By Obiako Chris Okechukwu on June 17, 2026

Almost one week into the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals, 48 countries from across the world have hit the ground running in the US, Canada and Mexico with strong momentum.

All of them are harbouring realistic hopes of breaking new ground at the tournament. 

Others, while still trying to resolve lingering issues, still believe they could give prominent football-playing nations a run for their money.

Although the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the Mundial, at least 16 players of Nigerian descent are representing nine other nations at the finals. 

This diaspora represents a significant chunk of global talent, spanning across Europe and the Americas.

Here's a lowdown of Nigerian-born stars who have shown their class (already) as well as others who are gearing up to show-case their talent at this year's tournament:

England

1. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – Born in London to Yoruba parents.

2. Eberechi Eze (Arsenal) – Born in London to Igbo parents.

3. Noni Madueke (Chelsea) – Born in Barnet, London.

Germany

1. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich) – Eligible through his British-Nigerian father.

2. Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund) – Born in Germany to Nigerian parents, previously played for England youth teams.

France

Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) – Born in England to a British-Nigerian father.

Austria

1.David Alaba (Real Madrid) – Born in Vienna to a Yoruba Nigerian father.

2. Carney Chukwuemeka (Borussia Dortmund) – Born in Austria to Nigerian parents, switched allegiance from England to Austria in March 2026.

Switzerland

1. Manuel Akanji (Manchester City) – Born in Switzerland to a Nigerian father.

2.Noah Okafor (AC Milan) – Born in Switzerland to a Nigerian father. 

United States

Folarin Balogun (Monaco) – Born in New York, eligible through his Nigerian parents.

Canada

1. Tani Oluwaseyi (Minnesota United) – Raised in Canada after moving from Nigeria.

2. Promise David (St. Louis CITY) – Forward with Nigerian heritage.

3. Owen Goodman (Crystal Palace) – Goalkeeper eligible for Nigeria, England, and Canada.

Norway

Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig) – Forward of Nigerian descent.

South Africa

Ime Okon (Hannover 96) – Defender for Bafana Bafana with Nigerian roots.

SPARKLING NIGERIAN STARS HAVE HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

Folarin Balogun was the first Nigerian star to light the flame with a wonderful display. In the match (USA - Paraguay), the Monaco striking ace hit a brace and gave one assist on the way to a 4-1 demolition of the South Americans.

Felix Nmecha was the next Nigerian kid off the blocks in the match (Germany -Curacao) where he sparkled like the stars scoring a goal in the 6th minute.

In the same match, Jamal Musiala was on rampage all through, hitting the net in the 47th minute in the 7-1 routing of the South Americans.

Next to take the stage were Tani Oluwaseyi and Promise David who both gave good accounts of themselves in the match (Canada - Bosnia Herzegovina) which ended 1-1.

Manuel Akanji was a Trojan in the match (Switzerland - Qatar), make his mark as he marshalled the defence line effectively. He nearly ended the match on a glorious note only to be denied by an injury time equalizer by the hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Finals.

South Africa did not get the result they desired, but Nigeria-born Ime Okon stood like a rock at the heart of the South African defence line all through the game.

WHEN WILL NIGERIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION (NFF) OFFICIALS GET THINGS RIGHT?

When the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals was made, giving Africa NINE automatic and one play-off slots, Super Eagles of Nigeria were tipped as one of the first countries to 'grab the World Cup ticket and run with it'.

That NONE of the slots - including a back-door play-off opportunity - went the way of the three-time African champions, left Nigeria's football big-wigs scratching their heads, and millions of Nigerian fans bemused and bewildered. 

While the NFF officials are still engrossed in finger-pointing, trading of blames and shifting of responsibilities, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, South Africa, even our West African neighbours, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, and Congo DR are basking in the euphoria of being part of the FIRST Mundial to be hosted by three countries.

2031 FIFA WORLD CUP FINALS: WHAT TO DO TO AVOID A CALAMITY 

Few weeks after Black Stars of Ghana booted the Super Eagles out of the 2022 World Cup Finals in Qatar, then NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, and his cohorts (then) including present NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, went on a media frenzy, apologizing to millions of Nigerians, while assuring them that the 2026 ticket was a sure banker.

Few weeks after Congo DR threw the Super Eagles out of the 2026 Mundial, NFF officials were back to their deceitful ways - they went on a wild goose chase - telling aggrieved Nigerian fans that they had filed a petition against the Central Africans for fielding ineligible players.

Few weeks before Congo DR engaged Jamaica in the final play-off match, Gusau and his inept colleagues came out from their 'hiding places', to tell Nigerians to forget the World Cup ticket.

Now, Gusau and co. are junketing the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, selling the 2031 World Cup Finals ticket 'in advance'.

But Nigerian fans are not amused this time around. Once beaten, they maintain, twice shy. 

Nigeria's football stakeholders are also sharpening their knives.

Players, sponsors, agents, name them, who were denied the opportunity of casting the nets far and wide to exploit the advantages accruing from the prestigious tournament have sworn to stop Gusau's second tenure, come what may.

We'll see how it goes, by and large.

Source DailySports Nigeria

Posted June 17, 2026

Man Utd Pay Mourinho and His Staff £19.6m...

Ndidi Return Delights Leicester boss Rodgers

Victor Moses Set To Join Spartak Moscow

Eight Staff Of Turkish Club Besiktas Test Positive...

Arteta Spits Fire Over Arsenal Training Incident Leak...

Problematic Barca great Pique bows out before reputation...