The Nigeria men's football team is not participating in the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris, but players of Nigerian descent are making a notable impact, particularly in the Japanese and French teams.

Goalkeeper Leo Kokubo and midfielder Joel Chima Fujita are the only Black players representing Japan in men's football at the 2024 Olympics. Both players were born in Japan to a Nigerian father and a Japanese mother. According to ESPN, the duo are contracted to Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truiden.

Japan started their Olympic campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory over Paraguay on Wednesday, July 24. The Japanese team will face Mali in their second group match on Saturday, July 27.

Another player of Nigerian descent making waves at the Olympics is Michael Olise. The 22-year-old scored for France in their 3-0 victory over the United States in Group A. The new Bayern Munich signing was born in London to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother.