Despite being written off by many, the Super Eagles of Nigeria went to the 29th edition of African Cup of Nations and shocked many when they defeated tournament’s favourite, Ivory Coast in the quarter final en route the final before thrashing Mali by 4 goals to 1 and later tamed Burkina Faso 1-0 to cart home the trophy after 19 years. The success of the team has been ascribed to lots of things, among which is, sheer determination from the team to prove Nigerians wrong, technical depth of Coach Stephen Keshi and some say luck also played a part in the victory. Whichever attribute given to the success of the team, one thing is sure at this joyous moment in Nigeria football history, it’s a new dawn in Nigerian football after several years of decadence which the administrator of our football must use to channel a new era especially in developing our domestic League which at the tournament produced six members against what it used to be in the past. However, as the celebration continues for the victorious team across the country, we take a look at all the members of the team vis-à-vis what you don’t know about them.
VINCENT ENYEAMA
He has been the number one goal tender for Super Eagles, Enyeama is the assistant Captain behind Yobo. The Lille goalkeeper, currently on loan to Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel, was born on August 29th 1982 in Kaduna. For 10 years, he has been the longstanding first choice in goal for the Eagles, and is currently the team’s vice-captain. A dependable goal tender for the national side, Enyeama is also a very religious footballer and a graduate of University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom. Enyeama displayed great experience throughout the tournament making some brilliant saves. Enyeama has showed traits of being a Pastor after his football career, but he boasts of a mansion in Uyo GRA and has his hand in several businesses including properties and electronics.
JOSEPH YOBO
Born on September 6th 1980, centre back Joseph Yobo is Nigeria’s captain. He is one of the team’s oldest players and holds a record of 93 caps for the Super Eagles. He is currently playing for Fenerbache in Turkey’s Super Lig. Though after the first match against Burkina Faso, Yobo could not make the first team again till the end of AFCON 2013, coming up in dying minutes as substitute. He has established himself well, has businesses in entertainment, properties, automobiles and many others. Yobo has a football academy and a foundation that assists the less privileged.
ELDERSON ECHIEJILE
The Braga left back Echiejile occupies the same position for the national side, his experience in Europe has made him a regular with Stephen Keshi Super Eagles team. Born on January 20th 1988, he played for Bendel Insurance of Benin before seeking his fortunes abroad. He played all matches at AFCON 2013, though many complained of his inability to recover each time he overlapped to support the attack. Overall, Echiejile seems to have displaced Taye Taiwo in that position with Keshi still in charge. He is poised to secure a new contract abroad based on his performance.
OBIORA NWANKWO
He is among the nucleus of the new team put together by Stephen Keshi, the Parma midfielder who is on loan to CFR Cluj, Obiora was a member of Under-20 team in 2009 and later the Dream Team. The Kaduna State born star got his first break with Inter Milan Youth team and later the senior team. Obiora has made lots of money for himself apart from the windfall of money they have been getting for their victory in South Africa, he also invested into properties. Obiora is said to be a modest person though he is a lover of good and latest cars.
EFE AMBROSE
Born October 18th 1988, Efe Ambrose has emerged as a bonafide member of Scottish side, Celtic in the ongoing UEFA Champions League. His experience with the team was vital for Eagles at AFCON 2013 even though he started slowly but he picked up and emerged as one of the best at the tournament. Ambrose has not spent many years playing abroad, he got his first good deal with Celtic after signing a three-year contract to get his first big buck worth about 2,5million Euro.
AZUBUIKE EGWEKWE
Born July 16th 1989, the Warri Wolves central defender has been a major revelation for the national side since Stephen Keshi’s arrival. An option to play alongside Yobo in the heart of Nigeria’s defence, he never got his chance at the AFCON 2013 but his ability is not in doubt. With this victory, a new chapter has been opened in his career for sure.
AHMED MUSA
The CSKA forward was born on 14th October 1992 in Jos, his performance at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa was average. The former VVV Venlo striker plays both as a right wing attacker, or at the point of the Super Eagles’ attack, he is indeed one of the wealthiest Super Eagles members, though he never loved to show that having come from a modest tribe, Musa just like many of his colleagues had interest in properties, shipping and hospitality.
BROWN IDEYE
Born 10th October 1988, Ideye has established himself as a first team player with Ukrainian side, Dynamo Kiev. However, with his performance at the AFCON, he has also sealed his presence with the coach. Ideye while playing for Sochaux in France came into the limelight and since then, he has become a force. He is very fashionable, loves good cars and parties very well. He enjoys the popular hairdo ‘Gallas’ which he has been his haircut for long. He has businesses within Lagos where incidentally is his birthplace.
EMMANUEL EMENIKE
The bulky forward and powerful attacker was born on the 10th May 1987 and has made huge impact in the colours of Russian club Spartak Moscow. He indeed helped the Eagles to glory in South Africa, his three goals and two assists won him the Golden booth at the tournament. Several clubs abroad are already on his trail, the striker also has flair for clubbing. Learnt he will be investing in clubbing and hospitality, a source close to him divulged.
JOHN OBI MIKEL
Undoubtedly, the richest and the biggest star in the Super Eagles team of today. The Chelsea midfielder played impressively in the colours of the Super Eagles at AFCON 2013 and fans applauded him, he contributed hugely to the South Africa feat of the team. Born on the 22nd of April 1987, Mikel won Man-of-The-Match in three of the matches played by Super Eagles. He recently invested heavily in entertainment, Mikel did open a luxury transport business for his dad about four years ago, after signing a new five-year contract with Chelsea. His salary has been reviewed upwardly to about 6million dollars annually. Mikel is the 7th best paid footballer in Africa. Mikel does not only rake money from football but also endorsement from companies. He loves going out to club but a very strict and prudent star he is. With the present AFCON 2013 glory, more reward and endorsement are a sure berth for Mikel.
