Nickname is a common feature among professional footballers world-wide. In Nigeria, footballers are commonly given nicknames by their fellow colleagues or fans based on certain circumstances. Below is a list of three popular Nigerian footballers and their nicknames. It will interest readers to get a glimpse of how the nicknames of these football players originated.
– Taye Taiwo (The Tornado)
The left full back plays for Olympic Marseille of France and the Nigeria Super Eagles. He is popularly called «The Tornado», because of the shot he packs on his left leg. He has scored sensational goals for both club and country on several occasions and this has endeared him to the fans hence the nickname. He played for Lobi F.C of Nigeria before moving for the Ligue 1 side after a successful outing with the U-20 National team the Flying Eagles.
– Obafemi Martins (Obagoal or Weapon of mass destruction)
He remains one of the most prolific strikers in the fold of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. He presently plies his trade with Russian club side- Rubin Kazan. He has been given the nickname Obagoal from his first name Obafemi and from the fact that he has scored lots of goals for both club and country. He his also commonly referred to as the weapon of mass destruction, because of his accuracy in front of goal.
Obafemi Martins single-handedly scored a brace that qualified Nigeria for the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa. Blessed with a devastating left footer, he continues to enjoy rave review in the international football circle.
– Daniel Amokachi (Da Bull)
Daniel Owefin Amokachi earned the nickname-Da Bull, because of his power play and all-round performance while playing for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. He had a way of bulldozing his way against opposing defence and never relented when on the ball. His skill, power and passion made him a fan favorite and this culminated in his been signed by top English side-Everton F.C in the height of his career in the 2003-2004 season. He also featured for Belgian Champions-Anderlecht F.C.
He his presently a football analyst with South African based sports channels-Super sports where he analyzes the English premier league on a weekly basis. At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation as an assistant coach to Swedish coach Lars Lagerback. Nigeria however failed to go through the first round and the entire squad and technical crew were disbanded after Nigeria shameful exit.