European football clubs, led by Everton from the English Premier League, joined Nigerians to celebrate the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary. They shared messages and tributes that highlighted their ties to Nigerian football.
Everton celebrated on Thursday with a graphic showing several Nigerian players who have played for the club. The message read: “Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!”
The artwork, designed in Nigeria’s green and white colours, included former Super Eagles stars like Daniel Amokachi, Joseph Yobo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Victor Anichebe, and Alex Iwobi. It also featured Ademola Lookman and Super Falcons striker Toni Payne.
This tribute shows Everton’s long history with Nigerian football, which includes many generations of players.
Amokachi joined the club in 1994 and helped them win the FA Cup in 1995. Yobo, who came in 2002, became the first African captain of Everton. Yakubu had a successful time at Goodison Park too. Iwobi moved from Arsenal in 2019 and spent four seasons there.
Brentford also joined in the celebration, posting: “Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!” They shared images of three Nigerian players linked to the club: Sam Sodje, Frank Onyeka (who now plays for Coventry City), and Benjamin Fredrick.
Sodje, a former Super Eagles defender, made 100 appearances for Brentford and scored 14 goals during his two seasons there.
German Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen also took part with the message: “🇳🇬 Happy Independence Day, Naija! 🇳🇬”
Their tribute showed Nigerian forwards Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella, both of whom have played for the club.
Nigeria marks Independence Day every year on 1 October. This day remembers the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1960. Thursday’s celebration marks 66 years since Nigeria became a sovereign nation.
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