The 2026 FIFA World Cup game between Canada and Bosnia & Herzegovina featured two strikers strongly tied to Nigerian roots, despite the absence of the Super Eagles from the Copa Mundial, Soccernet.ng reports.
Villareal striker, Tani Oluwaseyi, spearheaded the attack for Jesse Marsch's side alongside Juventus attacker Jonathan David, but it was Union St.Gilloise striker Promise Tobi David who came off the bench to set up Clyle Larin's equaliser against Bosnia.
Oluwaseyi was born in Abuja, Nigeria, but moved to Canada at age 10, ultimately becoming a citizen of the Great White North.
David, meanwhile, was born in Canada to Nigerian parents and went on to play for the three-time AFCON winners at the U-23 level in 2022, before committing his future to Les Rouges in February 2025.
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Kanu Nwankwo's impact on Promise Tobi David
For many Nigerian footballers born in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Kanu’s name was one that constantly echoed when they grew up.
Champions League winner with Ajax, a member of the Premier League-winning invincible Arsenal team and a UEFA Cup winner with Inter Milan, it only made sense for the lanky Kanu to be adulated by kids who dreamt of playing football.
Speaking after Canada's draw against Bosnia, the 24-year-old striker labelled Kanu as one of Nigeria's greatest-ever players.
“I always looked up to Nwankwo Kanu growing up. That was one of the greatest players in Nigerian history,” the ex-Sirens striker said in quotes revealed by ESPN.
“My dad talks about him fondly and I've watched a lot of highlights of him.
“Granted I didn't watch him live but he's a great player and somebody I tried to take a lot of things here and there from.”
The striker's choice of a Nigerian striker as a role model is evidence that, while being entirely Canadian, he managed to preserve his Nigerian identity.
Tani Oluwaseyi appreciates World Cup support, lauds Boniface
While Kanu is the symbol of Nigeria’s past greatness, Boniface's career has been defined by lots of struggles. The Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker has lost both parents, suffered Cruciate Ligament injuries in his knee twice, yet he maintains a witty presence that his teammates at club and national team level can testify to.
Asked which Nigerian player has influenced him most, Oluwaseyi immediately replied: “Victor Boniface.”
He also showed his appreciation to the Nigerian fans for their support towards the Canadian team during their World Cup games.
“Thank you for all the Nigerian support in this World Cup. Nigeria is not in it, so ‘abeg' support us.
“We trained our whole life for this stage, the biggest stage in football, so obviously all my Nigerian friends always support me. It's great to have a World Cup on my home soil in Canada,” the Villareal striker concluded.
Canada can seal a spot in the next round if they defeat Qatar in their second World Cup group game later today.