VICTOR MOSES
Born on the 12th December 1990, Moses made his name with Wigan Athletic and Crystal Palace in England. His transfer to Chelsea has further developed the player, who has also starred in the Champions League. Despite being new to the international fold, he was one of the biggest stars at the AFCON 2013. Many believed he should have won the Most Valuable Player of the tournament instead of Burkina Faso’s Pitroipa. However, Moses won the Tournament Fair play Award and is among the CAF X1. Moses is the fun type; he already has a baby from his girlfriend, he is yet to invest in Nigeria but he has already started raking in money from endorsement for his display among which is Pepsi.
GABRIEL RUEBEN
The defensive midfielder was born on the 25th of September 1990. He proved himself as a reliable performer in the domestic league after helping Kano Pillars to the Nigeria Premier League title. His influence was sadly curtailed by injuries which prevented him from featuring for the team during friendly matches and ended up not playing at the tournament. But yet Rueben has written his name in gold and already swimming in millions.
FEGOR OGUDE
Born 29th July 1987 and currently playing for Vålerenga in the Norwegian Tippeligaen, Fegor Ogude is a versatile option for the Super Eagles anytime, capable of playing in midfield or defence. He showed great strength at the tournament and has good future with the team. He is also sure of using his exploits at the competition to get juicy offer elsewhere.
GODFREY OBOABONA
Born August 16th 1990, the Sunshine Stars captain and Super Eagles defender made the 2013 AFCON starting lineup based on his impressive performances during the qualifying matches and friendly games. He was solid at the tournament for the Eagles. One of the revelations of the tournament, the Akure-born star is another sure berth to move abroad to continue his career.
IKECHUKWU UCHE
Born 5th January 1984, Ikechukwu Uche has been pivotal to Super Eagles successes through his goal-scoring for the team over the past four years. Ike could devastate any team on a good day. He could not replicate such form at the tournament in the four matches he played but that has not taken anything away from the striker. He plies his trade with Villareal in the Spanish league.
AUSTIN EJIDE
Born in Onitsha, Anambra State on April 8th 1984. The big and strong goal-stopper has been an understudy for Vincent Enyeama in the national team for close to a decade. He came to prominence while playing for Gabros International Football Club in Nigeria and presently plays for Hapoel Be’er Sheba in Israel. Injury would have jeopardised his AFCON tournament dream but he was able to overcome the hamstring injury. He was the substitute but could not get his chance to play due to superlative form of Enyeama. Another quiet type, he is not the outgoing like some of his colleagues. He has invested in properties and transport business.
OGENYI ONAZI
The former Golden Eaglet was born on Christmas Day in 1992 in Benue State, Nigeria. Since moving to Lazio in Italy, he has been transformed into a mature midfielder, capable of playing beyond his years. This talent has shown in his international performances to date. He proved to be a solid utility player even ahead Fegor Ogude, Onazi was very instrumental to the stability of Nigeria’s midfield as defensive midfielder and also supporting the attack. His future is very bright with the Eagles, he has just extended his contract by another three years.
EJIKE UZOENYI
Born March 23 1992 in Enugu, Ejike Uzoenyi has been one of a few bright prospects to emerge from the Nigerian league in recent times. His dribbling runs from the left wing could trouble any team on a good day. Uzoenyi had no playing time at the tournament but has a very bright future with the team. Ejike will also be seeking greener pasture in his career.
SUNDAY MBA
Slightly, he would have missed out from the competition but ended up being the hero we needed to lift the trophy on the final day against Burkina Faso. Born November 28 1988, Sunday Mba impressed Keshi with his domestic performances playing for Warri Wolves. Many were shocked when the boss favoured Mba over USA-based striker, Bright Dike. His pace and shooting ability were very instrumental to the success of the team. Mba may be on his way to Germany, lacing his booth for Bayer Leverkusen if the deal sails through. No doubt, he has hit his mega buck with his star performance and should be watched out for.
NOSA IGIEBOR
Born on November 9th 1990, Igiebor commanded a place in the starting XI after some impressive performances before the tournament but he was later benched for Sunday Mba who proved a bit better under Stephen Keshi. He joined Real Betis of Spain from Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel in August 2012. The midfielder is one of the sure players that will last long in the team if he continues his form.
JUWON OSHANIWA
The 20-year old former Port Harcourt Sharks left back recently joined Ashdod FC in Israel. He served as adequate back up for Elderson Echiejile and came in during the final match when Echiejile got injured. He is one of the new Eagles that are expected to blossom soon.
AGBIM CHIGOZIE
Born November 28th 1984, Agbim got the opportunity to play for the Super Eagles while starring for Warri Wolves FC. He played his first international match for the Super Eagles in a friendly against Angola in January 2012. Currently playing for Enugu Rangers, he was part of the South Africa party, he will only have more time to show his best when the two first choices hang their booth.
KENNETH OMERUO
The defender provided solid pairing with Godfrey Oboabona after he was preferred ahead of the team captain since the second match against Zambia. Born 17th October 1993, Kenneth Omeruo plays for Eredivisie club ADO Den Haag as a defender on loan from Chelsea FC. He holds a great future for the team, he might be on his way back to Chelsea for a more lucrative contract.
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