Sports

2026 World Cup: 16 Players Of Nigerian Descent To Feature

Published June 9, 2026 at 7:19 AM

Nigeria may have missed out on a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, players with Nigerian roots will still be impossible to ignore when the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

From England and Germany to France, Canada and South Africa, several footballers of Nigerian descent are set to feature on the game’s biggest stage.

Naija News gathered that a total of 16 players of Nigerian descent are expected to represent nine different countries at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Leading the list is Bukayo Saka, who will head to his second World Cup with England. Born in London to Nigerian parents, the Arsenal winger has become one of the Three Lions’ most influential players since making his senior debut in 2020.

After scoring three goals at the 2022 tournament, Saka arrives this time as a Premier League champion and one of England’s key attacking threats.

Joining him in the England squad are Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, both of whom were once linked with Nigeria before committing their international futures to England.

Germany will count heavily on Jamal Musiala, who was eligible to play for Nigeria through his British-Nigerian father. The Bayern Munich star, now fully recovered from injury, is expected to play a central role in Germany’s campaign. Fellow midfielder Felix Nmecha is also set to represent the four-time world champions.

Switzerland’s hopes will again rest partly on the shoulders of experienced defender Manuel Akanji, who is preparing for his third World Cup appearance. Alongside him is forward Noah Okafor, another player of Nigerian descent expected to feature prominently.

Austria captain David Alaba remains one of the most recognisable footballers of Nigerian descent in world football.

The Real Madrid defender, born in Vienna to a Nigerian father and Filipino mother, has spent more than a decade leading the Austrian national team. Midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is also expected to be part of Austria’s World Cup plans.

For co-hosts the United States, striker Folarin Balogun will lead the attack after opting to represent the Americans despite being eligible for Nigeria and England.

Among the most exciting talents heading to the tournament is Michael Olise. The Bayern Munich winger, eligible for France, England, Algeria and Nigeria, chose France and is set for his first World Cup appearance following an impressive season at club level.

Norway’s squad will feature highly rated winger Antonio Nusa, while Canada will look to Nigerian-born trio Tani Oluwaseyi, Promise David and Owen Goodman for inspiration.

South Africa’s representatives will include defender Ime Okon, who was born to a Nigerian father and South African mother and has emerged as one of the country’s promising young internationals.