Peter Rufai was called
upon to boost the defensive formation with his wealth of experience from
the previous World Cup in the United States.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Peter Rufai
Unfortunately, the former Farense goalkeeper was off color as he
conceded cheap goals especially the 1-4 embarrassing defeat from Denmark
and also made a blunder that gave the Paraguayans the advantage.
He currently runs a football academy called Staruf Football academy for
the past eight years.
2. Mobi Oparaku
Within the space of five years Mobi Oparaku featured for Nigeria at the
U-17 and U-23 national teams respectively which he beat other contenders
for the right back position to be included in the France 98 team.
The Kapellen petite defender was instrumental in the games he featured
for the Green and White men but got injured which cost the nation dearly
in the round of 16 match against the Danes.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Mobi Oparaku
Ever since, the former Anderletch player was never regarded as the high
profile player, and his invitation to the national team became minimal.
He was recently appointed the team manager of Heartland FC, a Nigeria
Professional Football League club side.
3. Celestine Babayaro
One of Nigeria’s prospects at the tournament was the fast rising
Celestine Babayaro who cemented his place as a first team player at the
expense of Ben Iroha.
The then Chelsea defender showed a lot of promises especially adding
more attacking options which was evident with his three goals at the
Atlanta 96 Olympic Games.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 World Cup: Where they are now
Celestine Babayaro
The former player of the year in the Belgian first division had just 25
caps in his name which he could have acquired more plagued with
recurring injury crises until he called it quits after Nigeria failed to
qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He is now into sports
commentary.
4. Nwankwo Kanu
Kanu captained the gold medal winning team at the 96’ Olympics and the
lanky forward became a threat to first team players who had
uncertainties with their future.
Kanu did not have much of a feel of the tournament but gathered
experiences under senior players and the competition itself which he
later graduated to become one of Nigeria’s all-time great.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Nwankwo Kanu
The former Arsenal forward had a blissful club career but failed to add
to his Olympic and U-17 gold medals for Nigeria before retiring.
He currently runs a foundation for kids battling heart diseases known as
the Kanu Heart Foundation.
5. Uche Okechukwu
After late Stephen’s Keshi retirement, the next worthy personnel was the
Gentle Giant also known as Uche Okechukwu.
The 30-year old was not really at his best at the World Cup as his
lapses were exposed by attackers of the opposing teams Nigeria faced in
every match.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Uche Okechukwu
Nevertheless the former Brondby defender gave his all to the squad and
after the painful exit at the tournament, Uche announced his retirement
from the national team.
He however had two playing spells with Nigerian sides, Oceans Boys and
Bayelsa United respectively before hanging his boots.
6. Taribo West
With Taribo West in central defence, the team is rest assured with the
capabilities of the former Julius Berger player on the high line.
Despite the team’s sloppiness at some of the matches, the pony-tail
Inter Milan defender fought relentlessly like a soldier but his efforts
could not save the Super Eagles from a sudden exit from the tournament.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Taribo West
Nigeria did not feel much of Uche Okechukwu’s exit from the national
team as the former Auxerre player filled the vacuum in central defence.
West is now a full time pastor and runs a ministry known as “The Storm
Miracle Ministries Of All Nations”.
7. Finidi George
With a sterling performance at the previous World Cup, Finidi George was
a respected member of the national team following his Champions League
winning exploits with Ajax and his summer transfer move to Real Betis in
Spain.
Finidi had graduated from an emerging player to a world class winger and
he was one of the best players in the squad.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Finidi George
However the issue of unpaid bonuses distracted the team from staying
focused in the competition after looking down on their next opponent
which cost the squad and country dearly.
The Ex-Ipswich Town player is now a scout with his former Spanish club
after which he brought in Super Eagles midfielder, Nosa Igiebor in the
fold.
8. Mutiu Adepoju
The attacking midfielder had in his uniqueness with aerial prowess which
was how he got his nickname head master.
