The superstars who could have played for Nigeria: Michael Olise (R). Photo by IMAGO
Nigeria have long been a breeding ground for top footballing talent, producing stars such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Victor Boniface, who have shone across Europe’s elite leagues, Soccernet.ng reports.
However, the Super Eagles could have been even stronger had several dual-nationality players chosen to represent them.
Many footballers with Nigerian heritage have opted to play for other nations, often European powerhouses, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.
If these players had chosen Nigeria, the team’s potential would be staggering — perhaps even enough to mount a serious World Cup challenge.
Here’s a look at the 10 most valuable players, according to Transfermarkt, who had the option to represent Nigeria but ultimately chose a different path.
The Borussia Dortmund winger, whose father was born in Ibadan, opted to represent Germany despite strong ties to Nigeria.
Adeyemi’s blistering pace and goal-scoring ability would have made him a perfect fit in the Super Eagles’ attack, but he is now part of a new generation of German stars.
Born to a Nigerian mother and a Dutch father, Zirkzee could have been leading the line for the Super Eagles but chose the Netherlands instead.
The powerful forward, who recently secured a move to Manchester United, has developed into a versatile striker with an eye for goal.
Despite being 27, Solanke remains a highly valuable striker with a proven goal-scoring record in the Premier League.
He played a key role in England’s youth success, winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017, where he was named the tournament’s best player. His senior career with the Three Lions has been limited to just three appearances, but he could have had a significant impact for Nigeria.
The marauding left-back, currently impressing in the Premier League with Spurs, is another player Nigeria could have called upon.
Udogie, who has Nigerian parents, has already earned 11 caps for Italy and is viewed as one of football’s brightest defensive prospects.
Born in Spain to Nigerian parents, Aghehowa has already represented La Roja at youth level and made his senior debut last year.
A prolific goal-scorer, he has netted eight times in 20 appearances for Spain’s youth teams and remains one of the most promising forwards in European football.
Often likened to Nigerian legend Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, Eze was once viewed as the Super Eagles’ next great playmaker.
However, the Crystal Palace midfielder chose England and was part of their squad at Euro 2024. His dribbling flair and ability to drive forward with the ball make him a player Nigeria would have loved to have in their ranks.
At just 17, Nwaneri is already a rising star at Arsenal and has attracted attention from both England and Nigeria.
He made history as the youngest player to feature in a Premier League match and recently scored on his England U21 debut.
While Nigeria continue to monitor his progress, the talented midfielder seems destined to wear the Three Lions shirt at senior level.
Born in England to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, Olise had the rare luxury of choosing between four different national teams.
The Crystal Palace winger, valued at €80m, decided to represent France, where he has been tipped as a future star for Les Bleus. His tricky footwork and playmaking abilities could have added a new dimension to Nigeria’s attack.
One of the most exciting young talents in world football, Musiala has already made over 40 appearances for Germany and was a joint Golden Boot winner at Euro 2024.
The Bayern Munich star had the choice to represent England or Nigeria but ultimately pledged allegiance to Die Mannschaft. His silky dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring ability make him one of the most coveted players in the game.
The Arsenal winger, already a key figure for both club and country at just 23, is the most valuable player on this list. A product of the Gunners’ academy, Saka has been instrumental in their resurgence, winning Arsenal’s Player of the Season award twice.
He played a crucial role in England’s Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 campaigns, both of which ended in runners-up finishes. Born to Nigerian parents, Saka could have played for the Super Eagles but instead committed his international future to the Three Lions.
The sheer quality of players Nigeria could have had in their squad is remarkable.
If even half of these stars had chosen the Super Eagles, the national team could have been among the world’s elite. While Nigeria will continue to produce top talents, the loss of players like Saka, Musiala, and Olise serves as a reminder of how different history could have been.
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