From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
No fewer than 15 footballers of Nigerian descent are expected to represent other countries at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The development comes as Nigeria’s Super Eagles failed to qualify for the global football showpiece, marking their third absence from the tournament after also missing the 2006 and 2022 editions.
Among the players is Michael Olise, who plays for Bayern Munich and will represent France.
Also on the list is Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, who will feature for England.
Former England youth international Folarin Balogun, who plays for AS Monaco, is expected to represent the United States, while Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich will play for Germany.
Other players of Nigerian heritage expected at the tournament include Ime Okon for South Africa and Promise David for Canada.
Defender Manuel Akanji will represent Switzerland, while David Alaba is expected to feature for Austria.
Also expected to appear are Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, both representing England.
Similarly, Noah Okafor will play for Switzerland, while Antonio Nusa of RB Leipzig is expected to represent Norway.
Midfielder Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund will play for Germany, while Tani Oluwaseyi is set to represent Canada.
Another player of Nigerian descent, Carney Chukwuemeka, is also among those eligible to feature at the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026, and will be the first edition to feature 48 participating nations.
A total of 104 matches will be played across host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.