₦airaland Forum

johnie:
Germany

Jamal Musiala
The superstar playmaker was born to a Nigerian father and a German mother.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-310TDMwNig?si=8zxcIcPFKkP4I599


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZQ9kh76BNw?si=wNOg6886kr38vsbP


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVxfYB3fKWw?si=R5ZYrRmnJRDS8UpQ



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQADvGHWePM?si=h5ABNq9f7NKVQmwg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ-EAkWbdOo?si=mJP7DjO153dhvUHRwa

johnie:
Germany

Felix Nmecha
The midfielder, born in Germany to a Nigerian father, features in Julian Nagelsmann's side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv9CIL6szVo?si=SQrxE8aHneodV1NQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0U_FUl2Mys?si=DwDm3p5JJ_zI1U6I


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK54idP-iw4?si=moFi35sROmfpq6RI

johnie:
England

Bukayo Saka
The world-class winger was born in London to Nigerian parents.

Nigerian praying for Saka to score penalty for England


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE80WiY-ZsE?si=KZYx6-QWl6PNMM6e

johnie:
England

Bukayo Saka
The world-class winger was born in London to Nigerian parents.

Saka's memory of his first World Cup viewing:

Blocked by FIFA but worth watching



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uLdB2TY-II?si=EupVXohZTdYhe8Aw


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Sy4v-wqzd8?si=0Ql1p9jYjw1tWJrR


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st7HpU5wVPM?si=iJc8yR6hNBv4Cgoh


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h4-zZYGumo?si=0dV57QHW5co4kNdq

johnie:
England

Eberechi Eze
The creative midfielder previously trained with Nigeria's youth setups before committing to England.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhrthpZIxgM?si=T6FKg22mVB4_YZ9p


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTMNhCPfzYU?si=uhwbnz8_Dm4cg9mT


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0HqtEAg8oI?si=ovay5IpKx_6rK6nv

johnie:
England


Noni Madueke
The exciting winger breaks into Thomas Tuchel's squad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GyV3YX8i_A?si=p8qhpP3EJRuaSE0G


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmHMW4HYHhY?si=PfuAojYN-tFLoYpb



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNi0z3ti9ik?si=ljsUHb4HntS7_ycW


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xb7G6NolI0?si=w23Kt_ySEpQ11CAm


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikQw4uJcQts?si=9eTgzC7uAdySrKKb

johnie:
Canada

Tani Oluwaseyi
The forward brings a strong diaspora presence to one of the tournament co-hosts.

I love the references to Nigeria here:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK_UWvegQb4?si=VfjjaovUZhShmf1l


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltvjG8w-NoU?si=3lhqpPdGwkpWMGz-


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIDrXm0J6ag?si=-Hj1_4_02dWaUAKv

johnie:
Canada

Promise David
The physical striker strengthens Canada’s attacking depth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw_4WlMBM_A?si=JAnB15IWXrACtvXv


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbcybAgzA9o?si=mtegCF-RzToo7M_v


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAOoQKl_IvQ?si=ZuobH2fZ39Yz0o8R


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT3WT6hOD3I?si=P3-GvGpPeGo6xQ2L
https://youtube.com/shorts/Pw_4WlMBM_A?si=JAnB15IWXrACtvXv

johnie:
Canada

Tani Oluwaseyi
The forward brings a strong diaspora presence to one of the tournament co-hosts.

Promise David
The physical striker strengthens Canada’s attacking depth.

Owen Goodman
The young goalkeeper secures a spot on the Canadian roster.

I loved this analysis. Brilliant!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_nc0Qx0rQk?si=R5OAA6dltyz2PeLN


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSWL_z6hf8s?si=xD0vFoK7TtdS5RPI


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S37Pb_k9D2Y?si=rqx6DWfnSdCZ-BGd

johnie:
Switzerland
Manuel Akanji
The defensive rock was born to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father.

Noah Okafor
The versatile forward has deep Nigerian ancestral roots.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpO-NCvp4Nk?si=pAgbIaRRppTynuIC


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIfq0EcJJHA?si=BuQctXPv1vGusq41


Watch him talk about Nigeria in this clip at 4:30:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TovuG-QD5Wo?si=cutGel831YvF-9hv

johnie:
Switzerland
Manuel Akanji
The defensive rock was born to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father.

