Nigeria is still resolute in its pursuit of young players eligible to represent the Super Eagles as they seek to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has been tasked by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to build a formidable national team capable of competing with the best nations in the world.
In an era where top footballers often have multi-national identities, the battle for allegiance has become just as intense off the pitch as it is on it.
Nigeria has been successful in the past, convincing players like Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo and a few others to ignore their birth countries to play for the Super Eagles.
While the green and white jersey remains a dream for many, some players choose to pledge their future to other nations due to early exposure, system familiarity, or career progression, Soccernet reports.
Six players who may never play for Nigeria
Here are six Nigeria-eligible youngsters who may never line-up for the Super Eagles:
1. Lesley Ugochukwu (Chelsea, France)
Lesley Chimuanya Ugochukwu has drawn attention since his move from Rennes to Chelsea.
The 21-year-old defensive midfielder is the nephew of former Nigerian international Onyekachi Apam.
Despite this deep Nigerian connection, Ugochukwu has represented France across all youth levels and continues to be integrated into their senior setup, ESPN reports.
Unless France delays in giving him a senior debut and Nigeria pushes aggressively, Lesley may never feature for the Super Eagles.
2. Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal, England)
Ethan Chidiebere Nwaneri made history as the youngest-ever Premier League debutant at just 15.
Now 18, the attacking midfielder has played for England’s U-16 and U-17 teams.
according to reports Nigeria are beginning preparations to convince Arsenal winger Ethan Nwaneri to switch from England to the Super Eagles.
— The Athletic NG (@TheAthleticNG) March 7, 2025
Good or bad move 🤔 pic.twitter.com/TW5DWwgn1d
Born in London but to Nigerian parents, his career is aligned with England’s football development program.
The chances of him making a switch to Nigeria seem slim, given the trajectory of his career so far.
3. Noah Atubolu (SC Freiburg, Germany)
Atubolu is a 23-year-old goalkeeper widely regarded as one of the most promising in Germany.
Currently the first-choice keeper for SC Freiburg, he has played for Germany from the U-16 to U-21 levels.
Dear NFF, Goalkeeper alert 🧤
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) August 26, 2023
Noah Atubolu of Freiburg is still eligible to play for Nigeria.
Atubolu has represented Germany's Junior teams.
The 21-year-old goalkeeper has kept his team last two League matches.
Where is Agent Pinnick? pic.twitter.com/ttPxGzbDNS
Despite showcasing his Nigerian pride by displaying the country's flag on his gloves, he has not indicated any concrete interest in switching allegiance to Nigeria.
4. Nnamdi Collins (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany)
Pharrel Nnamdi Collins, a commanding centre-back, has made a name for himself in the Bundesliga after spells at Borussia Dortmund and now Frankfurt.
Although born in Germany, Collins has Nigerian roots, but has represented Germany at youth levels.
Debut 👉 Nnamdi Collins 🦅😀#SGE | #SGESVW pic.twitter.com/ILW3TbudcE
— Eintracht Frankfurt (@eintracht_eng) April 5, 2024
Germany has invested heavily in his development, so his future with the Super Eagles appears unlikely.
5. Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea, England)
Tosin Adarabioyo, a powerful defender with Premier League experience, has been eligible for Nigeria for years.
However, despite interest from the NFF, Tosin remains committed to potentially playing for England.
🗣 Tosin Adarabioyo: "I have never turned down Nigeria and never had any conversation with them to say I would be going to Nigeria.
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) May 29, 2025
At the point of last season, we had this little bit of conversation, I told them I wanted to focus on club football. I was in my last year at… pic.twitter.com/b68n5E5qaP
Now 26 and with time ticking, his chance of ever wearing the Super Eagles jersey diminishes with each passing year.
6. Carney Chukwuemeka (Chelsea, England/Austria)
Carney Chibueze Chukwuemeka is another Chelsea youngster of Nigerian descent.
Chelsea loanees Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu have NOT submitted requests to switch international allegiance to Nigeria, a source has told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/rItg7Y4ZiV
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) February 7, 2025
Born in Austria and raised in England, the 20-year-old has represented England at youth levels.
Austria and England are both in the picture, and Nigeria remains a distant third in his international options.
