The Audio Long Read Innit innit boys and Super Eagles: how Nigerian Londoners found their identity through football
Feb 24, 2025
Aniefiok Ekpoudom, a talented writer, reads a poignant narrative about Nigerian Londoners and their deep connection to football. He discusses the challenges faced by the Nigerian diaspora in the 1980s, bridging identities torn by colonialism and war. Through football legends like John Fashanu and Jay-Jay Okocha, he illustrates how these athletes became symbols of pride and connection for many. The conversation reveals how football has shaped community ties and personal identity among British Nigerians navigating their dual heritage.
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Chris Ndara's Debut
- In 1992, 17-year-old Chris Ndara, born in London to Nigerian parents, played for Crystal Palace at Anfield.
- Ndara became Crystal Palace's youngest ever Premier League player, symbolizing a new generation of British-Nigerians in football.
Nigeria's Golden Generation
- Nigeria's 1994 World Cup squad, known as the Golden Generation, provided a sense of representation for Nigerians in London.
- These players became symbols of their heritage in mainstream British culture.
Kanu: A Shared Experience
- The author recalls childhood memories of watching Nwankwo Kanu play football with family.
- A chance encounter with Kanu on the streets of London solidified this connection.