Nigeria has long been a talent hub in the world of football, producing stars like Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface, who are making waves in Europe’s top leagues.
However, the Super Eagles could have been even stronger if several dual-nationality players had chosen to represent Nigeria.
As reported by Soccer.net, some footballers of Nigerian descent opted to play for other nations, primarily European footballing powerhouses, leaving fans to wonder what could have been. If these players had chosen Nigeria, the Super Eagles could have boasted a team capable of making a serious run at the World Cup.
Here’s a look at the top 10 most valuable players, according to Transfermarkt, who had the option to represent Nigeria but decided on another path.
10. Karim Adeyemi – €40m (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)
The Borussia Dortmund winger, whose father is Nigerian, opted to represent Germany despite his strong Nigerian roots. Adeyemi’s speed and goal-scoring prowess would have made him a dynamic addition to the Super Eagles’ attack.
9. Joshua Zirkzee – €40m (Netherlands, Manchester United)
Born to a Nigerian mother and a Dutch father, Zirkzee chose to play for the Netherlands. The versatile striker, recently signed by Manchester United, has the ability to lead the line and score goals at the highest level.
8. Dominic Solanke – €45m (England, Bournemouth)
At 27, Solanke remains a key player for Bournemouth, boasting a proven goal-scoring record. The forward played a crucial role in England’s U-20 World Cup win in 2017 but could have been a significant presence for Nigeria.
7. Destiny Udogie – €45m (Italy, Tottenham Hotspur)
The left-back, who has impressed in the Premier League with Tottenham, has Nigerian parents but chose to represent Italy. His defensive talents could have bolstered Nigeria’s backline.
6. Samu Aghehowa – €50m (Spain, Porto)
Aghehowa, born in Spain to Nigerian parents, has represented Spain at youth levels and made his senior debut in 2023. His goal-scoring ability makes him one of the most promising forwards in Europe.
5. Eberechi Eze – €55m (England, Crystal Palace)
Eze, often compared to Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha, chose to represent England despite early links with Nigeria. His dribbling and attacking flair would have been a great addition to the Super Eagles.
4. Ethan Nwaneri – €55m (England, Arsenal)
At just 17, Nwaneri has already made history as the youngest Premier League player. While Nigeria continues to track his progress, it seems likely the young star will pledge his future to England.
3. Michael Olise – €80m (France, Crystal Palace)
Olise, born to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, had multiple national teams to choose from. He opted for France, where he is seen as a future star, but his creativity and technical ability would have made him a valuable asset for Nigeria.
2. Jamal Musiala – €140m (Germany, Bayern Munich)
Musiala, one of the brightest young talents in world football, chose to play for Germany despite having the option to represent Nigeria. His silky dribbling and goal-scoring prowess would have been a game-changer for the Super Eagles.
1. Bukayo Saka – €150m (England, Arsenal)
The most valuable player on this list, Saka has become a key figure for both Arsenal and the England national team. Born to Nigerian parents, Saka could have chosen to represent Nigeria but opted for the Three Lions, where he has played pivotal roles in their major tournaments.
A Missed Opportunity for Nigeria?
The talents that could have graced Nigeria’s national team are remarkable. Had even half of these stars chosen to represent the Super Eagles, the national team could have been a real contender on the world stage. While Nigeria continues to produce top-tier footballing talent, the loss of players like Saka, Musiala, and Olise highlights the paths not taken and what might have been.
The Top 10 Most Valuable Players Who Could Have Played for Nigeria:
1. Bukayo Saka (England) – €150 million
2. Jamal Musiala (Germany) – €140 million
3. Michael Olise (France) – €80 million
4. Ethan Nwaneri (England) – €55 million
5. Eberechi Eze (England) – €55 million
6. Samu Aghehowa (Spain) – €55 million
7. Destiny Udogie (Italy) – €45 million
8. Dominic Solanke (England) – €45 million
9. Joshua Zirkzee (Netherlands) – €40 million
10. Karim Adeyemi (Germany) – €40 million
Culled: Soccer.net
