Everton Marks Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary with Tribute to Nigerian Players

By: Tunji Okunlola

English Premier League club Everton joined Nigerians in celebrating the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, sharing a Nigeria-themed graphic that highlights some of the Nigerian footballers who have represented the club.

The club posted the artwork on its social media platforms on Thursday, October 1, as Nigeria marked 66 years of independence from British colonial rule. The graphic features Nigeria’s green and white colours alongside the words “Nigeria” and “Independence Day,” along with images of Nigerian players who have worn the Everton shirt.

Everton has long maintained ties with Nigerian football, with several Super Eagles and Super Falcons players having represented the Merseyside club over the years. Among the better-known names are former Nigeria internationals Daniel Amokachi, Joseph Yobo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Victor Anichebe and Alex Iwobi, while Ademola Lookman and Toni Payne have also been associated with the club. According to data compiled by FBref, nine players in total have represented both Everton and Nigeria, a list that also includes Henry Onyekuru, Hope Akpan and Coby Ebere.

Amokachi became Everton’s first African player when he joined the club in 1994 and went on to play a key role in the team’s 1995 FA Cup triumph, scoring twice in the semi-final win over Tottenham Hotspur. Yobo joined Everton in 2002 and became an influential figure at the club, later becoming the first African player to captain Everton. Yakubu enjoyed a productive spell at Goodison Park, while Anichebe came through Everton’s youth academy before breaking into the first team. Iwobi joined Everton from Arsenal in 2019 and spent four seasons at the club before his departure in 2023.

This is not the first time Everton has marked Nigeria’s Independence Day. In 2019, the club featured Amokachi, Yobo, Anichebe, Yakubu and Iwobi in a commemorative graphic, and in 2022 it posted a simple “Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!” message.

Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.