Everton marks Nigeria’s independence with tribute to club’s Nigerian players

Premier League club Everton has joined Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary celebrations with a graphic honouring Nigerian players who have represented the club. Everton shared the Nigeria-themed artwork on its social-media platforms on Thursday, October 1, as Nigeria marked 66 years of independence from British colonial rule. The design used the country’s green and white colours and carried the words “Nigeria” and “Independence Day”.

The graphic featured players linked to Everton, including former Nigeria internationals Daniel Amokachi, Joseph Yobo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Victor Anichebe and Alex Iwobi. Ademola Lookman and Toni Payne were also identified in the source material as players who have represented the club. Data compiled by FBref lists nine players who have represented both Everton and Nigeria.

The list also includes Henry Onyekuru, Hope Akpan and Coby Ebere. Amokachi became Everton’s first African player when he joined in 1994. He helped the club win the FA Cup in 1995, scoring twice in a memorable semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Yobo joined Everton in 2002 and became the first African player to captain the club, according to Goal. Yakubu had a prolific spell at Goodison Park, while Anichebe progressed through Everton’s youth system before establishing himself in the senior team. Iwobi joined from Arsenal in 2019 and spent four seasons with the club.

The latest message continues Everton’s history of recognising Nigeria’s national day. The club published a similar graphic in 2019 featuring Amokachi, Yobo, Anichebe, Yakubu and Iwobi, and posted a separate Independence Day greeting in 2022. Nigeria became independent on October 1, 1960, and the Federal Government declared this year’s anniversary a public holiday.