SUPER EAGLES OF OLD: TRUE REPRESENTATIVES

By Igwe Enyinnaya| Aba, Abia State

Football in Nigeria is not just a sport; it is a language of unity, identity, and passion. From the dusty streets of Aba to the crowded neighborhoods of Lagos, from rural pitches in the north to the coastal towns of the Niger Delta, football has always been a common denominator. For decades, one team has carried the collective hopes and pride of the nation on its shoulders—the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The phrase “Super Eagles of Old” refers to the golden generation of Nigerian footballers whose names still resonate with pride: Rashidi Yekini, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Finidi George, Emmanuel Amuneke, Sunday Oliseh, Daniel Amokachi, Celestine Babayaro, and a host of others. These men were more than footballers; they were ambassadors, patriots, and in many ways, custodians of national identity. They played with their hearts, often sacrificing personal glory and wealth for the green-white-green jersey.

Super Eagles Legends

Today, however, the conversation around Nigerian football has shifted. While the current generation of Super Eagles is talented and globalized, the motivations and realities of football have changed. Modern players often focus more on monetization, contracts, endorsements, and career-building in Europe and beyond. The contrast between the old and the new raises questions about identity, patriotism, and what it truly means to represent Nigeria.

Patriotism Before Profit

One defining characteristic of the old generation of Nigerian players was their fierce patriotism. Many of them came from humble beginnings, discovering football as a way out of poverty, yet their passion for national duty overshadowed everything.

Take Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria’s all-time highest goal scorer. His iconic celebration at the 1994 World Cup—clutching the net, eyes blazing with emotion—was not just about scoring a goal; it was the embodiment of decades of struggle, pride, and identity. For him and his generation, wearing the Nigerian jersey was a sacred duty, not merely a contractual obligation.

Austin Okocha, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest dribblers, was known for his artistry on the pitch. But beyond the flair, he gave his best performances whenever Nigeria called. His leadership and creativity inspired not only his teammates but millions of fans who saw in him the possibility of excellence against the odds.

Nwankwo Kanu, despite battling heart complications early in his career, consistently represented Nigeria with unmatched commitment. Beyond the pitch, he used his fame to establish the Kanu Heart Foundation, saving lives and showing that representation is not just about football, but about service to humanity.

Sacrifices for the Nation

The Super Eagles of old often played in difficult conditions—poor training facilities, irregular payment of match bonuses, and inadequate welfare. Yet, they remained committed. Stories abound of players who would dip into their own pockets to sort out camp issues or endure substandard preparations without complaint. They believed they were carrying the dreams of 200 million Nigerians.

This generation achieved feats that still stand tall:

• Winning the 1994 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia.
• Qualifying for the 1994 FIFA World Cup and making it to the Round of 16 in their debut appearance.
• Staging an unforgettable campaign at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where Nigeria’s U-23 team (with Kanu, Okocha, Amokachi, and others) won gold in football—defeating global heavyweights like Brazil and Argentina.

These achievements were not fueled by massive bonuses or endorsements but by raw hunger, patriotism, and a deep sense of national pride.

The Super Eagles of old were not just footballers; they were symbols of unity in a country often divided by ethnicity, religion, and politics. When they played, Nigerians forgot about tribal differences. Whether Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or minority groups, the players embodied a Nigeria without borders.

For instance, Sunday Oliseh, an Igbo man, captained the team with dignity, while Daniel Amokachi from the north and Finidi George from the south made their marks. They reminded Nigerians that the green-white-green jersey was bigger than any tribe or tongue.

Their victories were not just sporting triumphs but national celebrations. Streets erupted with jubilation, neighborhoods danced late into the night, and every child dreamed of becoming the next Yekini or Okocha. Representation went beyond skill—it was about giving Nigerians something to believe in.

The Modern Era

Football as Business

Fast-forward to the present, and the football landscape has changed drastically. Modern Super Eagles players are part of a globalized sports economy. They play in Europe’s top leagues, earn millions of dollars, sign endorsement deals, and are highly active on social media.

While the old generation played primarily for passion, the new generation plays within an industry where money speaks louder. Representation has become entangled with career sustainability, financial security, and brand building.

For example:

• Current players like Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi earn substantial weekly wages in Serie A, Premier League, and other European leagues.
• Many prioritize club football over national duty, sometimes pulling out of international games due to minor injuries but playing full matches for their clubs days later.
• Sponsorship and endorsement deals (sportswear, betting companies, lifestyle brands) often compete with their focus on the national team.

Loyalty Tested by Money

Unlike the old players who sometimes played without pay, today’s players are highly sensitive to bonuses, allowances, and appearance fees. There have been instances where the current Super Eagles threatened to boycott matches over unpaid bonuses. In contrast, the old guard played regardless of financial delays, knowing the honor of representing Nigeria outweighed money.

Modern players also tend to prioritize personal branding. Social media has become a platform for showcasing lifestyle—cars, fashion, endorsements—sometimes overshadowing their performance on the pitch. Representation has shifted from being nationalistic to being individualized.

Commitment Levels

The old generation often displayed a do-or-die commitment. Losing a match was considered a national tragedy, and players bore the shame personally. Today, losses are often brushed off as “part of the game,” with players quickly returning to their European clubs, where their real loyalties arguably lie.

Identity and Inspiration

The Super Eagles of old inspired a generation of Nigerians to believe in themselves. Kids played barefoot in dusty fields, imitating Okocha’s dribbles or Yekini’s net-clutching celebration. The current generation, while talented, lacks that same mythic quality. They are seen more as stars than as symbols of unity.

Financial Orientation

It must be noted, however, that the modern orientation is not entirely the players’ fault. Football has evolved into a billion-dollar business, and athletes must secure their futures. Unlike the old generation, many of whom retired into financial difficulties, today’s players are rightly safeguarding their earnings. The only downside is that patriotism seems less prioritized.

While the new generation cannot be faulted for monetizing their careers, there are lessons to learn from the past:

1. Patriotism Above All – Representing Nigeria should not be secondary to club commitments. Wearing the national jersey should still carry emotional weight.
2. Unity Symbolism – Players should recognize their role as unifiers in a divided country. Beyond goals, they carry the nation’s collective identity.
3. Balancing Wealth with Service – While financial gain is important, there should be a balance between personal enrichment and national service.
4. Legacy Matters – The old generation is remembered not just for their skills but for their sacrifices. Today’s players should ask themselves: what legacy are 

The Super Eagles of old were more than footballers. They were warriors, ambassadors, and symbols of national pride. They represented Nigeria with dignity, sacrifice, and passion, often under difficult conditions. Their legacy remains unmatched, and their names are etched in history as true representatives of the Nigerian dream.

In contrast, today’s Super Eagles live in a different era—one where football is a business, contracts are worth millions, and representation is intertwined with personal brand management. While they cannot be blamed for securing their futures, the lack of deep patriotism and collective representation has left a void in the hearts of Nigerian fans.

The truth lies somewhere in the middle. The modern Super Eagles must combine the passion and patriotism of the old guard with the professional and financial awareness of the new era. Only then can Nigeria once again boast of a team that truly represents her—not just on paper, but in spirit.

Until then, the Super Eagles of old remain the true representatives of Nigeria—the golden generation whose love for the green-white-green outweighed every material gain.