Right from the days of Nigerians Emeka Ezugo, who recently converted to Islam, and Cheema Okerie, who used to be the star attraction in Kolkata teams during the 80's, African footballers were always in great demand.
Emeka, who played for both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, also represented Nigeria in the 1994 World Cup and is now a coach with professional side Abia Warriors in the Nigerian Premier League.
Emeka will always be remembered as the first World Cupper to play in India. He was adjudged the best player in the 1990 Nehru Club Cup, scoring eight goals to take Kolkata's Mohammedan Sporting into the semi-finals.
The first African name to strike a chord in India was David Williams who represented Tamil Nadu in Santosh Trophy in the 70's before being recruited by East Bengal.
But the way Emeka and Cheema dazzled and enthralled the fans with their skill and power, opened the window of opportunity for other African footballers as well.
Even the youngest country in the world, South Sudan, which is in the midst of an armed conflict, has a player in James Moga who plays for East Bengal.
Former India captain and Olympian P.K. Banerjee feels Emeka and Cheema have had a great impact on Indian football.
"Of all the overseas footballers, Cheema and Emeka were a class apart and no wonder they played World Cup. It is not easy to get such quality players all too frequently," he says.
