Since Nigeria’s maiden Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 1980, the Super Eagles’ No.11 jersey has become one of the most iconic in the national team’s history, the shirt has graced the backs of some of Nigeria’s most electrifying talents. From tricky wingers to versatile attackers, PETER AKINBO chronicles some of the players who have worn the legendary jersey number since 1980
Adokie Amiesimaka (1970s–1980s)
One of the earliest to don the No.11 shirt, Amiesimaka was renowned for his speed and dribbling flair. A key figure in Nigeria’s victorious 1980 AFCON squad, he featured in 39 international matches, netting five goals and representing Nigeria at the 1980 Olympics as well as in the 1978 and 1982 World Cup qualifiers.
Felix Owolabi (1980–1981)
Owolabi briefly wore the No.11 jersey during Nigeria’s golden era in the early 1980s. The left winger was part of the AFCON-winning squad in 1980 and previously helped Nigeria secure third place in the 1978 edition. He earned 35 caps and scored twice for the Super Eagles.
Henry Nwosu (1980s)
The youngest member of the 1980 AFCON-winning team, Nwosu wore No.11 for Nigeria’s Olympic squad, scoring the country’s only goal at the 1980 Olympics. He went on to participate in four AFCON tournaments (1982, 1984, 1988, 1990), finishing as a runner-up twice.
Ademola Adeshina (1989–1990)
A versatile midfielder, Adeshina wore No.11 for a period after previously donning other shirt numbers. He was part of Nigeria’s squads at the 1984, 1988, and 1990 AFCON tournaments, as well as the 1988 Olympics.
Friday Elahor (1991–1992)
Elahor had a brief run with the No.11 shirt, switching between it and No.12 during his time with the national team. He scored once in 14 appearances for Nigeria.
Thompson Oliha (1991–1992)
Oliha wore No.11 early in his international career before moving to No.8. Making his debut in 1988, he earned 31 caps and scored two goals before his untimely passing.
Golden generation icons
Emmanuel Amunike (1994–1996)
A true legend in the No.11 shirt, Amunike was instrumental in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON victory and scored in both the World Cup and Olympics. Named 1994 African Footballer of the Year, he netted the winning goal in the 1996 Olympic final. His international career, curtailed by injuries, saw him score 10 goals in 28 appearances.
Victor Ikpeba (1995–1996)
Another African Footballer of the Year (1997), Ikpeba wore the No.11 jersey during the Olympics and featured at both the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. He scored seven goals in 31 matches and was part of the 1994 AFCON-winning team.
Garba Lawal (1997–2006)
Perhaps the longest-serving No.11, Lawal was a utility player who featured in multiple positions. He played in two World Cups (1998, 2002) and four AFCON tournaments, scoring in three. A 1996 Olympic gold medalist, Lawal wore No.13 in Atlanta but made the No.11 shirt his own for nearly a decade.
Modern era Eagles
Peter Odemwingie (2007–2010)
With 65 caps and 11 goals, Odemwingie was a key attacking figure for Nigeria for over a decade. Wearing No.11 from 2007 to 2010, he starred in four AFCONs and two World Cups, famously scoring against Bosnia in 2014.
Nnamdi Oduamadi (2011–2013)
Oduamadi shuttled between shirt numbers but notably wore No.11 during his standout performance at the 2013 Confederations Cup, where he scored a hat-trick against Tahiti.
Mohammed Gambo (2012–2013)
One of the few home-based players to earn a national team call-up under Stephen Keshi, Gambo briefly wore No.11 and featured in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Still soaring
Moses Simon (2015–2017)
Simon debuted in 2015 and wore No.11 during the early part of his international career before switching to No.15, which he continues to wear. Known for his pace and trickery, he remains an important attacking option for Nigeria.
Henry Onyekuru (2016–2022)
Onyekuru claimed the No.11 shirt after his debut in 2017 and wore it consistently when included in the squad. Though his appearances were sporadic, he contributed to Nigeria’s attacking depth during his tenure.
Victor Moses (2011–2018)
Moses was a standout No.11 for Nigeria, playing a pivotal role in the team’s 2013 AFCON win. He scored two vital goals against Ethiopia and was named in the tournament’s Best XI. Moses featured at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups before retiring from international football.
Samuel Chukwueze (2019–present)
The dynamic winger has worn No.11 since 2019, aside from a short hiatus. Chukwueze continues to be a key part of Nigeria’s frontline, bringing flair and directness down the flank.
Honourable Mentions (Pre-1980)
Before Nigeria’s first AFCON title, several greats also wore the No.11 jersey, including Sam Garba Okoye (68/69), Mohammed Lawal (68/69), Abdul Ganiyu Salami (68/69), Amusah Shittu (60/61), Asquo Ekpe (60/61)
From Adokie Amiesimaka to Samuel Chukwueze, the No.11 jersey has consistently been worn by players of flair, skill, and impact. As new talents emerge, the legacy of Nigeria’s No.11 shirt continues—rich in history, and full of promise.
