BY JOHN ODHE
Although the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup being co-hosted by the United States of America, Mexico and Canada, Nigeria remains well-represented at the tournament.
Incredibly, over a dozen world class footballers with deep Nigerian heritage are starring for other nations, proving that the country’s footballing DNA continues to impact the global stage.
To this end, I make bold to say without apology that what is actually, conspicuously absent at the FIFA world tournament is Nigeria’s bad leadership, not Nigerians’ resilient spirit.
The most notable of these diaspora talents with Nigerian blood are plying their trade for European and North American heavyweights.
For instance, in England’s squad, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke are anchoring the Three Lions’ attack. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala is a primary playmaker for Germany, and Michael Olise represents France.
Unfortunately, nothing inspired these world’s sensational stars to play for their original country, Nigeria even though many of them were born outside the shores of their home land.
Their primary allegiance would have been for Nigeria had there been a clear determination from the home front.
Other squads featuring players of Nigerian descent include Switzerland, which relies on defender Manuel Akanji and forward, Noah Okafor.
Furthermore, Austria boasts of Real Madrid’s David Alaba alongside Carney Chukwuemeka, and Folarin Balogun spearheads the attack for host nation United States, while the Canadian national team includes Tani Oluwaseyi and goalkeeper Owen Goodman.
Indeed, my heart bleeds watching these Nigeria-born international football commanders play interesting games for other countries at the 2026 world biggest show.
My heart bleeds, not with jealousy, but for Nigeria, my country that refuses to harness her rich potentials in different fronts.
While watching these stars lead rival nations comes as a bittersweet experience for fans back home, it has sparked a massive debate about the administrative structure of Nigerian football.
Analysts are of the convincing view that if the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) could harness local grassroots talent while effectively integrating the global diaspora, the Super Eagles would remain an unstoppable force on the world’s biggest stage.
