The seven Nigerian-born stars at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

The Tremendous Eagles is not going to be in Qatar for the 2022 FIFA Males’s World Cup that kicks off as we speak, Sunday, November 20.

However a number of gamers of Nigerian descent might be in attendance on the world’s largest soccer pageant, having been included within the squads of different nations.

Soccernet.ng’s Imhons Erons casts the highlight on the seven Nigerian-born stars who may make the nation proud in Qatar.

Jamal Musiala

Representing – Germany
Age – 19
Membership – Bayern Munich
Place – Midfielder, winger

Probably the most gifted younger gamers on the earth as we speak, Jamal Musiala has already gained 17 caps for Germany at simply 19 after solely making his worldwide debut in 2021.

A Chelsea academy product, Musiala was eligible to play for Nigeria (by means of his father), England, and Germany.

The wonderkid represented the youth groups of the 2 European nations at completely different instances. However Musiala lastly determined for the four-time world champions.

The Bayern Munich star may very well be essential to any peak Germany attain in Qatar.

Karim-David Adeyemi

Representing – Germany
Age – 20
Membership – Borussia Dortmund
Place – Ahead

Born to a Nigerian father and Romanian mom, Germany took benefit of the truth that Karim Adeyemi was born in Munich to combine the teenager into their youth system.

Thought to be a generational expertise, Adeyemi gained the 2019 Fritz Walter award for one of the best teenager in Germany.

Solely final yr, the previous Salzburg ahead led Germany to victory on the UEFA European Underneath-21 Championship.

And the Nationalelf will hope Adeyemi may also help encourage one other title triumph in Qatar.

Noah Arinzechukwu Okafor

Representing – Switzerland
Age – 24
Membership – Purple Bull Salzburg
Place – Winger, ahead

Noah Okafor was born in Binningen, Switzerland, to a Nigerian father and a Swiss mom.

Okafor’s expertise was noticed when he was with the Basel youth academy, and the ahead had been part of the Swiss youth system for the reason that under-15s.

The Salzburg winger made his debut for Switzerland in 2019. And his spot in Qatar was sealed final November when he scored a aim within the win over Bulgaria that secured computerized qualification for Switzerland to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Manuel Obafemi Akanji

Representing – Switzerland
Age – 27
Membership – Manchester Metropolis
Place – Defender

Additionally born to a Swiss mom and a Nigerian father, Manuel Akanji may have been enjoying for the Tremendous Eagles.

However the Neftenbach-born centre-back’s development from the Swiss youth groups to the nationwide aspect was accomplished in 2017.

And after amassing 43 worldwide caps for the Purple Crosses, Akanji is among the most skilled heads within the Swiss camp in Qatar.

And the Manchester Metropolis defender will goal a repeat of the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals, the place his staff completed fourth.

Samuel Ayomide Adekugbe

Representing – Canada
Age – 27
Membership – Hatayspor
Place – Left-back

Born in England to oldsters with Nigerian heritage and raised in Canada, Samuel Adekugbe may have performed for any of the three nations.

However Canada handed Adekugbe an opportunity on the youth degree and included him of their squad for the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup might be Adekugbe’s first look at soccer’s largest fiesta.

Bukayo Ayoyinka Saka

Representing – England
Age – 21
Membership – Arsenal
Place – Winger, left-back, midfielder

Thought of the most effective younger soccer gamers on the earth, Bukayo Saka’s goal in Qatar will embody making amends for his penalty miss within the last of final yr’s European Championship.

Winner of Arsenal’s Participant of the Season award during the last two seasons, Saka heads to his first World Cup with extra expertise than many inside his age bracket.

The 21-year-old winger may have been representing Nigeria, although, by means of his dad and mom.

Iké Dominique Ugbo

Representing – Canada
Age – 24
Membership – Troyes
Place – Ahead

Ike Ugbo was eligible to signify Nigeria (by means of his dad and mom), England (by means of delivery), and Canada (by means of youth residency).

The Chelsea academy product helped England U20 win the 2017 Toulon Event.

However in September 2021, Ugbo made public his choice to play worldwide soccer for three-time African champions, Nigeria.

A few months later, although, the 24-year-old ahead made a u-turn and as a substitute switched his worldwide allegiance to Canada.

And after solely making eight appearances for the Reds with out scoring a aim, Ugbo was included in Canada’s squad for Qatar 2022.

And the Troyes star will look to assist the Canadians make it previous the group stage for the primary time in World Cup historical past.