ESPN has recently unveiled its list of the greatest African athletes of the 21st century, celebrating a diverse array of talent from across the continent.
This list features five exceptional Nigerian athletes who have significantly contributed to their respective sports.
Leading the Nigerian honorees is Asisat Oshoala, a standout player for the Super Falcons and a six-time African Women’s Player of the Year.
Oshoala is renowned for her impressive achievements at both the club and national levels, as well as her role in advancing women’s football in Africa.
Joining Oshoala on this prestigious list is her predecessor, Perpetua Nkwocha, hailed by many as the greatest Super Falcons player of all time.
Israel Adesanya, the Nigerian-Kiwi mixed martial artist, also made the cut.
Known as ‘The Last Stylebender,’ Adesanya is celebrated as one of the greatest fighters in UFC middleweight history, showcasing the versatility and prowess of African athletes in the global arena.
Kamaru Usman, another UFC star, has also earned a spot on the list. Usman has made a name for himself in the UFC welterweight division, further emphasizing the strength of Nigerian fighters in mixed martial arts.
NFL legend Osi Umenyiora rounds out the Nigerian representatives. Umenyiora, who spent part of his childhood in Nigeria, has enjoyed a successful post-NFL career in Lagos as a talent developer, continuing his contribution to the sport.
However, the list has sparked some debate, particularly due to the omission of two notable Nigerian football legends, Jay-Jay Okocha and John Obi Mikel.
Okocha, celebrated for his creativity and flair, and Mikel, known for his successes with Chelsea FC and the Nigerian national team, were notably absent.
Their exclusion has led to discussions about the selection criteria, with fans and analysts questioning why these iconic players were not included despite their significant contributions to football.
The full list of ESPN’s 25 greatest African athletes of the 21st century is as follows:
1. Kenenisa Bekele, Ethiopia – Athletics
2. Eliud Kipchoge, Kenya – Athletics
3. Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon – Football
4. Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwe – Athletics
5. Tirunesh Dibaba, Ethiopia – Athletics
6. Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast – Football
7. Faith Kipyegon, Kenya – Athletics
8. Jacques Kallis, South Africa – Cricket
9. Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria – Football
10. Mohamed Salah, Egypt – Football
11. Joel Embiid, Cameroon – Basketball
12. Siya Kolisi, South Africa – Rugby
13. Yaya Toure, Ivory Coast – Football
14. Wayde van Niekerk, South Africa – Athletics
15. Israel Adesanya, Nigeria – MMA
16. Ernst van Dyk, South Africa – Cycling
17. Caster Semenya, South Africa – Athletics
18. Mary Keitany, Kenya – Athletics
19. Sadio Mane, Senegal – Football
20. Perpetua Nkwocha, Nigeria – Football
21. Chad le Clos, South Africa – Swimming
22. Ramy Ashour, Egypt – Squash
23. Kamaru Usman, Nigeria – MMA
24. Osi Umenyiora, Nigeria – NFL
25. Mwadi Mabika, DR Congo – Basketball
This recognition by ESPN highlights the incredible achievements and enduring legacy of African athletes on the global stage.
