Ask any Premier League fan about Nigerian players and you’re bound to get a smile. Whether it was Yakubu bullying defenders, Odemwingie making headlines on and off the pitch, or Kanu pulling off the impossible with that hat-trick against Chelsea, Nigerians have given the EPL some of its most entertaining moments.
On this note, Footynaija.com will be counting down the top 10 Nigerian goalscorers in Premier League history and of course, it’s no spoiler to say that Yakubu “The Yak” Aiyegbeni leads the pack. But let’s build a little bit of suspense and work our way from number 10 to number 1.
10. Victor Moses – 20 Goals (Wigan Athletic, Chelsea, Liverpool, Stoke City, West Ham)
Moses was one of Nigeria’s most versatile exports to the Premier League. He made his first big mark at Wigan, where his pace and dribbling caught the eye of West London giants Chelsea. At Stamford Bridge, he lifted the Premier League title under Antonio Conte in 2016/2017, thriving as a wing-back in the Italian’s famous 3-4-3 system.
While he only managed 20 goals in 220 league appearances, his role in Chelsea’s title-winning season showcased his tactical flexibility and big-game impact. Moses may not have been the most prolific, but his influence and silverware put him firmly in the conversation as one of Nigeria’s best exports to the Premier League.
9. Victor Anichebe – 27 Goals (Everton, West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland)
Big, strong and powerful, Anichebe was the type of forward defenders hated playing against. He broke through at Everton in 2006, spending nearly a decade with the Toffees. Across his 131 league appearances for Everton, Anichebe scored 18 goals and became a reliable squad player during David Moyes’ era.
He later added spells at West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland, where he chipped in with goals and his physical presence up top. While injuries limited his consistency, Anichebe’s 27-goal tally showed his staying power in the English top flight.
8. Obafemi Martins – 28 Goals (Newcastle United)
Martins didn’t stay in the Premier League for long, but the electric striker certainly left his mark. He signed for Newcastle United in 2006 after a prolific stint at Inter Milan. In three seasons at St. James’ Park, he bagged 28 goals in 92 appearances and entertained fans of the Magpies with his lightning pace with acrobatic finishes.
Though his stay was brief, Martins gave Newcastle supporters some unforgettable moments, none more so than his thunderous strikes that often left keepers rooted to the spot. He left for Wolfsburg in 2009, but his legacy as one of Nigeria’s most explosive forwards remains intact.
7. Alex Iwobi – 31 Goals (Arsenal, Everton, Fulham)
Iwobi is proof that not all impact is measured purely in goals. Coming through Arsenal’s academy, he scored 11 times in 100 Premier League games for the Gunners before joining Everton in 2019. At Goodison Park, he developed into a more complete midfielder, adding 9 goals across four seasons while also becoming the team’s creative engine.
His move to Fulham in 2023 has already seen him chip in with important goals, and at just 29, he’s not done climbing this list. While Iwobi won’t be remembered as a pure goalscorer, his versatility, work rate and technical ability have kept him relevant at the top level.
6. Peter Odemwingie – 37 Goals (West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff City, Stoke City)
Odemwingie might just be the king of cult heroes in this list. Arriving at West Bromwich Albion in 2010, he hit the ground running with 15 league goals in his debut season. He followed that with 10 more in his second year, quickly becoming a talisman for the Baggies.
His Premier League journey also included stints at Cardiff City and Stoke City, where he added more goals to his tally. But Odemwingie’s time at West Brom remains the highlight, not just for the goals, but also for the drama (remember that infamous transfer deadline day drive to QPR?).
Controversy aside, his 37 goals cemented him as one of Nigeria’s best forwards to grace the EPL.
5. Kelechi Iheanacho – 42 Goals (Manchester City, Leicester City)
Iheanacho came through Manchester City’s academy and showed his scoring instinct early, netting 12 goals in 46 Premier League games before moving to Leicester City in 2017. At Leicester, “Senior Man Kelz” truly found his stride.
His breakthrough came during the 2020/2021 season, when he hit 12 league goals and helped Leicester lift the FA Cup. He became one of the Foxes’ most dependable forwards, boasting 42 Premier League strikes in under 200 games. Still only in his late 20s, Iheanacho has since moved on to La Liga, where he is now on the books at Sevilla.
4. Shola Ameobi – 43 Goals (Newcastle United)
Forever associated with Newcastle United, Ameobi spent 14 seasons at St. James’ Park, playing 299 Premier League games for the Magpies. His 43 goals may not sound spectacular over such a long career, but Ameobi had a knack for popping up in big games – especially against Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby, where he became a true Geordie hero. Though he never lifted silverware in England, Ameobi’s longevity, loyalty and clutch goals have made him a beloved figure in Newcastle’s history.
3. Efan Ekoku – 53 Goals (Norwich City, AFC Wimbledon)
A trailblazer for Nigerian strikers in the Premier League, Ekoku made history in 1993 by becoming the first Nigerian to score in the newly formed EPL. He netted 14 goals in 1993/1994 with Norwich City before moving to Wimbledon, where he struck 37 times across seven seasons.
His pace and power made him a constant threat, and his 53 goals remain a remarkable achievement given the era he played in. Ekoku paved the way for the next generation of Nigerian strikers to thrive in England.
2. Nwankwo Kanu – 54 Goals (Arsenal, Portsmouth, West Bromwich Albion)
Few Nigerian players enjoyed the cult following Kanu did. The lanky striker arrived at Arsenal in 1999 and became part of Arsene Wenger’s legendary squad, winning two Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
Kanu scored 30 goals for Arsenal in the Premier League, with unforgettable highlights like his hat-trick against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. After leaving Arsenal, he added 17 goals for Portsmouth and 7 for West Brom. Beyond the stats, Kanu’s flair, creativity and knack for scoring in big games made him a fan favourite everywhere he went.
1. Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 95 Goals (Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, Blackburn)
And finally, we arrive at the king of Nigerian Premier League scorers. Yakubu, simply known as “The Yak,” was a predator in front of goal. Over 252 appearances for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn Rovers, he smashed in 95 league goals.
At Portsmouth, he hit double digits in back-to-back seasons, helping the club stay up. While in Middlesbrough colours, he bagged 25 league goals in two years and played a key role in their UEFA Cup run.
Moving to Everton, he scored 25 times in 82 league appearances, cementing his reputation as one of the most reliable finishers in the league. His final Premier League chapter at Blackburn still saw him net 17 in one season, even as the club battled relegation.