Adepoju’s equalizer against the Spaniards proved his inclusion into the
squad was not a fluke as the Super Eagles came back twice from behind to
beat the highly rated European nation.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Mutiu Adepoju
The Real Sociedad man was played into the right full back position
against Denamrk after Oparaku pick up an injury and his position became
vulnerable to the counter-attacking Micheal Laudrup’s captained side.
The former Nigeria midfielder was one of the two Africans named
alongside 14 other ex-stars – of the Spanish topflight as La Liga
ambassadors in Madrid, Spain, in 2016.
9. Rashidi Yekini
As at the time of this tournament, late Yekini was approaching the last
days of his top flight career but was included in the squad by Serbian
coach for reasons best known to him.
The FC Zurich striker made an appearance against Spain and almost found
the back of the net with a side volley but the ball was way off target.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Rashidi Yekini
France 98’ was the last international tournament the late former
Sporting Gijon forward but till date he is still regarded as the
country’s best ever striker.
Yekini died at the age of 48 in 2012 after suffering from depression and
an undisclosed psychiatric condition.
10. Austin Okocha
France 98’ gave Jay Jay Okocha the chance to shine brightly and hold his
own as the new number 10 in the Super Eagles team which he did with his
enterprising style of football.
Okocha magical skills frustrated the Spanish team when Nigeria went
ahead for the first time in the match as the Fenerbache midfielder was
show-boating.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Austin Okocha
The match against Denmark was different as the former Bolton Wanderers
captain singlehandedly tore apart the Danes with his entertaining
dribbles but it yielded no result as the Super Eagles were wasteful in
front of goal.
The former Super Eagles captain was a journalist to the Germany 2006
World Cup and also once a pundit but he is now the commissioner of
sports in Delta state.
11. Garba Lawal
The Roda JC player in the Dutch Eredivisie started a promising career
that later made him a success in the national team after making the
final list to France.
The 24-year old evened the scores against Spain with a low drive after
Adoni Zubizareta fumbled in goal and he also played in the last group
match against Paraguay.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Garba Lawal
Over the years, Lawal became the one of the most versatile players in
the Super Eagles fold and also known for his commitment before he ended
his career in 2007.
In 2014, he was appointed general manager of Kaduna United.
12. William Okpara
The long wait for an invitation finally came to pass as the Orlando
Pirates goalkeeper was invited into the team in 1996.
Okpara made it to the World Cup after a convincing performance in a
pre-tournament friendly against Germany where Nigeria lost to an Andy
Moller’s lone strike.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Williams Okpara
The 30-year old did not partake in any of the matches and after the
competition, the former junior international was neglected from the
national team.
He became a goalkeeping coach for Orlando Pirates after retirement.
13. Tijani Babangida
The petite winger was an exciting player to watch with the way and
manner he takes on the defenders and his goal scoring ability was
exceptional for a flank player.
With likes of Finidi George, the Ajax Amsterdam was second best in the
right side of the attack but he scored the only goal against Denmark and
also made two appearances as a substitute against Bulgaria and Spain
respectively.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Tijani Babaginda
Tijani Babangida now runs his own academy in Minna, Niger state where
young and promising talents are given the opportunity to play in Europe.
In 2015, Tijani Babangida was named as special assistant and liaison to
former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh.
14. Daniel Amokachi
The France 98’ tournament was a torrid time for Dan the bull Amokachi as
the crisis of injury slowed him down at the tournament.
The Besiktas striker could not play against Spain but was fit enough in
the 1-0 victory over Bulgaria yet played 67 minutes against Paraguay and
was not fit to play in the knock out stages.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Daniel Amokachi
The World Cup marked the end of competitive football for the former
Everton man as injuries subjected the supporting striker of being
snubbed from the national team. He retired prematurely in 1999.
Nasarawa United, Enyimba and Ifeayi Ubah FC were the teams he managed in
the Nigerian Premier League after his career as a striker.
He was also assistant coach under the late Shuaibu Amodu and Stephen
where Nigeria won their third AFCON tournament in 2013.
15. Sunday Oliseh
The 25-yard wonder strike against the Spaniards signaled a tournament of
possibilities as the Super Eagles seemed one of the best competing
nations in the 32-team competition.
