Eagles legends missing as Siasia reveals his ‘Dream Team’ of Nigeria’s greatest footballers

Samson Siasia of Nigeria tries to tackle Anastassios Mitropoulos of Greece during their 1994 World Cup game at Foxboro Stadium in Massachusetts. (Credit: Shaun Botterill/ALLSPORT)

Samson Siasia, former Super Eagles coach and a former star of the Super Eagles, has made his selection for Nigeria’s all-time best 11, including many of his former international teammates.

In an interview with Edafe Matthew, Siasia, who played 49 times for the Super Eagles between 1984 and 1998, shared his preferences for the top Nigerian players, highlighting those who have made significant contributions to the national team.

Goalkeeper

Enyeama (left) exchanging pleasantries with Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, after Nigeria’s last group game against the South Americans at the Brazil 2014 World Cup. PHOTO: AFP

Siasia chose Vincent Enyeama, Nigeria’s most-capped goalkeeper, who won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2013, as his first-choice goalkeeper. Enyeama’s record and performances with the Super Eagles made him the ideal candidate over 1994 AFCON and World Cup hero Peter Rufai.

Defenders

Nigeria line-up before the 1996 Olympic Games final against Argentina. Okechukwu Uche (standing 2nd from right) and Taribo West (standing 3rd from right) are Siasia’s all-time favourite central defensive pair.

For the defensive line, Siasia selected Ben Iroha at left-back and Augustine Eguavoen at right-back. In the centre, he opted for Taribo West, known for his stint at AC Milan, and Uche Okechukwu, who also had a solid career with the Super Eagles. This central partnership highlights the strength and reliability of Nigerian defenders through the years.

Midfield

Super Eagles line up before a 1998 World Cup game against Spain; Oliseh (standing 2nd from