{
  "id": 718585,
  "title": "Aiyegbeni snubs Yekini, Mikel in greatest Eagles XI",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/aiyegbeni-snubs-yekini-mikel-in-greatest-eagles-xi",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T01:38:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/aiyegbeni-snubs-yekini-mikel-in-greatest-eagles-xi/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has sparked controversy by excluding both Rashidi Yekini and John Obi Mikel from his selection of the greatest-ever Nigeria starting eleven. The list, shared on the official Super Eagles account on X, also failed to feature Victor Osimhen, who is now Nigeria's second-highest all-time goalscorer. Yakubu's choice of players for the team includes Vincent Enyeama in goal, alongside Bright Osayi-Samuel, Joseph Yobo, Danny Shittu, and Celestine Babayaro in the back four. In central midfield, Sunday Oliseh and Austin \"Jay-Jay\" Okocha were selected, while Julius Aghahowa and Finidi George occupied the wide positions. Up front, Yakubu chose himself and Nwankwo Kanu. Osayi-Samuel, who made his Super Eagles debut in 2022, was the only representative of the current generation in a team built around Nigeria's celebrated sides from the 1990s and 2000s.",
  "summary": "Yakubu Aiyegbeni reveals his all-time Super Eagles XI, controversially omitting Rashidi Yekini and John Obi Mikel. Discover who made his greatest Super Eag Read More: https://punchng.com/aiyegbeni-snubs-yekini-mikel-in-greatest-eagles-xi/",
  "key_points": [
    "Yakubu Aiyegbeni omits Rashidi Yekini and John Obi Mikel",
    "Victor Osimhen not included in greatest Nigeria XI",
    "Team features Vincent Enyeama, Bright Osayi-Samuel"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Aiyegbeni's selection criteria prioritizes players from Nigeria's celebrated 1990s and 2000s teams, shutting out newer stars like Osimhen and icons like Yekini and Mikel.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}