Oliseh lamented Nigeria’s painful exit following the second round loss
to Denmark saying that the bonuses row with the administration was
something that could have been avoided.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Sunday Oliseh
The former Juventus midfielder also got his own pound of flesh as he was
flushed out of the Super Eagles squad before the Japan/Korea 2002
edition after engaging in a war of words with the country’s footballing
body.
The former Super Eagles handler is currently making waves in the Dutch
second division side Fortuna Sittard as the second-tier side are big
contenders for promotion to the Eredivisie in just his first season in
charge.
16. Uche Okafor
The Kansas City defender knew that the emergence of Taribo West would
make him second choice in the central defensive position.
However, late Uche Okafor played in the final group game against
Paraguay and after the team were knocked of the competition, the 30-year
old made way for younger players.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Uche Okafor
The former Kansas City defender passed on in 2011 after he was found
dead leaving a note indicating his state of depression. He played for
Hannover 96, Farense and the likes.
17. Augustine Eguavoen
It was the same predicament that befell the late Uche Okafor also
affected Eguavoen’s place in the perking order when Mobi Oparaku
graduated into the mainstream.
The Ex-Super Eagles coach played all 90 minutes against Paraguay and was
an unused substitute in other games as the 32-year old drew the
curtains on his career after Nigeria’s exit.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Austin Eguavoen
Eguavoen was sacked as coach of Gombe United in 2017 after losing a home
match to eventual league champions, Plateau United yet the 52-year old
has managed the national teams in different capacity.
18. Wilson Oruma
Wilson Oruma is one of the few players that featured in just one World
Cup finals, played only one match and scored just a goal.
The former Lens midfielder scored the leveler against the Jose Luis
Chilavert led side but it was not enough as Nigeria lost the match 1-3.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Wilson Oruma
However the Japan 93’ U-17 winning captain would never forget having a
World Cup goal in his name but was among the player that were axed from
participating in the 2002 edition.
19. Benedict Iroha
Like the other fading senior members, it also clear that Ben Iroha would
be playing his last tournament for Nigeria as Celestine Babayaro
matured into the team.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Ben Iroha
The former Vitesse Arnhem defender was inconsistent with club duties
owing to injuries and was not used all through the tournament.
Iroha is presently among the back room staff of his former club
Heartland which was formerly known as Iwuayanwu Nationale in his playing
days.
20. Victor Ikpeba
Ikpeba was Nigeria’s hottest striker in Europe plying his trade in a
familiar territory at the World Cup in France.
The Prince of Monaco scored a superb goal that gave Nigeria the only
victory against Bulgaria after an interchanging pass with Okocha and
Amokachi as he dribbled past Ivanov to score from close range.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Victor Ikpeba
The former Borussia Dortmund could not find the back of the net ending
the tournament with just one goal which marked a disappointing outing
for the goal poacher.
He went on to become a top player for both club and country and he is
currently an analyst with a popular broadcast media in Africa -
SuperSport.
21. Godwin Okpara
The former PSG defensive midfielder had a superb season with Strasbourg
going into the tournament in France but surprisingly he was never given
the chance to show the stuff he was made of.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Godwin Okpara
The 25-year singlehandedly man-marked the highly rated Ronaldo when his
team clashed with Inter Milan in the UEFA Cup club competition.
Okpara never enjoyed first team action with the national team as the
former U-20 retired from international football in 2001.
22. Abiodun Baruwa
The little that could be remembered about the five-capped goalkeeper was
how the former Shooting Stars goalkeeper fumbled in the pre-World Cup
friendly against Yugoslavia where the Super Eagles lost 0-3.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Abiodun Baruwa
Baruwa needlessly lost possession to Pedrac Mijatovic who capitalized on
the error. During, before and after France 98’ the Ex-Sion shot-stopper
was never invited to the Super Eagles. Read more: https://sports.naija.ng/1132254-nigerias-squad-france-98-world-cup-where-now.html#1132254
Peter Rufai was called
upon to boost the defensive formation with his wealth of experience from
the previous World Cup in the United States.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Peter Rufai
Unfortunately, the former Farense goalkeeper was off color as he
conceded cheap goals especially the 1-4 embarrassing defeat from Denmark
and also made a blunder that gave the Paraguayans the advantage.
