Tijani Babangida, Calvin Bassey, 3 other Super Eagles stars to have played for AFC Ajax

• TheRadar highlights the careers of three Super Eagles players who have represented AFC Ajax
• We take an extensive look into how these players made notable impacts during their time at Ajax and beyond from Babangida’s wing play to Finidi’s Champions League success and Bassey’s record transfer
• While their careers had its ups and downs, they are remembered for both their on-field performances and their personal stories

The Netherlands’ AFC Ajax has long been a club where international talent thrives, and over the years, several Nigerian footballers have left an unforgettable mark on the club. From pacy wingers to powerful defenders, these Nigerian stars have not only contributed to Ajax's successes but also earned accolades on the international stage, inspiring other younger fans with their exceptional skills and achievements.

This list explores the unique journeys and defining moments of five notable Super Eagles who played for Ajax; Tijani Babangida, known for his electrifying pace, the midfield maestro Sunday Oliseh, remembered for his unforgettable strike against Spain, and Finidi George, the legendary right-winger who helped Ajax lift the UEFA Champions League. 

This article highlights their journeys, successes, and unforgettable moments, encapsulating the essence of Nigerian talent in the French capital.

Facts about Super Eagles stars who have played for AFC Ajax

TheRadar has compiled in detail interesting facts about past Super Eagles players of AFC Ajax:

Tijani Babangida

Tijani Babangida’s journey through football is the tale of a fearless winger whose blazing speed and relentless style on the flanks made him a favourite among fans and a force to reckon with in multiple leagues. Babangida, the Nigerian winger who thrived in the Eredivisie, famously represented Ajax at the peak of his career, but his road to European football stardom began much earlier.

Emerging from Nigeria's local leagues with clubs like Arewa Textiles and Niger Tornadoes, Babangida’s talent drew attention at the 1991 Cairo All-African Games, paving his way to Dutch football. Joining Roda JC in 1991, he was loaned to VVV-Venlo, where he displayed goal-scoring prowess with three goals in six appearances, although his efforts couldn’t prevent relegation. Undeterred, Babangida remained with Venlo in the Eerste Divisie (second division), netting an impressive 16 goals in 28 games and helping the club to the title, his exceptional form ensuring his return to Roda.

In 1996, Babangida’s standout performances caught the eye of Dutch giants Ajax, who secured his services for a then-sizeable fee of €5 million. Under the management of Louis van Gaal, Babangida became a key part of the squad, helping Ajax clinch three titles, including a league and cup double in the 1997-98 season. 

Babangida made 36 appearances for Nigeria and scored five goals. His international career began in 1994, debuting against Romania, and included significant moments like his 1998 World Cup goal against Denmark, where Nigeria’s campaign ended in the Round of 16.

Babangida shone in two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, clinching silver in 2000 and bronze in 2002. However, his crowning achievement was at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where he helped Nigeria capture a historic gold medal. Babangida featured in every match, including the full 90 minutes in the final against Argentina. 

Although Babangida never won a senior national title, his contribution to Nigerian football remains highly regarded.

Sunday Oliseh

Sunday Oliseh, one of Nigeria’s finest midfielders, etched his name in football history with memorable moments and a spirited career. Popular for his powerful goal against Spain in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Oliseh stunned the Spanish side by unleashing a blistering 25-yard shot that sealed a 3–2 victory. Oliseh was also an integral part of Nigeria’s national team, earning 63 caps, netting three goals, and playing important roles in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, as well as in Nigeria's historic Olympic gold medal run in 1996.

His exceptional play earned him the title of Africa’s third-best footballer in 1998 by CAF. However, despite captaining Nigeria during the 2002 African Cup of Nations, Oliseh’s career wasn’t without controversy. A disciplinary issue led to his omission from the 2002 World Cup squad, prompting him to retire from international duty shortly after, citing unpaid dues.

Oliseh’s club career spanned several major European teams, including a successful spell at Ajax, where he scored eight goals in 54 appearances before moving to Italian giants Juventus and then Borussia Dortmund. Yet, his time in Germany ended abruptly after a conflict with a teammate, which allegedly involved racial remarks. By 2006, at just 31, Oliseh retired from professional football following a final season with Belgium's K.R.C. Genk.

