● Full list: Olise, Alaba, Saka, Musiala, Balogun lead “Naija Diaspora 14” at USA-Canada-Mexico
While the Super Eagles watch from home, no fewer than 14 players of Nigerian descent will represent 8 countries at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Many of them were eligible to wear green-white-green at various stages of their careers before choosing adopted nations. Their presence at football’s biggest stage has reignited debate over Nigeria’s loss of dual-national talents.
—Europe’s heavy hitters—
France’s attack will feature Michael Olise, one of Europe’s most creative wingers. Austria relies on Real Madrid captain David Alaba and Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.
England’s squad is stacked with Nigerian roots: Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke. Germany brings Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Felix Nmecha’s midfield presence.
Switzerland could field Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji and AC Milan’s Noah Okafor.
—North America + Africa—
Hosts USA will count on Monaco striker Folarin Balogun up front. Canada’s rising football project includes Tani Oluwaseyi and Promise David.
South Africa may have defender Ime Okon in their squad.
—Full list of Nigerian-descended players at 2026 World Cup:—
France
1. Michael Olise
Austria
2. David Alaba
3. Carney Chukwuemeka
England
4. Bukayo Saka
5. Eberechi Eze
6. Noni Madueke
Germany
7. Jamal Musiala
8. Felix Nmecha
Switzerland
9. Manuel Akanji
10. Noah Okafor
United States
11. Folarin Balogun
Canada
12. Tani Oluwaseyi
13. Promise David
South Africa
14. Ime Okon
With the Super Eagles failing to qualify, these players will carry Nigerian blood into the USA-Canada-Mexico tournament, leaving NFF and fans to ponder what could have been.
[Adapted/rejigged report from Eagle Online]
