- Several top footballers of Nigerian descent have opted to represent other nations instead of the Super Eagles.
- Factors like early development, career prospects, and football infrastructure influence their decisions.
- Nigeria’s football future could improve by addressing administrative challenges and strengthening youth scouting.
Nigeria has long been a breeding ground for footballing talent, producing world-class players who have made their mark globally. However, a growing number of players of Nigerian descent have opted to represent other nations at the international level. These players, born to Nigerian parents, have excelled in European club football but never donned the Super Eagles jersey.
EKO HOT BLOG brings you some of the most prominent names, their current clubs, the nations they represent, and their Nigerian roots.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- 45% of Nigerian Girls Become Mothers Before 18 — World Bank
- ECOWAS Faces Historic Defection as Three West African Nations Withdraw
- Netanyahu to Meet Trump at White House Next Week
1. Bukayo Saka (England) – Arsenal
National Team: England
Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka, born in London to Nigerian parents, Adenike and Yomi Saka, has established himself as one of England’s most influential players. Despite being eligible for Nigeria, he chose to represent England and has become a key figure in Gareth Southgate’s squad. Saka currently plays for Arsenal and has showcased his talent for the club. His Nigerian state of origin is Ogun State.
2. Ethan Nwaneri (England) – Arsenal
National Team: England (Youth Level)
Ethan Chidiebere Nwaneri made history as the youngest player ever to appear in the Premier League. Though still eligible for Nigeria, he has been capped at the youth level for England and is seen as a future star for the Three Lions. Nwaneri, who is also currently playing for Arsenal, has scored many goals since he appeared in the Premier League. His Nigerian state of origin is Imo State.
3. Bright Osayi-Samuel (Turkey) – Fenerbahçe
National Team: Turkey
Born in Nigeria but raised in England, Osayi-Samuel recently committed his international future to Turkey. He has been a standout player in the Turkish Süper Lig, showcasing his versatility as a winger and full-back. Osayi-Samuel’s Nigerian state of origin is Edo State.
4. Folarin Jolaoluwa Jerry Balogun (United States) – AS Monaco
National Team: United States
Folarin Balogun was eligible for England, Nigeria, and the United States. Despite strong interest from Nigeria, he ultimately chose to represent the U.S. men’s national team, where he is regarded as a top striking prospect. His current club is AS Monaco (France). Balogun’s Nigerian state of origin is Lagos State.
5. Eberechi Oluchi Eze (England) – Crystal Palace
National Team: England
Eze, a creative attacking midfielder, was on Nigeria’s radar for years but opted to represent England. He has since become a vital player in the Premier League and recently earned senior caps for the Three Lions. His Nigerian state of origin is Abia State.
6. Michael Akpovie Olise (France) – Crystal Palace
National Team: France (Youth Level)
Olise was eligible for Nigeria, England, and France but has chosen to represent France at the youth level. With his immense talent, he is expected to feature for the French senior team in the near future. His Nigerian state of origin is Delta State.
FURTHER READING
- [VIDEO] Commotion Rocks PDP BoT Meeting as Faction Confront Each Other
- NiDCOM Prepares for Deportation of Nigerians from U.S
- BREAKING: Sowore Pleads Not Guilty to Cybercrime Charges Filed by Police IG
7. Abdul-Nasir Oluwatosin Oluwadoyinsolami Adarabioyo (England) – Fulham
National Team: Yet to declare
Adarabioyo, a towering centre-back, has yet to make a senior national team appearance. While he remains eligible for Nigeria, he has not committed to any international side yet. His Nigerian state of origin is Lagos State.
8. Noah Okafor (Switzerland) – AC Milan
National Team: Switzerland
Born to a Nigerian father (Christian), Okafor has represented Switzerland at various levels and played in major international tournaments. He continues to develop as a dynamic forward in European football. His current club is AC Milan (Italy). Okafor’s Nigerian state of origin is Edo State.
9. Angelo Ogbonna (Italy) – West Ham United
National Team: Italy
Ogbonna, born to Nigerian parents in Italy, has had a long and successful career in Serie A and the Premier League. Despite being eligible for Nigeria, he chose to play for Italy and was part of their Euro 2016 squad. Ogbonna’s Nigerian state of origin is Imo State.
10. 1. Dele Alli (Italy) – Como
National Team: England
Nigerian State of Origin: Ogun State
Dele Alli is an English professional footballer of Nigerian descent who plays as an attacking midfielder for Como. Born on April 11, 1996, in Milton Keynes, England, he has a Nigerian father and an English mother. Despite being eligible to play for Nigeria, he chose to represent England and became a key player for the national team, featuring in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.
Alli rose to prominence at Tottenham Hotspur, where he was known for his creativity, goal-scoring ability, and dynamic attacking play. He won the PFA Young Player of the Year award twice (2016, 2017).
