The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. But for the first time since 1994, Nigeria will not be there.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup after a painful penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the African playoff final. The Nigeria Football Federation lodged a formal protest over alleged passport irregularities involving some DR Congo players, but FIFA dismissed the petition in March, confirming the result.
That news broke the hearts of millions of Nigerian fans. But here is the twist. Even without the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s football bloodline will still be all over the world’s biggest stage.
No fewer than 15 players of Nigerian descent have secured places in the squads of nine different countries. These stars will carry Nigerian heritage with them as they chase World Cup glory.
England Leads with Three Nigerian Stars
England has three Nigerian descended players in its squad. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, whose parents are Yoruba Nigerian, will be a key player for the Three Lions. Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, born to Igbo Nigerian parents, and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, also of Igbo heritage, have made the cut.
France Includes Michael Olise
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise was born in England to a British Nigerian father and a Franco Algerian mother. He chose to represent France and was named in Didier Deschamps final squad.
Germany Brings Two Nigerian Heritage Stars
Germany’s squad includes two players with Nigerian roots. Jamal Musiala, the Bayern Munich superstar, has a Nigerian British father and a German mother. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha also has an Igbo Nigerian father.
David Alaba Leads Austria
Real Madrid defender David Alaba is one of the most accomplished footballers of Nigerian descent in world history. Born in Vienna to a Yoruba Nigerian father from Ogun State and a Filipino mother, Alaba has played over 100 times for Austria and will captain his country.
Austria also has another Nigerian heritage player. Carney Chukwuemeka was born in Vienna to Nigerian parents before moving to England. He represented England at youth level but switched allegiance to Austria in March 2026.
Switzerland Banks on Akanji and Okafor
Switzerland’s World Cup challenge will feature two players with Nigerian fathers. Inter Milan defender Manuel Akanji was born to a Swiss mother and Nigerian father. Forward Noah Okafor also has Nigerian roots through his father.
United States Calls on Folarin Balogun
Monaco striker Folarin Balogun was born in the United States to Nigerian parents before growing up in England. He chose to represent the United States at senior level and is expected to spearhead their attack.
Canada Brings Three Nigerian Heritage Players
Canada has quietly assembled a strong Nigerian connection. Tani Oluwaseyi was born in Nigeria before moving to Canada at age 10. Promise David was born in Canada to Nigerian parents and notably represented Nigeria’s U 23 team before switching allegiance. Owen Goodman, a goalkeeper, also has Nigerian heritage through his mother. He turned down an approach from Nigeria while pursuing Canadian citizenship and received his first call up in late 2025.
Norway Includes Antonio Nusa
Norway winger Antonio Nusa, who plays for RB Leipzig, was born in Norway to a Nigerian father and Norwegian mother.
South Africa Brings Ime Okon
South Africa defender Ime Okon was born to a Nigerian father and South African mother.
Full List of Nigerian Heritage Players at 2026 World Cup
| Player | Country | Nigerian Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Bukayo Saka | England | Yoruba Nigerian parents |
| Eberechi Eze | England | Igbo Nigerian parents |
| Noni Madueke | England | Igbo Nigerian heritage |
| Michael Olise | France | British Nigerian father |
| Jamal Musiala | Germany | Nigerian British father |
| Felix Nmecha | Germany | Igbo Nigerian father |
| David Alaba | Austria | Yoruba Nigerian father |
| Carney Chukwuemeka | Austria | Nigerian parents |
| Manuel Akanji | Switzerland | Nigerian father |
| Noah Okafor | Switzerland | Nigerian father |
| Folarin Balogun | United States | Nigerian parents |
| Tani Oluwaseyi | Canada | Born in Nigeria |
| Promise David | Canada | Nigerian parents |
| Owen Goodman | Canada | Nigerian mother |
| Antonio Nusa | Norway | Nigerian father |
| Ime Okon | South Africa | Nigerian father |
A Bittersweet Reality
The presence of these 15 players is a clear reminder of the global influence of Nigerian football heritage. But it is also a bittersweet reality for Nigerian fans.
The Super Eagles will watch from home. Yet, from England to France, Austria to the United States, Nigerian blood will run through some of the world’s best teams.
