Flashback to 1949: Nigeria’s First National Football Team, the “Red Devils,” Tours the UK

In a historic moment for Nigerian football, the country’s first national team, then known as the “Red Devils,” embarked on a tour of the United Kingdom in 1949.

The team, which would later come to be known as the “Super Eagles,” was made up of talented players from various clubs across the country.

Meet the Squad

The 1949 squad consisted of:

* Goalkeepers: Sam Ibiam (Port Harcourt) and Isaac Akioye (Hercules, Ibadan)

* Defenders: Justin Onwudiwe (Lagos Railway), Olisa Chukwura (Abeokuta), ATB Ottun (Lagos Marines), Isiaku Shittu (Lagos UAC), John Dankaro (Jos), Hope Lawson (Lagos Marine), Dan Anyiam (Lagos UAC), and Okoronkwo Kanu (Land & Survey)

* Forwards: Mesembe Otu (Lagos Marine), Peter Anieke (Lagos Railway), Sokari Dokubo (Lagos Railway), Godwin Anosike (Lagos Railway), Tesilimi Balogun (Lagos Railway), Titus Okere (Lagos Railway), Etim Henshaw (Lagos Marine), and Edet Ben (Lagos Marine)

This tour marked a significant milestone in Nigerian football history, as it was the first time the country’s national team had traveled abroad to compete.

The “Red Devils” would later become known as the “Super Eagles,” a name that has become synonymous with Nigerian football excellence.

This historic information was sourced from the Nigerian History Group and Histfeeda, providing a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich football heritage.

The 1949 tour of the UK by the “Red Devils” paved the way for future generations of Nigerian footballers, and their legacy continues to inspire and influence the sport in Nigeria today.