Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has declared the late Christian Chukwu the greatest player to ever wear Nigeria’s national colours, while also naming Mohamed Salah as the best African in Premier League history.
Ikpeba made the remarks during an appearance on Monday Night Football, where he paid an emotional tribute to Chukwu, who died in April 2025.
“Christian Chukwu. He was the first star to win the Africa Cup of Nations. An iconic player, I saw him play as a young boy. In that era, there were a lot of talents like Muda Lawal,” the former Monaco forward said.
Chukwu captained Nigeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980 and was central to Enugu Rangers’ triumph in the 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup, when the club defeated Canon Yaoundé in the final. He later served the game as a coach with both the Golden Eaglets and the Super Eagles.
Ikpeba, who won the 1994 AFCON and the 1996 Olympic gold with Nigeria, reflected on the depth of talent across generations.
“In my era, you were spoiled with choices: the 1994 team, the team that won the Olympics, and the 2013 AFCON-winning team. Recently, players like Lookman and Victor Osimhen. There have been lots of great players who have worn this jersey in the past,” he added.
Turning to Salah, Ikpeba said the Liverpool forward’s achievements place him above every other African to play in England’s top flight.
“Looking at other great Africans who have played in the Premier League, his numbers are astonishing. I would say he is the best. Top scorer in the Premier League three times, actually four. I don’t think any African player has ever done that. Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup winner, and he will be remembered for a very long time,” Ikpeba said.
He was, however, candid about the Egyptian’s current form.
“This season, he has been terrible; age has caught up with him. He doesn’t have the legs like he did in his early years at Liverpool. Maybe because of family reasons, he signed a new contract. He decided to stay for another season, which is not bad,” he added.
