BAREFOOT GLORY: How Nigeria’s First National Football Team Shocked England in 1949

BAREFOOT GLORY: How Nigeria’s First National Football Team Shocked England in 1949

In 1949, a group of young Nigerian men made history barefoot.

Known as the UK Tourists, they were the first national football team to represent Nigeria abroad, and their tour of England changed the way the world saw African football forever.

On August 29, 1949, the team arrived in Liverpool, having boarded the RMSS Apapa from Nigeria on August 16. Days later, they played their first official match on English soil without football boots.

Yes, barefoot.

Their opponents? Marine Cosby Football Club.
The result? A stunning 5-2 victory for the Nigerians.

More Than a Match A Statement

The UK Tourists didn’t just play football.
They played with raw talent, discipline, and national pride.
Though many in the crowd had never seen Africans play the game, the British public was stunned by their speed, passing, and coordination all without boots.

Not Just Players Pioneers

Some of the notable names from that legendary squad include:
• Teslim “Thunder” Balogun
• Etim Henshaw
• Titus Okere
• Isaac Akioye
• John Dankaro
• Okoronkwo Kanu

They didn’t just open the door they kicked it wide open, barefooted.

Their courage and skill paved the way for future generations of Nigerian footballers to shine on the global stage.

From those barefoot fields in 1949 to today’s Super Eagles, the legacy continues.

This is where it all began.

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