocked many when he retired from international football at just 27.

Known for flair, Moses was crucial to Nigeria’s successful 2013 AFCON campaign and enjoyed notable stints at Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Spartak Moscow.

He signed with Luton Town in early 2025 but recently ended his contract with the Premier League side. The 34-year-old is currently preparing for his next club move. While he’s unlikely to return to the national team, Moses remains a respected figure still active in the game.

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5. Odion Ighalo – Al-Wehda (Saudi Arabia)

Odion Ighalo’s national team story seemed to end on a high after winning the AFCON 2019 Golden Boot and announcing his international retirement. However, he was briefly recalled by Gernot Rohr in 2021 — though that return never quite materialised fully.

Now playing for Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League, Ighalo continues to bang in the goals. He scored six times in the 2024/25 season and remains one of Nigeria’s most successful strikers abroad in recent years.