Over the years, a few Nigerians have worn the famous black-and-white shirt of Turkish giants Beşiktaş. While the club has not had a flood of Nigerian talent like some of its rivals, a select group left solid impressions during their time in Istanbul.
In this article, Footynaija.com ranks the Top 3 Nigerian Footballers in Beşiktaş’s history, based on overall impact, performances, and fan memory.
3. Ike Shorunmu
Ike Shorunmu joined Beşiktaş in 1999 after impressing for Nigeria at the international level. He quickly became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper in the 1999–2000 season, earning respect for his confident handling and calm presence in goal. Although his spell lasted only two seasons, Shorunmu’s influence was felt as Beşiktaş challenged for top honours in the Turkish Süper Lig.
His performances also helped solidify his spot as Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper, particularly in the build-up to the 2002 World Cup qualifiers. His time in Turkey played a big role in keeping him sharp at international level.
2. Ohenhen “Ohen” Christopher
Often overlooked in Nigerian football discussions, Ohenhen Christopher enjoyed a short but explosive spell at Beşiktaş during the 1998–99 season. The Benin-born striker hit the ground running, netting 10 goals in just 17 league games, which made him one of the club’s standout performers that year.
Before his move to Turkey, he had already made headlines in Spain with SD Compostela, and Beşiktaş brought him in hoping for an instant impact. He delivered — combining pace, sharp finishing, and intelligent movement in the final third. Injuries, however, affected the trajectory of his career afterward, but his goals-to-games ratio for Beşiktaş remains one of the best among the club’s foreign forwards.
1. Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi is the most iconic Nigerian to have played for Beşiktaş. After his time at Everton, he joined the Turkish club in 1996 and instantly became a fan favourite.
He scored 19 goals in 77 league games and was instrumental during cup campaigns. One of his most memorable performances came in the 1998 Turkish Cup Final, where he played a major role in Beşiktaş lifting the trophy.
His name still resonates with many Beşiktaş supporters who remember his commitment and charisma on the pitch. He was a leader on the pitch and often inspired younger players around him. His spell in Istanbul was one of the final major chapters of his playing career before turning to coaching and punditry.