While the Black Stars of Ghana have Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson Odoi, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have Saka, Olise, Eze, and Madueke, just to name a few.
Nigeria’s football talent pool stretches far beyond its borders, creating a complex web of allegiance.
While the Super Eagles boast formidable stars, the federation has watched several world-class talents with Nigerian heritage choose to represent other nations.
These are the stories of the brilliant "what-ifs"—the Premier League and continental stars who could have soared in green and white.
🦅 Bukayo Saka: London-Born with a Nigerian Heart
The Arsenal winger’s full name—Bukayo Moses Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka—proudly proclaims his Nigerian heritage, with both parents hailing from the country.
Despite this deep connection, Saka’s international path was set early, representing England at youth levels.
The NFF did court the teenager, but as one source noted, his family indicated they did not want him pressured into a decision.
Saka ultimately accepted an England call-up in 2020, leaving Super Eagles fans to wonder what might have been.
🎩 Eberechi Eze: The Crystal Palace Magician 🪄
Arsenal’s creative force, Eberechi Eze, was born in England to proud Igbo parents from Imo State in Nigeria.
His silky skills made him a prime target for the NFF, with high-level meetings reportedly taking place to sway his allegiance. The federation has expressed a clear desire for him to switch, but they maintain they will not "beg."
Eze remains one of the most prominent dual-nationality players whose international future is still a topic of fervent discussion among fans.
🔮 Michael Olise: A Man of Four Nations 🗺️
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, born to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, had the football world at his feet. His eligibility spanned four nations: Nigeria, France, Algeria, and England.
The NFF included him as a standby for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, signalling their interest. However, Olise’s international career has leaned toward his maternal heritage, as he has represented France at various youth levels.
💫 Noni Madueke: The Chelsea Speedster ⚡
Arsenal’s exciting winger Noni Madueke, born in London to Nigerian parents, was another prospect the NFF moved early to secure.
Reports in 2020 indicated the federation was in contact with the then-PSV Eindhoven teenager, hoping to convince him to switch allegiance from England.
Despite this early interest, Madueke’s career has continued on an England trajectory, having represented the Young Lions at multiple youth levels.
🛡️ Fikayo Tomori: The Defender Who Waited for a Call 📞
AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori’s story is one of a missed opportunity. Born in Canada to Nigerian parents before moving to England, he was eligible for all three nations.
In a revealing interview, Tomori stated that the NFF never made an official approach to him. He admitted, “If it were Nigeria, I’d have gone,” but without that call, his path led to the England senior team.
⚡ Tammy Abraham: The Public Courtship 🤝
The saga of AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham was very public. With a Nigerian father, he was a prime target for the NFF.
President Amaju Pinnick, a childhood friend of Abraham’s father, held a meeting with the player in 2017, leading to media reports that a switch had been agreed.
Abraham, however, quickly refuted those claims, reaffirming his commitment to England. The concerted effort ultimately could not sway his decision.
🎯 Dominic Solanke: Proud Heritage, English Path
Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke, born to a Nigerian Yoruba father and an English mother, speaks warmly about his heritage.
He has expressed a desire to visit Nigeria and named Ademola Lookman as his favourite Nigerian player.
Despite this connection and a standout club career, the former FIFA U-20 World Cup winner has opted to represent England at the senior level, earning three caps since his debut.
🔚Conclusion: The Never-Ending Talent Hunt 🌟
The narratives of Saka, Eze, Olise, and others illustrate the modern football dilemma of national allegiance. For the Super Eagles, the diaspora represents both a blessing of talent and a challenge of recruitment.
Each player’s choice is a personal journey shaped by family, career, and identity. While these stars shine on other international stages, their Nigerian lineage ensures they will forever be cherished as the legendary "ones that could have been."
🔗You can check out today’s games on MSport.
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