Former Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani has used social media platform X to highlight Nigeria’s oldest great football clubs, which once dominated the national football league.
In a detailed post, Sani listed 33 iconic football clubs that shaped the history of Nigerian football.
Sani’s list, shared with his followers, reflects the rich heritage of Nigerian football and its deep community roots.
Many of these clubs, while no longer prominent in contemporary football, were powerhouses in their prime, producing legendary players and unforgettable moments
The list includes:
1. Spartans of Owerri
2. Leventis United FC
3. Raccah Rovers of Kano
4. BCC Lions of Gboko
5. Mighty Jets of Jos
6. Club 50 of Gusau
7. DIC Bees of Kaduna
8. Abiola Babes FC
9. UNTL FC Kaduna
10. ECN Lagos FC
11. Stationary Stores FC
12. Sharks of Port Harcourt FC
13. Kwara Bombers
14. Water Corporation of Ibadan
15. NNB of Benin
16. First Bank Lagos FC
17. IICC Shooting Stars
18. Calabar Rovers
19. Bendel Insurance FC
20. Octopus of Jos FC
21. Kaduna Rocks FC
22. Golden Stars of Jigawa FC
23. Zabgai FC of Bauchi
24. Rangers International FC of Enugu
25. Niger Tornadoes
26. Water Corporation of Kwara
27. Leadway Insurance FC
28. ACB FC
29. El-Kanemi Warriors FC
30. Katsina United FC
31. Alifus Salam Rocks of Ilorin
32. Flash Flamingos
These clubs were foundational to Nigeria’s football culture, dominating national and regional competitions during their heyday.
Some, like Rangers International of Enugu, Bendel Insurance of Benin, and Shooting Stars (IICC), remain active and continue to impact Nigerian football.
The list serves as a reminder of Nigeria’s rich footballing history and the importance of preserving and celebrating its legacy.