Rio Ferdinand hails Nigeria trio for inspirational influence on black players

By Saheed Afolabi

Former England defender, Rio Ferdinand, has praised the remarkable impact that Nigerian football legends Austin Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, and Sunday Oliseh had on black players, both in Europe and around the world.

The trio, who enjoyed successful careers in European football spanning over a decade, became iconic figures, not just for their individual skills, but for their influence on a generation of black footballers.

Ferdinand, who himself played at the highest level in the Premier League, spoke passionately about how Okocha, in particular, inspired many young players with his unique style of play.

“Okocha’s playing style was something special,” Ferdinand shared. “We used to watch Jay Jay Okocha’s videos, and everyone wanted to play like him. It was fantastic to see him in the Premier League after making his name with Eintracht Frankfurt and PSG.”

Ferdinand stressed the importance of this trio and their role in shaping the representation and recognition of black players in European football.

“Nigerian players of that era—Okocha, Oliseh, and Kanu—had a huge influence on black players worldwide,” he added.

The praise from Ferdinand reflects the legacy of these Super Eagles icons, who not only enjoyed successful club careers but also served as beacons of inspiration for aspiring black players, breaking barriers and carving out a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of footballers across the globe.