6 Nigerian-born footballers who snubbed the Super Eagles

Nigeria is blessed with many sports talents scattered across the globe.

In football, for instance, Nigeria can boast of a pool of talent in the diaspora.

While some players adorn the Super Eagles green and white jersey with pride, others choose to represent other countries.

Today we look at some notable names in world football who could have represented Nigeria at the international level.

David Olatukunbo Alaba

Alaba is arguably the biggest name in Austrian football history.

Alaba is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of this generation.

The 29-year-old is one of the most versatile footballers in world history, he can play as a left-back, center-back, and in central midfield.

Alaba made over 400 appearances for Bayern Munich, winning 27 honors including ten Bundesliga titles and two UEFA Champions League titles in 2013 and 2020.

He Joined Spanish giants, Real Madrid in the summer of 2021 and guided the team to their 14th UEFA Champions League title and the Spanish La Liga.

Alaba was born in Vienna, Austria to a Yoruba father and a Philippines mother. He represents the Austrian national team on the international level.

Kevin Oghenetega Tamaraebi Bakumo-Abraham

Tammy Abraham plays as a striker for Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma in the Italian Serie A and Three Lions of England at the international level.

Prior to his international debut with the Three Lions, Abraham was eligible to represent Nigeria per FIFA regulation. His father is a close friend of the NFF boss Amaju Pinnick.

In September 2017, Pinnick claimed that Abraham had switched his allegiance to Nigeria, but the Chelsea academy product released a statement to counter the claim and reaffirmed that he is available for a call-up by the English national team.

Bukayo Ayoyinka T. M. Saka

Bukayo Saka plays as a winger for the Premier League club, Arsenal and the England national team.

The 20-year-old is well-known for his attacking instinct and creativity. He is regarded as one of the best young talents in world football.

Saka was born in London to Nigerian parents. His parents migrated to London from Nigeria as economic migrants.

His name "Bukayo" originates from the native Yoruba language. Saka received his first senior team call-up to represent the Three Lions in October 2020.

Bamidele Jermaine "Dele" Alli

Dele Alli plays as an attacking midfielder for the Premier League club, Everton and the England national team.

The 26-year-old was born in Milton Keynes, England in April 1996 to a Nigerian father, Kehinde.

At age nine, Alli moved to Nigeria with his father after his parents went their separate ways. He stayed in Nigeria for two years and later returned to Milton Keynes to focus on football.

Even at a young age, Alli made it clear that he wanted to pursue his international career with the Three Lions.

In 2016, the Nigerian-born England international changed the name on the back of his shirt claiming that he felt no connection with the 'Alli' surname.

Ross Barkley

Ross Barkley plays as an attacking midfielder for Premier League giants, Chelsea, and the English national team.

Barkley was born in Liverpool on December 5, 1993, to a Nigerian father Peter Effangah, and a British mother Diane Barkley.

The 28-year-old was eligible to represent the Super Eagles at the international level per FIFA rules, but the ex-Everton man opted to play for the Three Lions despite any thoughts of representing Nigeria.

Folarin Balogun

Folarin Balogun is the latest player of Nigerian descent who snubbed the Super Eagles to represent another country.

The 21-year-old recently committed his international future to the United States Men's National Team (USMNT), snubbing England and Nigeria.

He made his international debut last month against Mexico while scoring in his second appearance for the USMNT against Canada.

Balogun was born in the United States to Nigerian parents. His family later moved to England two years later.

WDN