By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria may have missed out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the country’s football influence will still be strongly felt at the tournament through a host of players of Nigerian descent representing other nations.
As teams prepare for football’s biggest spectacle in the United States, Canada and Mexico, several players with Nigerian roots are expected to play prominent roles for some of the world’s leading football nations, highlighting the depth of talent produced by the Nigerian diaspora.
Among the most recognizable names is England winger Bukayo Saka. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Saka has developed into one of the Premier League’s brightest stars and a key player for the Three Lions.
Since opting to represent England instead of Nigeria, the Arsenal forward has become one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers and is expected to be central to England’s quest for World Cup glory.
England’s squad also features Noni Madueke, another player of Nigerian heritage. The talented winger, born to Nigerian parents in London, rose through the youth ranks before establishing himself as one of the country’s exciting attacking prospects.
His pace, creativity and dribbling ability have earned him a place among England’s next generation of stars.
France will rely on the talents of Michael Olise, one of the most sought-after young footballers in Europe. Born in England to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, Olise was eligible to represent four countries before choosing France.
The Bayern Munich star has enjoyed a rapid rise in the game, impressing at Crystal Palace before securing a move to the German champions. Known for his vision, technical ability and eye for goal, Olise is regarded as one of France’s most exciting attacking players and could emerge as one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
Germany, meanwhile, will look to Jamal Musiala for inspiration. The Bayern Munich midfielder, whose father is Nigerian, has established himself as one of the world’s finest young footballers. Renowned for his close control, creativity and attacking flair, Musiala has become the face of Germany’s new generation and is expected to be one of the standout performers at the World Cup.
Switzerland will have two players with Nigerian roots in their ranks. Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji remains one of the most dependable centre-backs in European football. Born to a Nigerian father and Swiss mother, Akanji has been a pillar of Switzerland’s defence for years and brings valuable experience to the tournament.
Joining him is forward Noah Okafor, whose Nigerian heritage comes through his father. Okafor has developed into one of Switzerland’s most dangerous attacking options and will be hoping to leave his mark on the global stage.
Norway’s hopes will partly rest on Antonio Nusa, the highly rated winger whose father is Nigerian. The youngster has earned rave reviews for his performances in European football and is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in Scandinavian football.
The participation of these players reflects Nigeria’s enormous contribution to global football talent. Many were eligible to play for the Super Eagles through their Nigerian parents but ultimately chose to represent the countries where they were born or raised.
Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup remains a painful reality for millions of football fans after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for a second consecutive tournament.
However, the success of players with Nigerian heritage on the international stage serves as a reminder of the country’s enduring influence on world football.
For many supporters, watching Saka, Olise, Musiala, Akanji and others compete for football’s most coveted prize will be both a source of pride and a reflection of the talent Nigeria continues to export to the global game.
While the green and white flag will not be flying on the pitch at the World Cup, Nigerian bloodlines will still be represented among some of the tournament’s biggest stars.