Noah Okafor
The versatile forward has deep Nigerian ancestral roots.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUke7u9bse4?si=tFHidJ6JqP9EH6mX


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQwVW8U66jk?si=fUAllioHs32_Suz_


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRDBQ0CP8Wg?si=bflOVA8B9DxF1pxQ

johnie:
Austria
David Alaba
The veteran captain and icon has a Nigerian father.

Carney Chukwuemeka
The midfielder chose to represent Austria after progressing through England's youth ranks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emDhd63MM4g?si=784By0oFoBz6Y-4-


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FbmZw1Xk-s?si=FmBjodWsGQze1zPA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VB4tg9yB10?si=Wz2JTtLCrci1OaB8

johnie:
Austria
David Alaba
The veteran captain and icon has a Nigerian father.

Carney Chukwuemeka
The midfielder chose to represent Austria after progressing through England's youth ranks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqoYeTsfhvk?si=50uAuDeoca--AY6p


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYy1Si6LuB4



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHv7PJqoa_o

ogascomax:
Hope you are not thinking that he is the son of Sunday oliseh

Certainly not!

Oliseh has debunked that.

Oliseh clarified a minor misconception about his relationship with Olise, stemming from the similarity of their names.

“This is why our people are funny. Some even sent messages asking why I sabotaged us—’ Your son went to play for France,'” Oliseh said.

“He’s not my son, and his own Olise does not even have an ‘h’ at the end of it.”

https://www.thecable.ng/oliseh-i-get-angry-when-michael-olise-plays-for-france-he-belongs-to-eagles/

johnie:
France
Michael Olise
The highly coveted winger was eligible for Nigeria through his father but officially accepted France's call-up

Reminds one of Arjen Robben


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNnVKK89biE?si=N8IpcRBHdbIitMOj

johnie:
France
Michael Olise
The highly coveted winger was eligible for Nigeria through his father but officially accepted France's call-up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ehjl6X3gHxo?si=dlnA7AtqVkhSJVei


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C41wnY4rYQ

johnie:
France
Michael Olise
The highly coveted winger was eligible for Nigeria through his father but officially accepted France's call-up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y50zc2m57s?si=TCQfKhxvAq9LIKax

Predator87:
Madugu success is off the back of Randy Waldrum. All the top players in this team like Alozie, Okoronkwo, Plumptre, Payne, Abiodun etc were introduced by Waldrum. How many young quality players has Madugu integrated into the SF? All he does is invite old mama's like okobi, Ortega, Isah etc. Our bench is rubbish now because of Madugu 419 callups.

.

johnie:
France
Michael Olise
The highly coveted winger was eligible for Nigeria through his father but officially accepted France's call-up

Mr. Nonchalant was eligible to play for four countries before settling for France - England, Algeria, France, Nigeria.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xzNxSSiwHo


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0tBO3t2hcE


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USJBsfTZ5q4

johnie:
United States

Folarin Balogun
The striker, born in New York to Nigerian parents, leads the frontline for the host nation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16JT02Xzzzg

Balogun reminds me of Obafemi Martins:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjbyj4W3sqc?si=_NqoQnJO0uP2XVyN

johnie:
United States

Folarin Balogun
The striker, born in New York to Nigerian parents, leads the frontline for the host nation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbetODDh2f8

This is dedicated to the members of the Nairaland Name Checkers Association of Nigeria ( NNCAN)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRlRGAR_uho



Enjoy!

Mynd44, fergie001, nlfpmod

johnie:
United States

Folarin Balogun
The striker, born in New York to Nigerian parents, leads the frontline for the host nation.

He would like to see Nigeria host the World Cup after 2034:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N_3RL8aqwc

johnie:
Seppuku, watch the two videos in this post. Some are already setting the stage, but he has supporters too.

My prayer is that he does exceptionally well.

We've seen similar scape-goating, even in England:

https://www.voanews.com/a/europe_racist-abuse-targets-3-english-players-who-missed-penalty-kicks/6208140.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FWGhuHTZBE


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhBLDai1usk

johnie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8NPdCSeqYU?si=NH5K2qi67usmMayJ



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEuqSQuZNy0

Seppuku, watch the two videos in this post. Some are already setting the stage, but he has supporters too.

