{
  "id": 719911,
  "title": "Aiyegbeni snubs Yekini, Mikel in greatest Eagles XI",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/aiyegbeni-snubs-yekini-mikel-in-greatest-eagles-xi-719911",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T01:56:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "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 Rashidi Yekini and John Obi Mikel from his selection of the greatest-ever Nigeria starting eleven. The news was shared on the official Super Eagles account on X, without including Victor Osimhen, who currently holds the record for Nigeria's second-highest number of goals in international competitions. The team, which features Yakubu alongside Nwankwo Kanu, showcases a mix of players from Nigeria's celebrated 1990s and 2000s squads. Notable omissions include Daniel Amokachi, Obafemi Martins, and Victor Ikpeba, with Yekini's absence being the most significant.",
  "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 excludes Rashidi Yekini from greatest Nigeria XI.",
    "John Obi Mikel left out of Aiyegbeni's all-time best team.",
    "Victor Osimhen not included despite being top Nigerian scorer."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Aiyegbeni's selection of the greatest Eagles XI implies that he values players from Nigeria's 1990s and 2000s squads over some of the country's most prolific and decorated players.",
  "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."
}