By Ayobami Okerinde
Nigeria will once again be absent from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Super Eagles failed to qualify, marking the country’s second consecutive absence from football’s biggest stage after also missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes ended after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the African play-off final, following a 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) subsequently lodged a formal protest, alleging irregularities in the issuance of passports that enabled some DR Congo players to feature in the match.
However, FIFA dismissed the petition in March, upholding the result and confirming DR Congo’s qualification for the tournament.
With all 48 participating countries having unveiled their 26-man squads for the tournament scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, several players of Nigerian descent are set to represent countries including England, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, the United States and Norway.
Here are players of Nigerian descent expected to feature at the 2026 World Cup.
Michael Olise (France)
The Bayern Munich winger was born in England to a British-Nigerian father and a Franco-Algerian mother. After representing France at youth level, he opted to play for Les Bleus and was named in the final squad by Didier Deschamps.
David Alaba (Austria)
Born in Vienna, Alaba is the son of a Yoruba Nigerian father from Ogere in Ogun State and a Filipino mother. He has played over 100 times for the Austrian national team.
Carney Chukwuemeka (Austria)
Carney Chukwuemeka was born in Vienna to Nigerian parents before moving to England. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder represented England at youth level before switching allegiance to Austria in March 2026.
Bukayo Saka (England)
Born in London to Yoruba Nigerian parents, the Arsenal star has become a key player for England. Saka, in 2023, visited Nigeria and shared a video on Instagram with the caption, “Ẹ kúulé o [Yoruba greeting from a visitor to those he meets at home]! Thank you for the warm welcome.”
Eberechi Eze (England)
Eberechi Eze, born to Igbo Nigerian parents in London. He moved to Arsenal in January and won the 2025/26 English Premier League with Arsenal.
Noni Madueke (England)
Noni Madueke, another player of Igbo Nigerian heritage, is expected to add depth to England’s attacking options.
Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Jamal Musiala was born in Germany to a Nigerian-British father and a German mother. The Bayern Munich star recently returned to action from injury.
Felix Nmecha (Germany)
Felix Nmecha, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, is the son of a German mother and an Igbo Nigerian father.
Ime Okon (South Africa)
Ime Okon was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and South African mother. The Hannover defender was overlooked for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Tani Oluwaseyi (Canada)
Tani Oluwaseyi was born in Nigeria before moving to Canada at the age of 10. He made his debut for Canda in 2024.
Promise David (Canada)
Promise David was born in Canada to Nigerian parents and notably represented Nigeria’s U-23 team before switching allegiance.
Owen Goodman (Canada)
Owen Goodman also has Nigerian heritage through his mother. Initially deemed ineligible for Canada despite efforts to secure his eligibility, the goalkeeper pursued Canadian citizenship and turned down an approach from Nigeria while awaiting approval.
After completing the process in October 2025, he received his first call-up to the Canadian national team for friendly matches against Ecuador and Venezuela the following month.
Manuel Akanji (Switzerland)
Manuel Akanji, born to a Swiss mother and Nigerian father. He was crucial to Inter Milan’s Serie A and Coppa Italia success in the 2025/26 season.
Noah Okafor (Switzerland)
Noah Okafor has Nigerian roots through his father. His younger brothers Elijah and Isaiah are also footballers.
Folarin Balogun (United States)
Folarin Balogun was born in the United States to Nigerian parents before growing up in England. The Monaco striker chose to represent the United States at senior level.
Antonio Nusa (Norway)
Antonio Nusa, who plays for RB Leipzig, was born in Norway to a Nigerian father and Norwegian mother.
