SUPER EAGLES PLAYERS FROM THE AFCON 2000 - Where are they now?

The African cup of Nations - Africa’s most prized football competition. Many players have made their marks through this bi-annual competition. From forwards like Samuel Eto o' to Nigeria's defender Kenneth Omeruo and the latest of them, Egyptian shot-stopper Mohamed Abou Gaba (Gabaski).

The AFCON 2000 which was co-hosted by Ghana and Neighboring country Nigeria will definitely be one that most Nigerians will hope to forget relatively quickly. Losing a final on penalties in front of your home fans is not an experience any football star would have wanted.

With Coach Jo Bonfrére then at the helm of affairs, we bring you up to speed with the 22-man team that represented Nigeria at the football Mundial and what they have been up to.

CELESTINE BABAYARO:

The former Chelsea fullback appeared in all six of the matches played by the Super Eagles during the course of the tournament. After retiring in 2010 Bababyaro has been working as a football agent and also doubles as an ambassador for NNL side Kaduna United.

FINIDI GEORGE:

The former Real Betis man also featured hugely during the course of the tournament. He also featured six times in total.

The Eagles winger since retiring has been shuffling between Seville and Nigeria and he is currently the Ambassador of online bookmaker Luckybet and the current coach of two-time CAF champions league side Enyimba.

NWANKWO KANU:

The two-time African player of the year was also a mainstay in the XI of the Eagles as he also was capped a total of six times during the competition. The former Inter Milan man is now a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and also runs a Heart Foundation.

IKE SHORUNMU:

Without a doubt one of the safest hands in Africa when it comes to goalkeeping. The shot-stopper featured in every minute of the African cup of Nations. Between 2007 and 2010, Shorunmu served as the goalkeeper coach for Enyimba F.C. In 2010 Shorunmu was hired in the same capacity for Heartland F.C., and joined the Nigerian national team in 2011.

TARIBO WEST:

Still the only Nigerian international to play for both Inter and AC Milan the rock-solid defender was a mainstay in the defense for Dutch coach Jo Bonfrére. He made a total of six appearances during the competition. He Taribo since retiring has started a church with the name Shelter in the storm, where he is the head pastor.

TIJANI BABANGIDA:

Making a total of 5 appearances with two off the bench, the pacy winger was very instrumental in the Eagles making it all the way to the final. Since retiring the former Ajax man now runs an integrated service firm named BABS.

JAY-JAY OKOCHA:

A man so good he was named twice, he is arguably the best Nigerian football player to exist. His dazzling skills and abilities are second to none. He made a total of 5 appearances during the tournament and alongside Oliseh formed a formidable partnership. The midfielder has since retirement been the FA chairman of Delta state, and he is currently an ambassador of the Bundesliga in Nigeria.

SAMUEL OKUNOWO:

Though had an injury-ravaged career, the former Barcelona full-back still found a way into the 22 and made five appearances during the tournament. After losing all his possession to a fire in 2012, the former fullback now works as a renowned scout.

FURO IYENEMI:

A name on the 22-man list released by coach Jo Bonfrére that raise eyebrows. He went on the make a total of 5 appearances during the Mundial. He runs an academy that he named after himself.

MUTIU ADEPOJU:

The former Real Sociedad player was instrumental during the competition for the Super Eagles and made a total appearance of 4. He is believed to be an ambassador of the Spanish football league La Liga.

JULIUS AGHAHOWA:

Making just 4 appearances at the competition, the former Shakhtar Donetsk forward after retiring is currently a football agent.

BENEDICT AKWUEGBU:

The former Eagles forward made a total of four appearances at the tournament and currently, the Austrian Bomber as nicknamed during his playing days in Austria is said to be a board member at Mighty Jets of Jos.

GODWIN OKPARA:

The former Strasbourg player made four appearances at the tournament. His career was brought to a controversial end when the former PSG superstar was convicted alongside his spouse Linda for allegedly raping a nanny – alongside his wife he was given a 10-year jail term while his spouse was given a 15-year jail term for the torture of the same girl.

SUNDAY OLISEH:

Still the only Nigerian to play alongside French best-ever Zinedine Zidane, the midfield Maestro made 4 appearances during the competition. Since retiring the former Eagles midfielder has taken a lot of coaching jobs including that of the head coach of the Super Eagles.

VICTOR IKPEBA:

The Prince of Monaco as popularly called, made a total of 3 appearances at the tournament and since retiring has been into football punditry full-time.

GARBA LAWAL:

Also like Victor Ikpeba, Garba Lawal made a total of 3 appearances at the football Mundial. He was instrumental all the way to the final. Since retiring Garba Lawal was said to be the General Manager of Kaduna United.

EMMANUEL AMUNIKE:

Though making just two substitute appearances, the former Barçelona forward was part of the team that lost in the final to Cameroon. Upon retiring the former Eagles star has done a lot for himself off the field precisely in coaching. From winning the U-17 FIFA world in Nigeria to qualifying Tanzania to their first ever Afcon in 30 years. The Super Eagles’ forward was lately the manager of Misr El-Makasa.

RAPHAEL CHUKWU:

 Featuring two times during the tournament the striker scored for the Eagles in the final against Cameroon. In September 2004 he was banned by FIFA for failing his contractual obligations towards Çaykur Rizespor.

MURPHY AKANJI:

Though made the final list to the tournament, the former Eagles goalkeeper was never used throughout the span of the tournament.

JONATHAN AKPOBORIE:

The Eagles’ forward was unused throughout the duration of the tournament. He at some point revealed he will never go into coaching as he believes he is not cut out for it. He is currently into football punditry.

NDUBUISI EGBO:

Though was not used through the competition also, the former Eagles goalkeeper is currently the Head coach of Albanian side Ohod Al-Medina

EFE SODJE:

Also unused during the tournament, the Super Eagles defender went on to be the assistant coach of his boyhood and former side Macclesfield town.