He currently runs a football academy called Staruf Football academy for
the past eight years.
2. Mobi Oparaku
Within the space of five years Mobi Oparaku featured for Nigeria at the
U-17 and U-23 national teams respectively which he beat other contenders
for the right back position to be included in the France 98 team.
The Kapellen petite defender was instrumental in the games he featured
for the Green and White men but got injured which cost the nation dearly
in the round of 16 match against the Danes.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Mobi Oparaku
Ever since, the former Anderletch player was never regarded as the high
profile player, and his invitation to the national team became minimal.
He was recently appointed the team manager of Heartland FC, a Nigeria
Professional Football League club side.
3. Celestine Babayaro
One of Nigeria’s prospects at the tournament was the fast rising
Celestine Babayaro who cemented his place as a first team player at the
expense of Ben Iroha.
The then Chelsea defender showed a lot of promises especially adding
more attacking options which was evident with his three goals at the
Atlanta 96 Olympic Games.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 World Cup: Where they are now
Celestine Babayaro
The former player of the year in the Belgian first division had just 25
caps in his name which he could have acquired more plagued with
recurring injury crises until he called it quits after Nigeria failed to
qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He is now into sports
commentary.
4. Nwankwo Kanu
Kanu captained the gold medal winning team at the 96’ Olympics and the
lanky forward became a threat to first team players who had
uncertainties with their future.
Kanu did not have much of a feel of the tournament but gathered
experiences under senior players and the competition itself which he
later graduated to become one of Nigeria’s all-time great.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Nwankwo Kanu
The former Arsenal forward had a blissful club career but failed to add
to his Olympic and U-17 gold medals for Nigeria before retiring.
He currently runs a foundation for kids battling heart diseases known as
the Kanu Heart Foundation.
5. Uche Okechukwu
After late Stephen’s Keshi retirement, the next worthy personnel was the
Gentle Giant also known as Uche Okechukwu.
The 30-year old was not really at his best at the World Cup as his
lapses were exposed by attackers of the opposing teams Nigeria faced in
every match.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Uche Okechukwu
Nevertheless the former Brondby defender gave his all to the squad and
after the painful exit at the tournament, Uche announced his retirement
from the national team.
He however had two playing spells with Nigerian sides, Oceans Boys and
Bayelsa United respectively before hanging his boots.
6. Taribo West
With Taribo West in central defence, the team is rest assured with the
capabilities of the former Julius Berger player on the high line.
Despite the team’s sloppiness at some of the matches, the pony-tail
Inter Milan defender fought relentlessly like a soldier but his efforts
could not save the Super Eagles from a sudden exit from the tournament.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Taribo West
Nigeria did not feel much of Uche Okechukwu’s exit from the national
team as the former Auxerre player filled the vacuum in central defence.
West is now a full time pastor and runs a ministry known as “The Storm
Miracle Ministries Of All Nations”.
7. Finidi George
With a sterling performance at the previous World Cup, Finidi George was
a respected member of the national team following his Champions League
winning exploits with Ajax and his summer transfer move to Real Betis in
Spain.
Finidi had graduated from an emerging player to a world class winger and
he was one of the best players in the squad.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Finidi George
However the issue of unpaid bonuses distracted the team from staying
focused in the competition after looking down on their next opponent
which cost the squad and country dearly.
The Ex-Ipswich Town player is now a scout with his former Spanish club
after which he brought in Super Eagles midfielder, Nosa Igiebor in the
fold.
8. Mutiu Adepoju
The attacking midfielder had in his uniqueness with aerial prowess which
was how he got his nickname head master.
