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Nigeria have always been blessed with football talent, both homegrown and abroad. Over the years, stars like Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong have shown the value of embracing diaspora players. Today, a new crop of exciting talents of Nigerian descent are making waves across Europe’s top leagues. If lured to the green and white, they could form the backbone of a new generation for the Super Eagles.
Here is a look at some of the most promising names that could play for the Super Eagles:
Noah Atubolu (Goalkeeper, SC Freiburg) Atubolu has represented Germany in all youth levels as a first-choice goalkeeper and already trusted as Freiburg’s No.1 in the Bundesliga. Commanding in the air, quick off his line, and calm in possession, he represents the modern “sweeper-keeper” profile. He currently holds the record of the most saved penalties consecutively in the German Bundesliga.
Nnamdi Collins (Defender, Eintracht Frankfurt) Once dubbed the “new Jerome Boateng,” Collins is a strong and athletic centre-back who rose through Fortuna Dusseldorf and Borussia Dortmund’s academy before moving to Frankfurt. Tall, powerful, and aerially dominant, his recovery pace makes him an asset in high defensive lines. He has represented Germany in all youth levels and also got his first call up to the German National Team in August 2025.
Tosin Adarabioyo (Defender, Chelsea) the towering centre-back, recently signed by Chelsea, is one of the most reliable defenders of Nigerian heritage in the Premier League. Calm under pressure, excellent in duels, and good with the ball at his feet, he could become a defensive leader for Nigeria. Adarabioyo is a former England youth international and represented the country on 14 occasions between the under-16 and under-19 levels, although he is yet to make his senior debut for England.
Caleb Okoli (Defender, Frosinone/Atalanta) Okoli, a former Italy U21 international, is a composed ball-playing centre-back. Strong in tackles and adept at building from the back, he could provide defensive depth and youth to Nigeria’s backline. Okoli plays for English Championship side, Leicester city.
Michael Kayode (Right-back, Brentford) Kayode has emerged as one of the most exciting young defenders. Fast, defensively solid, and adventurous going forward. He is a modern fullback capable of providing width and defensive balance in equal measure. Kayode was born in Italy to Nigerian parents. The 21-year-old joined English Premier League club, Brentford on loan from Fiorentina before joining the English club on a permanent deal.
Ethan Nwaneri (Midfielder, Arsenal) the youngest-ever Premier League debutant for Arsenal at just 16 years, Nwaneri is a prodigy. Now 18, he is developing into a technically brilliant attacking midfielder, with superb ball control, vision, and creativity. A generational talent Nigeria would love to secure. Nwaneri is eligible to play for Nigeria and France through his Nigerian father, but has chosen to represent England at youth level.
Lesley Ugochukwu (Midfielder, Burnley) Powerful, composed, and physically dominant, Ugochukwu is a defensive midfielder with incredible potential. His ability to shield the backline, win tackles, and progress play through midfield makes him a complete modern No.6. The former Chelsea player who now plays for Burnley Football club could be a good back up to the aging Wilfred Ndidi in the super Eagles squad.
Carney Chukwuemeka (Midfielder, Chelsea) an elegant box-to-box midfielder, Chukwuemeka combines dribbling with vision and goal-scoring instincts. Still only 20, he has the tools to become an excellent central midfielder. His Nigerian roots make him a prime Super Eagles prospect. He plays for Borussia Dortmund after joining from Chelsea.
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Justin Njinmah (Forward, Werder Bremen) Njinmah has developed into a dangerous attacker with Bremen. The 24 year old blessed with pace and technical ability can operate as a winger or centre-forward. His acceleration and intelligent movement off the ball make him a constant threat in transition. He has scored 47 goals in 141 appearances in his career.
Oladapo Afolayan (Forward, St Pauli) A versatile attacker capable of playing as a winger or second striker, Afolayan thrives on dribbling and creativity in the final third. He currently plays in the Bundesliga with St Pauli, his work rate and directness would add another dimension to Nigeria’s wide play. In April 2021, Afolayan asked in the Bolton Wanderers Matchday programme if he would consider playing for Nigeria and he stated “Yeah I would. It’s something I have thought about and hopefully I can keep playing well and get on their radar.”
George Ilenikhena (Striker, Monaco) at just 19, Ilenikhena is one of Europe’s brightest Nigerian-French strikers. Tall, mobile, and lethal in the box, he combines physicality with sharp finishing instincts. His development suggests he could be Nigeria’s long-term No.9. The Nigerian born player who grew up in France has featured for the French team at youth levels.
This pool of diaspora talent shows the global spread of Nigerian football DNA. If the NFF can persuade even a handful of these players to wear the green-and-white, the Super Eagles could build a squad to rival any team in world football.
Starting XI: Noah Atubolu, Michael Kayode, Tosin Adarabioyo, Nnamdi Collins, Caleb Okoli, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, Ethan Nwaneri, Justin Njinmah, Oladapo Afolayan, George Ilenikhena.
Who do you want to see put on the famous Super Eagles jersey? Comment below!