My prayer is that he does exceptionally well.

We've seen similar scape-goating, even in England:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulSo0hgR2qg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8NPdCSeqYU?si=NH5K2qi67usmMayJ



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEuqSQuZNy0

johnie:
South Africa

Probably the most surprising.

Ime Okon
The defender has successfully integrated into Hugo Broos' defensive plans for Bafana Bafana.

Ime Okon reflects on Hugo Broos debut as World Cup race heats up

By Mazola Molefe

30th March 2026


Bafana Bafana defender Ime Okon says he felt comfortable in his first appearance under coach Hugo Broos during Friday’s 1-1 draw against Panama in Durban.
Although he has previously represented the national side at COSAFA Cup level, the clash marked his first real opportunity to impress Broos within the senior set-up.

The 22-year-old Germany-based centre back believes he made a solid impression as players look to stake their claim ahead of selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

"Yeah, it was good. I think we played very well – just lapse of concentration from us – but besides that, we dominated the whole game. We just need to keep working hard, and we'll see what the future holds," said Okon

Asked whether Panama were the ideal test for Bafana’s opener against Mexico at the global showpiece, Okon said they were similarities.

Okon expects Bafana to improve when they face Panama again in Cape Town as the two sides now know each other better.

"I think we've now seen how they play, so I think our preparation towards the next game will be much better so we are hoping to get the win the next time."

https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/ime-okon-reflects-on-hugo-broos-debut-as-world-cup-race-heats-up


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcXI-xiMGGA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUATU5n5iZw?si=_-NlI1RtCmYF6Klv

South Africa

Probably the most surprising.

Ime Okon
The defender has successfully integrated into Hugo Broos' defensive plans for Bafana Bafana.

https://www.nairaland.com/8686330/players-nigerian-origin-featuring-2026#139649397

Reaction of South Africans to Okon's call up:

https://www.nairaland.com/8686330/players-nigerian-origin-featuring-2026#139650919

United States

Folarin Balogun
The striker, born in New York to Nigerian parents, leads the frontline for the host nation.

https://www.nairaland.com/8686330/players-nigerian-origin-featuring-2026#139660352

https://www.nairaland.com/8686330/players-nigerian-origin-featuring-2026#139661883

https://www.nairaland.com/8686330/players-nigerian-origin-featuring-2026#139664229

France
Michael Olise
The highly coveted winger was eligible for Nigeria through his father but officially accepted France's call-up

https://www.nairaland.com/8686330/players-nigerian-origin-featuring-2026#139671231

https://www.nairaland.com/8686330/players-nigerian-origin-featuring-2026#139673694

https://www.nairaland.com/8686330/players-nigerian-origin-featuring-2026/1#139675867


Michael Olise is not related to Sunday Oliseh

Oliseh clarified a minor misconception about his relationship with Olise, stemming from the similarity of their names.

“This is why our people are funny. Some even sent messages asking why I sabotaged us—’ Your son went to play for France,'” Oliseh said.

“He’s not my son, and his own Olise does not even have an ‘h’ at the end of it.”

https://www.thecable.ng/oliseh-i-get-angry-when-michael-olise-plays-for-france-he-belongs-to-eagles/

Austria
David Alaba
The veteran captain and icon has a Nigerian father

https://www.nairaland.com/8686330/players-nigerian-origin-featuring-2026/2#139678751.

Carney Chukwuemeka
The midfielder chose to represent Austria after progressing through England's youth ranks

https://www.nairaland.com/8686330/players-nigerian-origin-featuring-2026/1#139677842

Switzerland
Manuel Akanji
The defensive rock was born to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father.

Manuel is a human calculator and has a tattoo of the eagle symbolising the Super Eagle on his arm

https://www.nairaland.com/8686330/players-nigerian-origin-featuring-2026/2#139680144

Noah Okafor
The versatile forward has deep Nigerian ancestral roots.

https://www.nairaland.com/8686330/players-nigerian-origin-featuring-2026/2#139680118