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The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)is by far the most enticing for footballers hailing from the continent. Over the years, issues surrounding nationality and international eligibility have seen many of the continent’s finest opt for other national teams.
For context, Yaounde born Breel Embolo scored for the Swiss national team against his native Cameroon. The forward however chose not to celebrate against the country with which he shared ties.
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In 2020, FIFA reviewed the eligibility rules for national teams to cater for individuals in this bracket. The revised rule features a player could switch international allegiance if:
1) The player held the nationality of their new association at the time of their first official appearance for their first national team.
2) The player played in no more than three competitive senior games before the age of 21.
3) The player has not played in the final stage of an official tournament such as the World Cup, European Championship, Copa America etc.
4) At least three years have passed since the player’s last senior appearance for their previous national team.
With those rules established, of the varying players with dual nationalities, NTRC looks at some of the very best that could have opted for the Nigerian national team.
Destiny Iyenoma Udogie
The full back who now represents the Azurris was born in Verona to Nigerian parents. Going through the Italian youth ranks at U16 through to U21 levels, he declared his interest to also represent the senior team over the Super Eagles since his days at Udinese Calcio.
In an international XI that has seen the likes of Celestine Babayaro and Taye Taiwo, the explosive full back could have made the left hand side of Nigeria’s defence his.
Jamal Musiala
Gernt Rohr admitted in 2020 that the NFF had tried to convince the Bavarian wonderkid to turn out for the Super Eagles.
Born to a British-Nigerian father and a German mother in Stuttgart, Musiala chose to represent the German national team.
The former Chelsea academy player capped by England at youth levels made his debut for Germany in 2021. Playing in the 2022 world cup and will undoubtedly be one of the go to names in Julian Nagelsmann’s Euros squad.
Eberechi Oluchi Eze
While still at Crystal Palace in 2019, NFF president Amaju Pinnick approached the silky feeted forward over his international inclinations.
Pinnick however declared “it appears to me that he would want to play for Nigeria, but again, there is a lot of pressure on these players who play in England.”
First called up in May 2021 by the Three Lions, Eze picked up an injury which delayed his international appearance till 2 years later.
Now evolving into a playmaking role at Crystal Palace, Eze could have been the creative link lacking in the Super Eagles squad.
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Tosin Adarabioyo
The 26-year-old Fulham defender is yet to make an international appearance for any team despite being eligible for both Nigeria and England.
With age no longer at the side of Kenneth Omeruo and William Troost-Ekong. The former Manchester City product partnering with teammate Calvin Bassey and the towering Semi Ajayi at the heart of Nigeria’s defence will seem too good to be true.
Karim Adeyemi
The Borussia Dortmund forward became quite popular with the Nigerian fanbase declaring his love for “fufu” following a UCL knockout goal against Chelsea FC.
He made his debut scoring for Die Mannschaft in a 6-0 victory over Armenia in 2021.
Despite opting for the German national team, he continues strengthen his ties with Nigeria where the Karim Adeyemi foundation has done extensive work.
On investing in sports development in Nigeria, Adeyemi remarked “I think I have my roots here. My father is from here, and his heart is still here in Nigeria. Of course, my heart is also here in Nigeria”
Gavin Bazunu
Bazunu is another Manchester City product with ties to the Nigerian national team.
Since Vincent Enyeama’s retirement from international football, the Super Eagles are still yet to find a worthy replacement. Francis Uzoho, Daniel Akpeyi, Maduka Okoye and more recently Stanley Nwabili have all attempted to make the spot theirs.
The Southampton shot-stopper now represents The Boys in Green (Republic of Ireland national football team) over the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Bukayo Ayoyinka Saka
Poster boy of Arsenal football club and fast emerging as one of the best right wing forwards in world football.
The sheer quality and mentality of the winger has seen him remain as one of Gareth Southgate’s lieutenants despite the Euro 2020 deciding penalty miss.
The prospects of leading Nigeria’s attack with the current African player of the year Victor Osimhen can only be put figments of the imagination of an avid Nigerian football lover.
Curtis Jones
As of now, the scouser has made no senior appearance for the English national team.
With his rejuvenated form in the 23/24 season which has seen him cement a spot in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield, a Three Lions call up looks to be inevitable in the near future.
Curtis Jones, who is tied to Nigeria through his grandmother, is aware that he can opt for the Super Eagle.
In a wild glimmer of hope, Jones dictating play at the base of Nigeria’s midfield if he somehow doesn’t turn up for the English national team is not far-fetched.
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