Adepoju’s equalizer against the Spaniards proved his inclusion into the
squad was not a fluke as the Super Eagles came back twice from behind to
beat the highly rated European nation.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Mutiu Adepoju
The Real Sociedad man was played into the right full back position
against Denamrk after Oparaku pick up an injury and his position became
vulnerable to the counter-attacking Micheal Laudrup’s captained side.
The former Nigeria midfielder was one of the two Africans named
alongside 14 other ex-stars – of the Spanish topflight as La Liga
ambassadors in Madrid, Spain, in 2016.
9. Rashidi Yekini
As at the time of this tournament, late Yekini was approaching the last
days of his top flight career but was included in the squad by Serbian
coach for reasons best known to him.
The FC Zurich striker made an appearance against Spain and almost found
the back of the net with a side volley but the ball was way off target.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Rashidi Yekini
France 98’ was the last international tournament the late former
Sporting Gijon forward but till date he is still regarded as the
country’s best ever striker.
Yekini died at the age of 48 in 2012 after suffering from depression and
an undisclosed psychiatric condition.
10. Austin Okocha
France 98’ gave Jay Jay Okocha the chance to shine brightly and hold his
own as the new number 10 in the Super Eagles team which he did with his
enterprising style of football.
Okocha magical skills frustrated the Spanish team when Nigeria went
ahead for the first time in the match as the Fenerbache midfielder was
show-boating.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Austin Okocha
The match against Denmark was different as the former Bolton Wanderers
captain singlehandedly tore apart the Danes with his entertaining
dribbles but it yielded no result as the Super Eagles were wasteful in
front of goal.
The former Super Eagles captain was a journalist to the Germany 2006
World Cup and also once a pundit but he is now the commissioner of
sports in Delta state.
11. Garba Lawal
The Roda JC player in the Dutch Eredivisie started a promising career
that later made him a success in the national team after making the
final list to France.
The 24-year old evened the scores against Spain with a low drive after
Adoni Zubizareta fumbled in goal and he also played in the last group
match against Paraguay.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Garba Lawal
Over the years, Lawal became the one of the most versatile players in
the Super Eagles fold and also known for his commitment before he ended
his career in 2007.
In 2014, he was appointed general manager of Kaduna United.
12. William Okpara
The long wait for an invitation finally came to pass as the Orlando
Pirates goalkeeper was invited into the team in 1996.
Okpara made it to the World Cup after a convincing performance in a
pre-tournament friendly against Germany where Nigeria lost to an Andy
Moller’s lone strike.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Williams Okpara
The 30-year old did not partake in any of the matches and after the
competition, the former junior international was neglected from the
national team.
He became a goalkeeping coach for Orlando Pirates after retirement.
13. Tijani Babangida
The petite winger was an exciting player to watch with the way and
manner he takes on the defenders and his goal scoring ability was
exceptional for a flank player.
With likes of Finidi George, the Ajax Amsterdam was second best in the
right side of the attack but he scored the only goal against Denmark and
also made two appearances as a substitute against Bulgaria and Spain
respectively.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Tijani Babaginda
Tijani Babangida now runs his own academy in Minna, Niger state where
young and promising talents are given the opportunity to play in Europe.
In 2015, Tijani Babangida was named as special assistant and liaison to
former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh.
14. Daniel Amokachi
The France 98’ tournament was a torrid time for Dan the bull Amokachi as
the crisis of injury slowed him down at the tournament.
The Besiktas striker could not play against Spain but was fit enough in
the 1-0 victory over Bulgaria yet played 67 minutes against Paraguay and
was not fit to play in the knock out stages.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Daniel Amokachi
The World Cup marked the end of competitive football for the former
Everton man as injuries subjected the supporting striker of being
snubbed from the national team. He retired prematurely in 1999.
Nasarawa United, Enyimba and Ifeayi Ubah FC were the teams he managed in
the Nigerian Premier League after his career as a striker.
He was also assistant coach under the late Shuaibu Amodu and Stephen
where Nigeria won their third AFCON tournament in 2013.
15. Sunday Oliseh
The 25-yard wonder strike against the Spaniards signaled a tournament of
possibilities as the Super Eagles seemed one of the best competing
nations in the 32-team competition.
