Nigerians Who Wore the Black and Blue of Inter Milan

The Italian Serie A has long been a major destination for the world’s finest footballers, and for Nigerian stars, the iconic black and blue stripes of FC Internazionale Milano (Inter Milan) hold a special place. From legendary captains to acrobatic goalscorers, a number of Super Eagles players have graced the pitch at the San Siro.

Here is a look at the most prominent Nigerian internationals who have played for Inter Milan:

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1. Nwankwo Kanu (The Icon)

While his name is most famously associated with Arsenal, the legendary Nwankwo Kanu‘s journey to European greatness began in Italy.

• Time at Inter: 1996–1999
• The Story: Kanu arrived at Inter Milan fresh off captaining Nigeria’s Dream Team to Olympic Gold in 1996, a move that followed his UEFA Champions League win with Ajax. His time in Italy was unfortunately overshadowed by a serious heart condition that was discovered during a routine medical. Despite this setback, which required surgery and a lengthy recovery, Kanu returned to the pitch and was part of the squad that won the 1998 UEFA Cup. His incredible resilience cemented his status as a footballing great.

2. Taribo West (The Defender)

A hard-tackling, colourful character, Taribo West is arguably one of the most memorable Nigerian defenders to play in Serie A.

• Time at Inter: 1997–1999
• The Story: Known for his powerful defending and distinctive, braided green hairstyles, West was an integral part of the Inter side alongside legends like Ronaldo (the Brazilian one!). He was a key figure in the team that defeated Lazio to win the 1998 UEFA Cup final, a victory that remains a highlight of Nigerian involvement in European club football.

3. Obafemi Martins (The Speedster)

The name Obafemi Martins is practically synonymous with Inter Milan for a generation of Nigerian fans.

• Time at Inter: 2001–2006
• The Story: Martins burst onto the scene with electrifying speed and unforgettable acrobatic goal celebrations. Dubbed ‘Obagoal,’ he was a fan favourite, known for scoring spectacular goals against top European clubs. He enjoyed a trophy-laden spell, winning the Serie A Scudetto (2005/06), two Coppa Italia titles, and the Supercoppa Italiana. He remains one of the most successful Nigerians in the club’s history.

4. Joel Obi (The Midfield Mainstay)

A versatile midfielder who spent his formative years at the club, Joel Obi enjoyed a lengthy period in the Nerazzurri setup.

• Time at Inter: 2010–2014
• The Story: Obi progressed through Inter’s youth ranks and eventually became a regular member of the senior squad. His career included winning the Supercoppa Italiana and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2010.

5. Victor Moses (The Wing-Back)

A more recent addition to the list, Victor Moses arrived at Inter on loan to link up with his former Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte.

• Time at Inter: 2020
• The Story: Moses made a number of appearances as a reliable wing-back during his loan spell, helping the team reach the 2020 UEFA Europa League Final and providing a solid contribution to their league campaign before the final whistle of his time at the San Siro.

Other Contributors

In addition to these stalwarts, the following Nigerian players have also played for the Inter Milan senior side:

• Victor Obinna (2008-2010)
• Nwankwo Obiora (2010-2011)
• Isah Eliakwu (2004)
• Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Made his senior debut in 2024, representing the newest generation of Nigerian talent at the club).

The presence of these players underscores the powerful bond between Nigerian football and the giant of the Italian game, Inter Milan, a relationship built on speed, flair, and unforgettable trophy success.