{
  "id": 11173812,
  "title": "Everton celebrate Nigeria@66 with Amokachi, Aiyegbeni, Yobo, other stars",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/everton-celebrate-nigeria-66-with-amokachi-aiyegbeni-yobo-other-stars-11173812",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T11:10:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/everton-celebrate-nigeria66-with-amokachi-aiyegbeni-yobo-other-stars/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Everton, a Premier League club, has joined Nigerians in celebrating the country's 66th Independence Anniversary by sharing an Everton-themed graphic on its social media platforms. The graphic, which features Nigeria's green and white colors, includes images of several Nigerian footballers who have played for Everton. These players include Daniel Amokachi, Joseph Yobo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Victor Anichebe, and Alex Iwobi, among others. Amokachi, who was Everton's first African player, played a significant role in the club's 1995 FA Cup victory. Yobo, a key figure at the club since 2002, was the first African player to captain Everton. Yakubu, known for his prolific spell at Goodison Park, and Anichebe, who began his career in Everton's youth system, are also part of the club's Nigerian player legacy. The gesture continues Everton's tradition of acknowledging Nigeria on October 1, the country's Independence Day.",
  "summary": "Premier League club Everton has celebrated Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary with a graphic featuring Nigerian stars who have played for the club. Read More: https://punchng.com/everton-celebrate-nigeria66-with-amokachi-aiyegbeni-yobo-other-stars/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Nigeria @66: Citizens can’t celebrate amid poverty, insecurity – Sowore",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/nigeria-66-citizens-cant-celebrate-amid-poverty-insecurity-sowore",
        "published": "2026-10-01T08:26:52.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Nigeria not truly independent – Sowore",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/nigeria-not-truly-independent-sowore",
        "published": "2026-10-01T08:50:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}