Oliseh lamented Nigeria’s painful exit following the second round loss
to Denmark saying that the bonuses row with the administration was
something that could have been avoided.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Sunday Oliseh
The former Juventus midfielder also got his own pound of flesh as he was
flushed out of the Super Eagles squad before the Japan/Korea 2002
edition after engaging in a war of words with the country’s footballing
body.
The former Super Eagles handler is currently making waves in the Dutch
second division side Fortuna Sittard as the second-tier side are big
contenders for promotion to the Eredivisie in just his first season in
charge.
16. Uche Okafor
The Kansas City defender knew that the emergence of Taribo West would
make him second choice in the central defensive position.
However, late Uche Okafor played in the final group game against
Paraguay and after the team were knocked of the competition, the 30-year
old made way for younger players.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Uche Okafor
The former Kansas City defender passed on in 2011 after he was found
dead leaving a note indicating his state of depression. He played for
Hannover 96, Farense and the likes.
17. Augustine Eguavoen
It was the same predicament that befell the late Uche Okafor also
affected Eguavoen’s place in the perking order when Mobi Oparaku
graduated into the mainstream.
The Ex-Super Eagles coach played all 90 minutes against Paraguay and was
an unused substitute in other games as the 32-year old drew the
curtains on his career after Nigeria’s exit.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Austin Eguavoen
Eguavoen was sacked as coach of Gombe United in 2017 after losing a home
match to eventual league champions, Plateau United yet the 52-year old
has managed the national teams in different capacity.
18. Wilson Oruma
Wilson Oruma is one of the few players that featured in just one World
Cup finals, played only one match and scored just a goal.
The former Lens midfielder scored the leveler against the Jose Luis
Chilavert led side but it was not enough as Nigeria lost the match 1-3.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Wilson Oruma
However the Japan 93’ U-17 winning captain would never forget having a
World Cup goal in his name but was among the player that were axed from
participating in the 2002 edition.
19. Benedict Iroha
Like the other fading senior members, it also clear that Ben Iroha would
be playing his last tournament for Nigeria as Celestine Babayaro
matured into the team.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Ben Iroha
The former Vitesse Arnhem defender was inconsistent with club duties
owing to injuries and was not used all through the tournament.
Iroha is presently among the back room staff of his former club
Heartland which was formerly known as Iwuayanwu Nationale in his playing
days.
20. Victor Ikpeba
Ikpeba was Nigeria’s hottest striker in Europe plying his trade in a
familiar territory at the World Cup in France.
The Prince of Monaco scored a superb goal that gave Nigeria the only
victory against Bulgaria after an interchanging pass with Okocha and
Amokachi as he dribbled past Ivanov to score from close range.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Victor Ikpeba
The former Borussia Dortmund could not find the back of the net ending
the tournament with just one goal which marked a disappointing outing
for the goal poacher.
He went on to become a top player for both club and country and he is
currently an analyst with a popular broadcast media in Africa -
SuperSport.
21. Godwin Okpara
The former PSG defensive midfielder had a superb season with Strasbourg
going into the tournament in France but surprisingly he was never given
the chance to show the stuff he was made of.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Godwin Okpara
The 25-year singlehandedly man-marked the highly rated Ronaldo when his
team clashed with Inter Milan in the UEFA Cup club competition.
Okpara never enjoyed first team action with the national team as the
former U-20 retired from international football in 2001.
22. Abiodun Baruwa
The little that could be remembered about the five-capped goalkeeper was
how the former Shooting Stars goalkeeper fumbled in the pre-World Cup
friendly against Yugoslavia where the Super Eagles lost 0-3.
Nigeria's squad in France 98 that defeated almighty Spain: Where they
are now
Abiodun Baruwa
Baruwa needlessly lost possession to Pedrac Mijatovic who capitalized on
the error. During, before and after France 98’ the Ex-Sion shot-stopper
was never invited to the Super Eagles. Read more: https://sports.naija.ng/1132254-nigerias-squad-france-98-world-cup-where-now.html#1132254
