Ex-Hibs ace in country's team of the decade - Hearts flop makes shortlist

Efe Ambrose has been chosen as the best Nigerian right-back for the decade. Picture: SNS

Former Hibs defender Efe Ambrose has been named in Nigeria’s team of the decade, while there was a surprise nomination from across the city.

Hearts flop Juwon Oshaniwa was on the shortlist for the left-back position but was beaten to the position by ex-Marseille and AC Milan ace Taye Taiwo.

Ambrose was picked as the country’s best right-back between 2010 and 2019.

Juwon Oshaniwa didn't live up to the hype after arriving at Hearts. Picture: SNS

The Super Eagles team of the decade has been chosen by Eagles Tracker, the online home of all Nigerian footballers.

Ambrose made 86 appearances for Hibs between 2017 and 2018, helping the team back into the Premiership then into Europe.

He left in January after triggering a clause in his contract to leave for free, joining Derby County. The defender remains a free agent since exiting the Championship in the summer after not featuring for the Rams.

While Ambrose, who has 51 international caps, played mainly at centre-back for Hibs, he was commonly used as a full-back for his country.

It was where he started in the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2013 as the Super Eagles beat Burkina Faso.

Another who featured in the final was Oshaniwa. The left-back joined Hearts two years later in what was an expectant signing at Tynecastle Park.

There was a lot of hype surrounding the 29-year-old, arriving from Ashdod, the Israeli side which count Ambrose and Hibs goalkeeper Ofir Marciano among their former players.

Oshaniwa played in the 2014 World Cup for Nigeria, featuring in the match against Argentina and Lionel Messi.

Despite signing a three-year deal, he played just 25 times for Hearts and was released with a year still remaining on his contract.

The defender is currently playing back in his homeland on a short-term deal but is keen to return to Europe.