Pius Ikedia

Paul Ikedia’s football journey began on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, where his skills as a fast, determined right-winger quickly drew attention. He was a teenager when he started scoring goals for Bendel Insurance, alongside future star Julius Aghahowa. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and Ikedia soon moved to the Ivory Coast before catching the eye of Dutch giants Ajax, where he began his European career in 1999.

After three years with Ajax, Ikedia went on a series of loan spells at various Dutch clubs, finding temporary homes with clubs like AZ and RKC Waalwijk. His time in Europe was marked by speed, determination, and agility on the field, making him a reliable match-winner. He played for RBC Roosendaal and later joined Metalurh Donetsk in Ukraine.

Ikedia also made a mark on the Nigerian national team, debuting in 1997 and representing his country in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 2000 Olympics. However, his career took an unsettling turn in 2016 when he collapsed during a match representing “Lucky Ajax,” a team of former Ajax stars. Ikedia was revived on the field, and later reports confirmed he had stabilised in the hospital.

After his final professional years in Azerbaijan, and Cyprus, and a return to the Netherlands with OFC Oostzaan, Ikedia retired in 2016. 

Calvin Bassey

Calvin Chinedu Bassey. Born in Italy but representing Nigeria, Bassey currently plays for Fulham in the English Premier League. He started his journey in Leicester City's youth system, however, his path to professional football wasn't straightforward. 

Despite Leicester’s reputation for developing talent, Bassey didn’t make a senior appearance, eventually seizing a fresh opportunity with Rangers on a free transfer in July 2020. The young defender quickly made a name for himself, playing 65 matches over two seasons. 

At Rangers, he clinched the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup putting himself on the radar of European clubs. He also played a pivotal role in Rangers’ journey to the UEFA Europa League Final in 2022, a heart-wrenching loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in a penalty shootout.

The summer of 2022 saw Ajax swoop in with a record-breaking £20 million transfer fee. However, his debut in the Johan Cruyff Shield didn’t go as planned, as he received a red card just 15 minutes after coming on. 

In July 2023, Fulham secured Bassey’s service with a €21 million transfer. On February 24, 2024, he marked his 20th appearance for Fulham by scoring his first goal for the club in a stunning 2-1 victory over Manchester United.

Internationally, Bassey chose to represent Nigeria, making his debut in March 2022 against Ghana during the World Cup qualifiers.

Findi George

Finidi George, the Nigerian football legend and former national team head coach left an indelible mark both on and off the field. Born in Port Harcourt, Finidi captured international attention at Ajax Amsterdam, where he became a core member of the legendary team that won the UEFA Champions League in 1995, defeating A.C. Milan. 

Partnered with compatriot Nwankwo Kanu, Finidi’s presence on the right wing was pivotal as Ajax claimed three Eredivisie titles. Known for his technical skill on the ball, and accuracy with passes, Finidi quickly became a fan favourite in the Netherlands.

In 1996, Finidi moved to Spain, where he played for Real Betis and later Mallorca. His success continued with a brief spell in England before his eventual retirement.

On the international stage, Finidi was equally impactful, he made his debut in 1991, and he created numerous goal-scoring opportunities, including three assists for Rashidi Yekini in a standout 7-1 win against Burkina Faso. 

He helped Nigeria secure the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and was an integral part of the squad that competed in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. In 1994, Finidi famously celebrated his goal against Greece with a memorable “urinating dog” pose, a moment that became iconic in World Cup lore.

After a career that spanned over a decade and included 62 international caps, Finidi transitioned to coaching, most recently managing the Nigerian national team. His legacy remains one of inspiration for Nigerian football, as a player who took African talent to global heights.

Taye Taiwo, Taribo West and other Super Eagles stars to have played for AC Milan

Previously, TheRadar reported that it compiled interesting facts about past and present Super Eagles players of AC Milan in detail. If you’re a fan of Nigerian football or AC Milan, this article is your goldmine! It dives deep into the journeys of four standout Super Eagles players who have donned the iconic red and black of the Rossoneri. 

From Taribo West's unique hairstyle and robust defending to Taye Taiwo's blistering left-foot strikes, all the way to Samuel Chukwueze's electric wing play, there’s so much history between Nigeria and AC Milan.