Everton mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day with tribute to stars

Everton have marked Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day by celebrating the Nigerian players who have represented the club, including current midfielder Alex Iwobi.

Nigeria became independent from Britain in 1960, with the anniversary observed on 1 October.

The Premier League club shared artwork featuring Super Eagles and Super Falcons players connected with Everton, including Daniel Amokachi, Joseph Yobo, Victor Anichebe, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Toni Payne and Yakubu Aiyegbeni.

The graphic combined the Nigerian flag with Everton’s club colours and included a message wishing the country a happy Independence Day.

The tribute was praised by fans and media on X, formerly known as Twitter, with many reflecting on Everton’s links with Nigerian football.

Those connections date back to 1994, when Daniel Amokachi became Everton’s first African player.

Iwobi is the latest Nigerian international to play for the club, while the artwork also acknowledged players from both the men’s and women’s game.