Sports celebrate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day

Sports groups, clubs, and athletes at home and abroad celebrated Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on Thursday. They shared messages of love for the country and honored its sports history, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

The National Sports Commission led the celebrations locally. They emphasized how sports can help the nation grow.

“Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria. The National Sports Commission remains committed to using sports as a platform for opportunity, growth, national pride, and economic development,” the commission said.

The Nigeria Football Federation also joined in, sharing a motion graphic on their social media accounts.

Super Eagles striker Akor Adams shared, “Happy Independence Day, great Nigeria. Love you with all my heart.”

The Nigeria Premier Football League wished everyone well, posting, “Happy Independence Day, Nigeria.”

The Nigeria Cricket Federation celebrated with a photo of the Junior Female Yellow Greens, who are preparing for the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

“Today, we celebrate 66 years of independence with the spirit that defines Nigeria, resilience, unity, courage, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible,” the federation said.

“From every pitch to every pathway, from our people to our players, we keep moving forward. Nigeria is still in the crease. The innings continues. And the best is yet to come. Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! 66 NOT OUT.”

Clubs in Europe also paid tribute, highlighting the long connection between Nigerian football and European teams.

Spanish club Real Betis celebrated by posting a message with a picture of former player Finidi George, who played for them from 1996 to 2000.

“Happy 66th Independence Day to all of our friends in Nigeria. Na big honour to rock di same colors!”

The club’s message highlighted its bond with Nigerian fans through the country’s green and white colors.

Meanwhile, Premier League club Everton honored several Nigerian players who played for them.

Their graphic featured former Super Eagles stars Daniel Amokachi, Joseph Yobo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Victor Anichebe, and Alex Iwobi, along with Ademola Lookman and Super Falcons star Toni Payne.

“Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!” Everton posted.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni is Nigeria’s top Premier League goalscorer with 95 goals in 252 matches. Iwobi has the most appearances by a Nigerian in the league, with 325 matches as of October 2026.

Yobo played 228 matches in the Premier League, while Amokachi was the first Nigerian to join Everton in 1994.

Sevilla also marked Nigeria’s Independence Day with a video showing goals by Nigerian players who have played for the club. This includes Chidera Ejuke, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Akor Adams, who now plays for Venezia, while Iheanacho is with Bursaspor.

German Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen joined in the fun with a tribute featuring Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella during their 2024 title celebrations.