It is always great to see generations of great football players coming from one family. Nigeria is a football-crazy nation. Some might even say that football is the only thing that unites Nigerians in a time when there are religious and ethnic conflicts. The Super Eagles, which is Nigeria’s senior male football team, is a national symbol representing the country in international football events. The team’s players have engaged fans with their skills on the field, immortalising their names in the history of the nation.
However, some of these talented ex-Super Eagles players have passed the torches to their sons, continuing their legacies on football pitches. These are young talents carving their paths in football.
Therefore, this article highlights the list of ex-Super Eagles players whose children play professional football.
List of ex-Super Eagles players whose children play professional football
Below are five ex-Super Eagles players whose children play professional football.
1. Godswill Enyeama
The list starts with the latest sensation from Nigeria – Godswill Enyeama. He is the son of the legendary former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama. The older Enyeama is known for his super saves during his illustrious playing career. Now, his son is walking in his footsteps by picking up the gloves to defend the goalposts in France, a country where his father played club football.
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Even more sensational, Godswill was recently promoted to the U-18 squad of his father’s former club, Lille, ahead of the new season. He is expected to continue his father’s legacy in excellent goalkeeping.
2. Kevin Martins
Kevin Maussi Martins is the son of the legendary ex-Super Eagles forward, Obafemi Martins. Martins is known for his speed on the ball, playing for top clubs in Europe such as Inter Milan, Newcastle United, VfL Wolfsburg and Lavante. During his career, Martins won the Serie A title, the Italian Cup (twice) and the Italian Super Cup. In his international career, Martins represented Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2006, 2008 and 2010, and the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
Now his son, Kevin, plays as a forward at the Italian club, Monza. At age 19, the youngster has shown the same thrilling pace and scoring ability as his father. His budding career in European clubs is an indication that the Martins football still lives.
3. Wesley Okoduwa
Wesley Okoduwa is the son of ex-Super Eagles forward, Emmanuel Okoduwa. The older Okoduwa was a top scorer in the Ukrainian Premier League, where he played for Arsenal Kyiv. However, he earned only one cap for Nigeria, coming on as a substitute during an AFCON 2008 qualification match.
At just 15, his son, Wesley, is already making waves in England. He has already earned multiple caps for England’s U16 team and even won the Football Federation Cup. Wesley is also eligible to play for the United States of America where he was born. The youngster is currently with the English Premier League side, Wolves. Despite warming the bench for Wolves against top clubs last season, Wesley could play an important role for the club in the coming season.
4. Daniel Aiyenugba
Bamidele “Dele” Mathew Aiyenugba is a legendary goalkeeper in the Nigerian Premier League (NPL). He played 13 seasons in Israel with four different teams before returning to Nigeria to play for Kwara United in the Nigerian Premier League. Aiyenugba also made 17 appearances for the Super Eagles
His son, Daniel, has also embraced a path as a goalkeeper, beginning his career at Beyond Limits Football Academy at the age of 12. Both father and son played against each other when their teams, Kwara United and Beyond Limits, clashed in the semi-finals of the Value Jet Cup in Ikenne in August 2023.
5. Reuben Shakpoke
Reuben Shakpoke is the son of former Super Eagles defender, Jero Shakpoke. Shakpoke played for Tuscan Serie A side, A.C. Siena, and the Belgian side, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. He also earned six caps for Nigeria at international level. His son, Reuben, began his professional football career at Norwich City at the age of 11. At the age of 16, he was signed by Premier League side, Aston Villa where he featured in the youth teams.
Reuben is currently in the academy at West Bromwich Albion, having signed with the club on August 23, 2023.
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