No fewer than 15 footballers of Nigerian descent will feature for other nations at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be played across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
This is in spite of Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ failure to appear at the Mundial, having missed qualification for the 2006, 2022, and 2026 tournaments.
The players include Michael Olise, who will feature for France and plays at Bayern Munich, and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, who will feature for the Three Lions of England.
Also, Folarin Balogun, who plays for Monaco will don the U.S. colours at the World Cup, while Jamal Musiala, who plays his club football at Bayern Munich, will play for Germany at the 2026 Mundial.
Other Nigerian footballers, Ime Okon, and Promise David, will also play for South Africa and Canada, respectively.
Similarly, Manuel Akanji will play for Switzerland while another Nigerian,
David Alaba, will play for Austria, and
Eberechi Eze, who currently plays his club football with Arsenal, will feature for England.
Also, Noni Madueke of Arsenal will appear for England, and another Nigerian
Noah Okafor will appear in the Switzerland colours while Antonio Nusa of RB Leipzig will represent Norway at the World Cup.
Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund will play for Germany and Tani Oluwaseyi will represent Canada with another Nigerian,
Carney Chukwuemeka, who plays for Borussia Dortmund representing Austria.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11 with Mexico against Bafaba Bafana of South Africa.
By Dianabasi Effiong
