Football player.

Over the years, there have been Nigerian players who have donned the England national jersey. These talented athletes, each with unique backgrounds and experiences, have not only made significant contributions to English football but have also brought their rich Nigerian heritage to the forefront.

In this article, we list the top 10 Nigerians who have played for the Three Lions.

1. John Fashanu

John Fashanu, born on September 18, 1962, in Kensington, London, was raised by a Nigerian father and a Guyanese mother, making him one of the early Nigerian-English footballers to break onto the English national scene.

Known for his powerful forward play, Fashanu earned two caps for England in 1989. However, it was with Wimbledon’s “Crazy Gang” that he truly cemented his legacy, leading them to an unexpected FA Cup victory over Liverpool in 1988.

2. Ugo Ehiogu

Ugochukwu Ehiogu was born on November 3, 1972, in Homerton, London, to Nigerian parents who maintained strong cultural ties to Nigeria.

Ehiogu became a powerful center-back, known for his strength, composure, and dedication. He made his England debut in 1996 and went on to earn four caps, even scoring against Spain in a memorable performance in 2001.

His club career was equally distinguished, with successful spells at Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, where he won two League Cups. After retiring, Ehiogu continued to influence English football as a coach, mentoring young players at Tottenham before his untimely passing in 2017.

3. Carlton Cole

Born to Nigerian parents on October 12, 1983, in Croydon, London, Carlton Cole’s heritage was a defining aspect of his identity. Cole began his professional journey with Chelsea but truly made his mark at West Ham United, where he became a beloved figure for his commitment and work ethic. Known for his physical presence and heading ability, Cole earned seven caps for England between 2009 and 2010.

4. Gabriel Agbonlahor

Gabriel Agbonlahor, born on October 13, 1986, in Birmingham, has a Nigerian father and a Scottish mother. Agbonlahor spent the majority of his career at Aston Villa, where he became a club icon.

Despite earning just three caps for England in 2008 and 2009, Agbonlahor was a dynamic presence and a fan favorite. His commitment to Aston Villa, where he scored over 70 goals, made him one of the club’s most loyal players.

5. Ross Barkley

Born to a Nigerian father and an English mother on December 5, 1993, in Liverpool, Ross Barkley’s heritage plays a meaningful role in his life, even though he chose to represent England.

A versatile midfielder, Barkley broke into the England senior squad in 2013 and has since earned over 30 caps, participating in major tournaments like the World Cup and the Euros. He later joined Chelsea, where he struggled, before finding his form at Luton Town, which led to a move to Aston Villa.

6. Fikayo Tomori

Fikayo Tomori, born on December 19, 1997, in Calgary, Canada, to Nigerian parents, moved to England at a young age. Although eligible to represent Nigeria, he committed to England, making his senior debut in 2019. Tomori’s club career has taken him from Chelsea to AC Milan, where he has become a standout in Serie A.

7. Tammy Abraham

Born to Nigerian parents on October 2, 1997, in Camberwell, London, Tammy Abraham has always held a deep connection to his Nigerian roots, despite choosing to represent England. Abraham’s father played a significant role in his development, encouraging him to pursue football from an early age

He rose through Chelsea’s youth ranks before making an impact on the senior team. After joining AS Roma, he continued to impress, before joining AC Milan this summer. Abraham made his England debut in 2017 and has since earned several caps, standing as a symbol of Nigerian-English excellence in football.

8. Eberechi Eze

Eberechi Eze was born on June 29, 1998, in Greenwich, London, to Nigerian parents who emigrated to the UK. Eze has become a star at Crystal Palace, captivating fans with his flair. While he was eligible to play for Nigeria, Eze committed to England, earning his first senior call-up in 2023.

9. Dominic Solanke

Dominic Ayodele Solanke-Mitchell, born on September 14, 1997, in Reading, Berkshire, to a Nigerian Yoruba father and an English mother, has proudly embraced his Nigerian heritage.

Solanke represented England at every youth level, eventually making his senior debut in 2017 in a friendly against Brazil, though he had to wait until 2024 for his next appearance.

He currently plays for Tottenham in the Premier League, following an outstanding season with Bournemouth.

10. Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka, born on September 5, 2001, in Ealing, London, to Nigerian parents, is one of the most exciting young talents in English football today. Saka rose through the Arsenal academy and quickly established himself as a fan favorite with his creativity, speed, and work ethic.

He made his England debut in 2020 and has since become a key player for the national team, playing an important role in the Euro 2020 campaign. Despite his Nigerian roots and eligibility to represent Nigeria, Saka chose England, stating his desire to give back to the country where he was raised.

Whether you’re backing England’s current stars or betting on the next big talent, iLOTBET has you covered. Register today, dive into the excitement of every match, and be part of the action.