Six top players at Euro 2024, including Noah Okafor, Eberechi Eze, and Jamal Musiala, could have represented Nigeria due to their Nigerian descent but opted for European teams.
The ongoing 2024 Euros has showcased some of the best talents in European football, including several players who could have potentially represented Nigeria due to their Nigerian descent. As reported by Soccernet.ng, six top players at the tournament were eligible for the Super Eagles but chose to represent European countries instead.
One notable player is Noah Okafor, the AC Milan striker who currently represents Switzerland. Born in Switzerland to a Nigerian father and a Swiss mother, Okafor opted for the Swiss national team and made his debut in 2019 at the age of 19.
Another player who recently became cap-tied during this tournament is Michael Folorunsho, a midfielder of Nigerian descent who came off the bench for Italy in their 2-1 win over Albania. Despite being born in Italy, Folorunsho's decision to represent the Azzurri means he is no longer eligible for Nigeria.
Eberechi Eze, a talented 25-year-old player born in England to Nigerian parents, also snubbed the Super Eagles in favor of representing England. His creative abilities in the number 10 role could have been a valuable addition to Nigeria's squad.
Additionally, Joshua Zirkzee, a Dutch striker with a Nigerian mother, had been linked with a potential switch to Nigeria before the Euros. However, his inclusion in the Netherlands squad means that possibility is now closed unless he fails to make an appearance in the tournament.
Bukayo Saka and Jamal Musiala, two highly-rated young talents representing England and Germany respectively, also could have played for Nigeria due to their Nigerian roots. Saka, in particular, has embraced his Nigerian heritage but has been a regular for the Three Lions since 2020.
