Three-time African champions Nigeria remain a strong footballing nation in the continent, given the wealth of talent the country has produced over the years.
Despite this reputation, several players who were eligible to represent the Super Eagles have pledged their allegiances elsewhere, particularly with European and American nations.
Here are five footballers who turned down the opportunity to represent Nigeria.
Carney Chukwuemeka (Austria)
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka became the latest player to snub Nigeria after committing his international future to Austria following approval by FIFA.
The former Chelsea midfielder previously represented England at youth level, but faced stuff competition for a place in the senior team. The 22-year-old was born in Vienna, Austria to Nigerian parents and could have gone on to represent any of the three countries.
He ultimately chose Austria and could play for them at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, where they will compete in group J against defending champions Argentina, Algeria and Jordan.
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Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala also had the option to represent the Super Eagles through his father, but opted to play for Germany instead.
The 23-year-old grew up in England and represented them at the youth level before switching allegiances to Germany for his senior career.
Musiala made his debut in March 2021 during a 3-0 win over Iceland and has since become a key player with 40 appearances for the German national team, including at the 2024 European Championships where he finished as one of the tournament’s joint-topscorers.
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Folarin Balogun (USMNT)
Monaco striker Folarin Balogun also appears on this list after he committed his international future to the United States Men’s National Team in 2023, snubbing Nigeria and England.
The former Arsenal forward was born in New York to Nigeria parents and could have represented the Super Eagles.
Despite playing for England across the youth level, Balogun switched allegiances to the USA team, where he has helped them win two Concacaf Nations League titles.
Promise Akinpelu (Canada)
Promise Akinpelu was born in Canada to Nigerian parents, which meant he was eligible to play for both countries.
The 24-year-old previously played for the Nigeria U-23 side, featuring during the doubleheader against Tanzania in the 2023 U-23 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
However, he later opted against playing for the national team, opting for Canada and made his senior debut in June 2025.
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Ike Ugbo (Canada)
Sheffield Wednesday forward Ike Ugbo completes this list after choosing Canada ahead of Nigeria and England.
The 27-year-old represented England at the U-17 and U-20 levels and was also eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents.
Although reports suggested that he was close to switching to Nigeria, he eventually opted for the Canada men’s national team and made his debut in 2021.
