Nigeria will not be participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Super Eagles failed to secure qualification for the second consecutive tournament.
The team’s hopes of reaching the global competition ended after a penalty shootout defeat to Democratic Republic of the Congo in the African play-off final. The match finished 1-1 after extra time before DR Congo prevailed 4-3 on penalties.
Following the defeat, the Nigeria Football Federation submitted a protest to FIFA, alleging irregularities involving the eligibility of certain DR Congo players. However, FIFA dismissed the complaint and upheld the qualification result.
Although Nigeria will be absent from the tournament, several footballers of Nigerian heritage are set to feature for other nations when the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off.
Here is a look at some Nigerian-born and Nigerian-descent stars expected to appear at the tournament.
David Alaba (Austria)
David Alaba was born in Vienna to a Nigerian father from Ogun State and a Filipino mother. The experienced defender remains one of Austria’s most influential players.
Michael Olise (France)
Michael Olise, who plays for Bayern Munich, was born to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother. After representing France at youth level, he committed his international future to the French national team.
Bukayo Saka (England)
Bukayo Saka, one of England’s biggest stars, was born in London to Nigerian parents. The Arsenal winger continues to play a key role for the Three Lions.
Folarin Balogun (United States)
Folarin Balogun was born in the United States to Nigerian parents and later grew up in England before choosing to represent the USA at senior level.
Eberechi Eze (England)
Eberechi Eze, who is of Nigerian descent, has become an important member of England’s squad following his impressive club performances.
Noni Madueke (England)
Noni Madueke, another player with Nigerian roots, is expected to add pace and creativity to England’s attack during the tournament.
Carney Chukwuemeka (Austria)
Carney Chukwuemeka was born in Austria to Nigerian parents before moving to England. The midfielder switched his international allegiance to Austria in 2026.
Owen Goodman (Canada)
Owen Goodman, who has Nigerian heritage through his mother, opted to represent Canada after completing his eligibility process.
Ime Okon (South Africa)
Ime Okon was born to a Nigerian father and South African mother and is part of South Africa’s World Cup squad.
Felix Nmecha (Germany)
Felix Nmecha, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, has Nigerian roots through his father and represents Germany internationally.
Tani Oluwaseyi (Canada)
Tani Oluwaseyi was born in Nigeria before relocating to Canada as a child and has since established himself in the Canadian national team.
Promise David (Canada)
Promise David, born to Nigerian parents, previously featured for Nigeria’s youth setup before switching allegiance to Canada.
Manuel Akanji (Switzerland)
Manuel Akanji was born to a Nigerian father and Swiss mother and remains one of Switzerland’s most experienced defenders.
Noah Okafor (Switzerland)
Noah Okafor also has Nigerian heritage through his father and is among Switzerland’s attacking options for the tournament.
Antonio Nusa (Norway)
Antonio Nusa was born in Norway to a Nigerian father and has emerged as one of the country’s brightest young talents.
Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Jamal Musiala, regarded as one of the world’s top young midfielders, has Nigerian heritage through his father and is expected to play a major role for Germany.
Nigerian Influence Remains Strong
Despite the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify, Nigerian heritage will still be strongly represented at the 2026 FIFA World Cup through players competing for several countries across Europe and North America.
Their presence highlights Nigeria’s continued contribution to global football talent, even as fans await the Super Eagles’ return to the world’s biggest football stage.
