Despite the Super Eagles’ failure to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Nigeria’s influence will still be strongly felt on football’s grandest stage through a host of players of Nigerian heritage representing other nations. ABIODUN ADEWALE highlights the stars with Nigerian roots set to feature at the global showpiece.
BUKAYO SAKA (ENGLAND)
One of the most prominent footballers of Nigerian descent, Saka was born in Ealing, London, to Nigerian parents and is preparing for his second World Cup appearance with England.
The Arsenal winger made his senior England debut in 2020 and has since become a key figure for the Three Lions. After scoring three goals at the 2022 World Cup and helping Arsenal to a Premier League title, Saka is expected to play a pivotal role in England’s campaign.
EBERECHI EZE (ENGLAND)
Eze came remarkably close to representing Nigeria, with images of him training with the Super Eagles in London once fueling speculation about his international future. However, the Crystal Palace star ultimately opted for England and earned his first senior cap in 2023.
The gifted playmaker will be making his World Cup debut with the Three Lions.
NONI MADUEKE (ENGLAND)
Born in Barnet, London, to Nigerian parents, Madueke credits much of his football development to his father, Ifeanyi, who instilled confidence and self-belief in him from an early age.
Having risen through England’s youth system and won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, the winger progressed into the senior national team despite being eligible for Nigeria.
JAMAL MUSIALA (GERMANY)
Musiala had the option of representing Nigeria, England, or Germany through his Nigerian-British father and German mother.
Now one of Germany’s brightest attacking talents, the Bayern Munich star returns to the World Cup stage for a second time after overcoming a lengthy injury layoff. Though he once considered Nigeria, Musiala ultimately pledged his international future to Germany.
FELIX NMECHA (GERMANY)
Like Musiala, Nmecha represented England at youth level before switching allegiance to Germany.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder received his first senior call-up in 2023 and has since become an increasingly influential member of Germany’s squad under Julian Nagelsmann.
MANUEL AKANJI (SWITZERLAND)
Born in Switzerland to a Swiss mother and Nigerian father, Akanji has established himself as one of Switzerland’s most dependable defenders.
The Manchester City centre-back has been a regular for the Swiss national team since 2017 and is on course for his third World Cup appearance.
NOAH OKAFOR (SWITZERLAND)
A product of Switzerland’s youth system, Okafor has represented the senior national team since 2019.
The forward brings valuable tournament experience and is expected to play a key role in Switzerland’s attack.
DAVID ALABA (AUSTRIA)
Austria’s captain and most recognisable football figure, Alaba was born in Vienna to a Nigerian father and a Filipino mother.
The Real Madrid defender made his international debut as a teenager and has spent more than a decade leading Austria, all while proudly acknowledging his Nigerian heritage.
CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (AUSTRIA)
Chukwuemeka was eligible to play for Nigeria, England, or Austria.
Born in Austria to Nigerian parents before relocating to England, the midfielder was tracked by Nigerian football authorities for years but eventually committed his international future elsewhere.
FOLARIN BALOGUN (USA)
Balogun will lead the line for co-hosts the United States after committing to the American national team despite being eligible for Nigeria and England.
Born in New York to Nigerian parents and raised in England, the striker made his choice in favour of the USA and has since become an important member of the squad.
MICHAEL OLISE (FRANCE)
Arguably one of the most exciting players of Nigerian heritage heading to the tournament, Olise earned his place in France’s squad following a standout season with Bayern Munich.
Eligible for France, England, Algeria, and Nigeria, the winger chose France and made his senior debut in 2024.
ANTONIO NUSA (NORWAY)
Born in Norway to a Nigerian father and Norwegian mother, Nusa has quickly emerged as one of the country’s brightest young talents.
The 21-year-old will experience the World Cup for the first time and is expected to be one of Norway’s key attacking threats.
TANI OLUWASEYI (CANADA)
Born in Abuja before relocating to Canada at age 10, Oluwaseyi became cap-tied to Canada during the 2024 Copa América.
He is expected to provide attacking depth for the co-host nation at the World Cup.
PROMISE DAVID (CANADA)
Although he represented Nigeria at Under-23 level, David eventually switched allegiance to Canada.
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After completing his international change in 2025, he scored on his debut against Ukraine and has rapidly established himself as one of Canada’s most promising attacking talents.
OWEN GOODMAN (CANADA)
Goodman was eligible to represent Nigeria, England, or Canada and remained on the radar of Nigerian football officials for several years.
Despite links with Nigeria’s youth setup, the goalkeeper ultimately chose to represent Canada internationally.
IME OKON (SOUTH AFRICA)
Born to a Nigerian father and South African mother, Okon developed through South Africa’s football system while maintaining strong ties to his Nigerian roots.
The defender has risen steadily through the ranks and now stands among the notable players of Nigerian descent representing South Africa on the international stage.
