The Super Eagles will not feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after failing to qualify, but Nigeria still maintains a strong presence at the tournament through players of Nigerian heritage representing different countries across the globe.
Peoples Gazette profiled at least 15 footballers of Nigerian descent—either through parentage or birth in Nigeria—who are currently competing in North America under foreign flags.
Noni Madueke
The Arsenal winger was born in London in 2002 to Nigerian parents. He progressed through England’s youth ranks from U-16 to U-21 and made his senior debut during the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League against Finland, effectively tying his international future to England.
Bukayo Saka
Also born in London to Nigerian parents, Saka rose through England’s youth system and made his senior debut in 2020. He has since become a key figure for the Three Lions.
Eberechi Eze
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Eze once trained with the Super Eagles in 2017 but never earned a competitive cap. He later committed to England, making his senior debut in 2023.
Antonio Nusa
The 21-year-old winger was born in Oslo, Norway, to a Nigerian father and Norwegian mother. He made his senior debut for Norway in 2023.
Folarin Balogun
Eligible for Nigeria, England and the United States, Balogun chose the U.S. in 2023. Born in the U.S. to Nigerian parents and raised in the UK, he now plays for Monaco and starred in the Americans’ 4–1 win over Paraguay at the tournament.
Manuel Akanji
The Manchester City defender represents Switzerland. Born to a Nigerian father and Swiss mother, Akanji has often acknowledged his Nigerian roots and even carries a Super Eagles tattoo.
Noah Okafor
Okafor, who plays for Switzerland, was born to a Nigerian father and Swiss mother. He made his senior debut in 2019 after progressing through Switzerland’s youth teams.
Michael Olise
Born in London to a Nigerian father and a Franco-Algerian mother, Olise switched allegiance to France in 2024 after being eligible for Nigeria, England and Algeria.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Born to Nigerian parents in Austria and raised in the UK, Chukwuemeka represented England at youth level before switching allegiance to Austria ahead of the World Cup.
David Alaba
The Austria captain, born to a Nigerian father and Filipino mother, has earned over 100 caps since 2009 and remains one of Europe’s most accomplished defenders.
Felix Nmecha
Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and German mother, Nmecha represented England and Germany at youth level before committing to Germany at senior level in 2023.
Jamal Musiala
The Bayern Munich star, eligible for Nigeria and England through his father, represents Germany internationally and made his senior debut in 2021.
Ime Okon
Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, Okon plays for Bafana Bafana and is part of the squad representing South Africa at the tournament.
Tani Oluwaseyi
Born in Abuja, Nigeria, Oluwaseyi moved to Canada at age 10 and now represents the Canadian national team.
Promise David
Born in Canada to Nigerian parents, David previously featured for Nigeria at U-23 level before switching allegiance to Canada in 2025.
