FULL LIST: PLAYERS OF NIGERIAN DESCENT SET TO FEATURE AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP

June 3, 2026June 3, 2026

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By; Sunmola Ganiyat

Although Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several players of Nigerian heritage will still be on display at the tournament, representing other nations. Reports indicate that at least 14 players of Nigerian descent are expected to feature for eight different countries at the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

England

Bukayo Saka
Eberechi Eze
Noni Madueke

France

Michael Olise

Germany

Jamal Musiala
Felix Nmecha

Austria

David Alaba

Switzerland

Manuel Akanji
Noah Okafor

Netherlands

Jeremie Frimpong
Joshua Zirkzee

Norway

Antonio Nusa

South Africa

Ime Okon

DR Congo

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

These players, many of whom were eligible to represent Nigeria at various stages of their careers, will instead be carrying the colours of their adopted national teams at football’s biggest tournament. Their presence highlights the global impact of Nigerian heritage in the sport despite the Super Eagles’ absence from the competition.

Nigeria missed out on qualification for a second consecutive World Cup after failing to secure one of Africa’s available slots for the expanded 48-team tournament.