The newly expanded edition of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ started on June 14, the global event brings together thirty-two successful club sides from the six international confederations: AFC, CAF, Concacaf, CONMEBOL, OFC, and UEFA.

Since its inception, the FIFA Club World Cup has been a stage where the best clubs across the continents meet in a battle for global supremacy.

Only a few Nigerian players have graced this tournament, an even smaller number have left with medals, however.

Here are five Nigerian footballers who have proudly returned home with Club World Cup honors:

1. Nwankwo Obiora (Inter Milan – Winner, 2010)

Former Super Eagles defensive midfielder Nwankwo Obiora was part of the Inter Milan squad that won the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup. Though he did not feature in either match, Obiora was an unused substitute in both the 3-0 semi-final win over South Korea’s Seongnam Ilhwa and the 3-0 final victory against DR Congo’s TP Mazembe.

With legends like Dejan Stankovi?, Javier Zanetti, Diego Milito, Samuel Eto’o, and Goran Pandev doing the scoring, Inter lifted the trophy under Rafael Benítez. Obiora, who also won the 2013 AFCON with Nigeria, currently plays for Académica in Portugal’s third division.

2. Junior Ajayi (Al Ahly – Third Place, 2020)

Junior Ajayi picked up a bronze medal with Egyptian giants Al Ahly at the 2020 tournament. Although he was an unused substitute in the first two matches—against Al Duhail and Bayern Munich—Ajayi made a late appearance in the third-place match against Palmeiras.

After a goalless draw, the game went to penalties, where Ajayi calmly converted his spot-kick to help Al Ahly secure a 3-2 shootout victory and finish third.

3. John Obi Mikel (Chelsea – Runner-up, 2012)

Mikel’s lone appearance in the 2012 edition came in the semi-final clash against Monterrey of Mexico. The former Super Eagles captain played the full 90 minutes as Chelsea triumphed 3-1, with goals from Juan Mata, Fernando Torres, and an own goal from Darvin Chávez.

In the final against Brazil’s Corinthians, Mikel was an unused substitute as Chelsea fell 1-0, courtesy of Paolo Guerrero’s 69th-minute strike. Despite the defeat, Mikel capped off a remarkable year that included a UEFA Champions League triumph.

4. Victor Moses (Chelsea – Runner-up, 2012)

Victor Moses was also part of Chelsea’s 2012 squad and featured in both matches. He came off the bench in the 79th minute of the semi-final win over Monterrey and started the final against Corinthians, playing 72 minutes before being replaced by Oscar.

Although the Blues fell short in the final, Moses’ involvement in both games secured him a silver medal. After spells across England, Russia, and Italy, Moses most recently played for Luton Town.

5. Odion Ighalo (Al Hilal – Runner-up, 2022)

Odion Ighalo enjoyed a memorable run at the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup with Al Hilal. He led the line in all three matches, helping the Saudi Arabian side reach their first-ever final.

Ighalo played in the second-round victory over Wydad Casablanca, which Al Hilal won on penalties after a 1-1 draw. He also featured in the dramatic 3-2 semi-final win against Flamengo. In the final against Real Madrid, Ighalo was introduced in the second half but couldn’t stop the Spanish giants from sealing a 5-3 win. His efforts earned him a silver medal. (The Nation)