From the golden generation that dazzled Africa in the 1980s to the fearless Super Eagles and Super Falcons who carried Nigeria’s hopes on the world stage in the 1990s and early 2000s, the country has produced football legends whose names still stir memories of glory.

While their goals, tackles, and trophies are etched in history, many fans often ask: where are these heroes and heroines now?

Today, some are into coaching, others are shaping policy in boardrooms, while a few have ventured into business, media, or even religious ministry.

This feature examines where these iconic figures are today and how they continue to shape the game.

The right-wing wizard who brought precision and flair, Odegbami helped Nigeria win their first Africa Cup of Nations in 1980. He later became a media entrepreneur, co-founding Eagles 7 Sports Radio, and even ran for the NFF and FIFA president in 2015.

Adokiye Amiesimaka

A member of the 1980 AFCON victorious squad, Adokiye Amiesimaka is not actively involved in football administration but once served as the Chairman of Sharks of Port-Harcourt. Instead he is famous for his service to Rivers State when he was appointed Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justices.

Austin Eguavoen

He was a member of the 1994 AFCOn winning squad and after retirement, has on different occasions served as Super Eagles coach. His is the current Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Finidi George

One of the few Nigerian internationals to have won the prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy, Finidi George served as Super Eagles assistant coach under Jose Pesiro and was appointed as substantive coach when the Portuguese gaffer vacated the position. However, his reign was short lived as he threw in the towel after a string of poor results. He is presently the Technical Adviser of his home club, Rivers United.

Uche Okechukwu

A defensive pillar in the Super Eagles during the 1994 and 1998 AFCON triumphs and World Cup campaigns. Today, Okechukwu leads a quiet life in Owerri, contributing to Enyimba’s board and running a business, maintaining his legacy of strength and reliability.

Daniel “Bull” Amokachi

Known for that unforgettable celebration and pivotal goals—in the Olympics, AFCON, and the 1994 World Cup—Amokachi now coaches, including a stint in Finland, and remains an ever-present ambassador for Nigerian football. He once served as Super Eagles assistant coach and acting Head Coach, Nasarawa United, Enyimba and most recently, Lobi Stars Technical Adviser.

Sunday Oliseh

The midfield general who scored that stunning volley against Spain at France 1998, today serves FIFA as a technical advisor, appears on SuperSport, and sits on the IFAB panel shaping modern football’s rules.

Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha

One of Nigeria’s most electrifying playmakers is now a business magnate. His ventures span restaurants, real estate, talent management and ambassadorial roles with and advert role. He is also a football pundit.

Nwankwo ‘Papilo’ Kanu

From U-17 world champion to Champions League and English Premier League glory, Kanu now channels his influence into business while chairing Enyimba FC and owning Hardley Apartments in Lagos. His significant contribution to society is his Kanu Heart Foundation which has catered for the health needs of young patients with heart related ailments.

Yakubu ‘Yaks’ Aiyegbeni

A lethal striker turned agent, Yakubu leads Wilbury Sports Management, shaping young talents from his base in Florida, with outreach spreading to Europe, including Cyprus.

Mutiu ‘Headmaster’ Adepoju

Midfield veteran across World Cups and AFCONs once served as the Technical Director at Shooting Stars FC, overseeing youth development, nutrition strategies, and talent pipelines. He is La Liga Ambassador in Nigeria, where he works to increase the Spanish league’s visibility in the African market.

Joseph Yobo

Nigeria’s most capped player once served as assistant coach of the Super Eagles while steering youth development through the Joseph Yobo Charity Foundation.

Efan Ekoku

A revered forward and engaging commentator—for Premier League Productions, ESPN, and the BBC.

Taribo West

He now pastors a church in Lagos nurturing communities through faith as fervently as through football. He recently stirred the hornet’s nest with his brutal condemnation of Nigerian football authorities and the federal government over alleged neglect of the late goalkeeper and teammate Peter Rufai.

Garba Lawal

After past failures with the Kaduna State owned Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Kaduna United, “Mr Utility” Garba Lawal is back as the General Manager of Kada Warriors, currently campaigning in the NNL. He once served as the Coordinator of the U-17 national team, the Golden Eaglets. Lawal briefly worked as Lobi Stars assistant coach.

Tijani Babangida

Upon retirement, the pacy attacking winger and Ajax of Amsterdam star went into football administration. He served as Chairman of Taraba FC before the club was demoted to the lower division of Nigerian professional football, did commercial adverts and is currently the president of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN).

Victor Ikpeba

After his illustrious career in Europe for RFC Liege, Borussia Dortmund and Ligue One side Monaco, where he was nicknamed “The Prince of Monaco,” Victor Ikpeba, the former African Footballer of the Year, does promotional adverts for reputable corporate organisations and serves as a football analyst on Supersport.

Nkiru Okosieme

Nicknamed “The Headmistress,” she captained the Super Falcons in early Women’s World Cups (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003), winning multiple WAFCON titles and earning the first WAFCON Golden Boot in 1998. She is currently engaged in promoting and supporting the development of women’s football in Nigeria, likely in a mentorship or advisory capacity.

Florence Omagbemi

A midfield force from the early World Cups and four-time WAFCON winner (1998, 2000, 2002, 2004), she made history again in 2016 by becoming the first woman to win the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations as both player and coach. She resides in the USA and remains actively involved in football as a coach and consultant. (Daily Trust)

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