The EFL Cup Final returns this weekend with a familiar sense of occasion, as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City face Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal under the Wembley lights.
It is a fixture that brings together two of the most finely tuned sides in England, but also one that reminds us what this competition has always been about: opportunity.
The League Cup has a habit of giving players their moment, whether they are rising prospects or seasoned professionals looking to leave a mark.
For Nigerian football, that stage has been quietly but consistently influential. Over the years, a number of players have used this competition to showcase their quality, often in games that demand composure, sharp finishing and quick thinking.
As the final approaches, it feels like the right time to look back at the Nigerians who have made the biggest scoring impact in the history of the tournament.
Nigeria's highest goalscorers in EFL Cup history
At the top of the list is Dele Adebola, with the former Birmingham City forward smashing 12 goals in 30 appearances in the EFL Cup. Adebola’s career took him across several clubs in England, and while he was never the most glamorous striker, he was effective; strong in the air, difficult to handle, and always a threat in the box.
Just behind him sits Efan Ekoku with 11 goals in 22 matches. Ekoku, best remembered for his time at Wimbledon, had a natural striker’s instinct, and his return in this competition reflects how sharp he was in front of goal.
In third place is Kelechi Iheanacho, whose 10 goals strengthen his reputation as a cup specialist. The Super Eagles striker is also Nigeria's highest-scoring forward in FA Cup history.
Iheanacho was part of the Manchester City squad that lifted the EFL Cup in 2016, and he has continued to deliver in knockout football since then. Iheanacho’s game has always been built on timing, being in the right place at the right moment, and that served him well in the EFL Cup.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni follows with nine goals in just 17 appearances, a reminder of how efficient he was. Yakubu did not need many chances, and that instinct translated seamlessly into cup football.
There is also the class of Nwankwo Kanu, who scored eight times in the competition. Kanu brought something different: control, vision, and an ability to slow the game down before producing a decisive moment.
Alongside him is Shola Ameobi, whose eight goals in fewer games made him a dependable figure for Newcastle United, particularly in cup ties where his physical presence often made the difference.
Ade Akinbiyi, who shone brightly for Norwich City and Leicester City among others, hit seven goals in 16 games for four different clubs.
Former Leeds United and Notts County forward Enoch Showunmi is eighth on the all-time list with six goals in 14 appearances
Fulham playmaker Alex Iwobi is ninth on table with four goals, but his influence, especially during Arsenal’s run to the 2018 final, went beyond finishing. His movement and ability to link play made him a key figure in that side.
Victor Moses share tenth place with the legendary Austin Okocha and Daniel Udoh with all three notching four goals each.
Jay-Jay Okocha's four goals in just 10 games only tell part of the story. The former Super Eagles captain's run to the 2004 final with Bolton was full of moments that showed his flair and imagination.
Honourable mentions include Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Anichebe and Hope Akpan who each chipped in with three goals.
