Even though the Super Eagles did not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, many players with Nigerian roots will still be at the tournament. ABIODUN ADEWA highlights these stars representing other nations on football's biggest stage.
BUKAYO SAKA (ENGLAND)
Saka is a top name when talking about Nigerians playing for other countries. He was born in Ealing, London, to Nigerian parents. He is going to his second World Cup with England.
The Arsenal forward made his England debut in October 2020 and has continued to impress. He scored three goals at the 2022 World Cup and will be key for England at this tournament after a successful season with Arsenal.
EBERECHI EZE (ENGLAND)
Recently, Eze was seen training with the Super Eagles in London. This shows how close he came to playing for Nigeria while trying to make his mark in English football. He later chose England and got his first senior cap in 2023.
The Crystal Palace playmaker is set for his first World Cup with the Three Lions.
NONI MADUEKE (ENGLAND)
Madueke was born in Barnet, London, to Nigerian parents. His father, Ifeanyi, played a big part in his football growth and built his son's self-belief.
Madueke was part of England's UEFA European Under-21 Championship-winning team and moved up the youth ranks before joining the senior team. The Nigeria Football Federation knew about his eligibility, but England secured his commitment early.
JAMAL MUSIALA (GERMANY)
Musiala had the chance to play for Nigeria, England, and Germany through his British-Nigerian dad and German mum.
After recovering from a long injury, the Bayern Munich star is on his way to his second World Cup as one of Germany's top attacking players. He thought about Nigeria but eventually chose Germany after playing for England at youth level.
FELIX NMECHA (GERMANY)
Nmecha also played for England at youth level before switching to Germany.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder got his first senior call-up for Germany in March 2023 and has become an important part of Julian Nagelsmann's squad. Unlike other players of Nigerian descent, he was not linked with the Super Eagles.
MANUEL AKANJI (SWITZERLAND)
Akanji was born in Wiesendangen, Switzerland, to a Swiss mum, Isabel, and a Nigerian dad, Abimbola.
The Manchester City defender has been a key player for Switzerland since his debut in 2017 and is set to play at his third World Cup.
NOAH OKAFOR (SWITZERLAND)
Okafor has been part of the Swiss national team since 2019 and has moved through the youth ranks.
The forward brings experience from major international tournaments and is expected to be important for Switzerland at the World Cup.
DAVID ALABA (AUSTRIA)
Austria's captain and most famous player, Alaba was born in Vienna to a Nigerian father and a Filipino mother.
The Real Madrid defender made his Austria debut at just 17 and has been leading the national team for over a decade. Throughout his career, Alaba has recognized his Nigerian roots while being one of Austria's best players ever.
CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (AUSTRIA)
Chukwuemeka joins Alaba in Austria's squad. He was eligible to play for Nigeria, England, and Austria.
Born in Eisenstadt to Nigerian parents, he moved to England as a child. The NFF followed him for years before he decided to play for another country.
FOLARIN BALOGUN (USA)
Balogun will lead the attack for co-hosts the United States after choosing them three years ago.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Nigerian parents, he moved to London at one month old and grew up in England. He was eligible for the United States, England, and Nigeria, but he chose the Americans.
MICHAEL OLISE (FRANCE)
Olise is one of the most exciting players of Nigerian descent at the tournament. He heads to his first World Cup after a great season with Bayern Munich.
Eligible for France, England, Algeria, and Nigeria, the winger made his senior France debut in September 2024 after playing for the country at the Paris Olympics.
ANTONIO NUSA (NORWAY)
Nusa was born in Langhus, Norway, to a Nigerian father and Norwegian mother. He has been a regular for Norway since 2023 and is seen as one of the brightest young talents.
At just 21, he will experience the World Cup for the first time.
TANI OLUWASEYI (CANADA)
Oluwaseyi was born in Abuja and moved to Mississauga, Ontario, when he was 10.
He became tied to Canada during the 2024 Copa América and is expected to be one of the attacking options for co-hosts Canada at the World Cup.
PROMISE DAVID (CANADA)
David played for Nigeria at the Under-23 level but later chose Canada.
Having spent part of his childhood in Nigeria, he made his switch in February 2025 and scored on his debut against Ukraine. His quick impact has made him one of Canada's promising forwards.
OWEN GOODMAN (CANADA)
Goodman has openly spoken about his Nigerian heritage. He could have played for Nigeria, England, or Canada.
He was invited to Nigeria's Under-20 team for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup and remained on the radar of Nigerian football officials before ultimately choosing Canada.
IME OKON (SOUTH AFRICA)
Okon was born to a Nigerian father and South African mother. He developed through South Africa's football system while keeping strong ties to his Nigerian roots.
The defender has gained recognition at the senior level and is now one of the players of Nigerian descent representing South Africa internationally.
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