Many footballers with multiple nationalities often face tough decisions over which country to represent. For Nigeria, several players have switched their allegiances to the Super Eagles, after finding it difficult to break into the top European teams.
However, some have also turned down Nigeria’s approach, opting to represent other countries instead.
From Carney Chukwuemeka to Arsenal’s teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri, this list discusses five players that remain eligible for a call-up by the Nigerian national team.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka remains eligible to represent Nigeria, as well as England, France and Austria. The 21-year-old was born in Austria to parents of Nigerian and French descent.
However, he has represented England at all the youth levels, but is yet to be called up for the Three Lions squad.
A potential call up from Nigeria could be on the cards, especially with the possibility of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Ethan Nwaneri
Arsenal prodigy Ethan Chidiebere Nwaneri was born in England to a Nigerian father and an English-French mother. This makes the youngster eligible to play for the English national team, as well as the French team and the Super Eagles.
Nwaneri has opted to play for England at the youth levels and is currently an important member of the U-21 squad, helping them to victory in the 2025 U-21 European Championships.
However, he could choose to play for Nigeria, with lesser chances of breaking into England’s highly-competitive squad.
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Noah Atubolu
Noah Atubolu is currently one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe and recently made history earlier this season, becoming the first goalkeeper in German Bundesliga history to save five consecutive penalty kicks. The 23-year-old was born in Germany to a Nigerian father, making him eligible to play for both countries.
After representing Germany at various youth levels, Atubolu earned his first senior call-up for their victories over Luxembourg and Northern Ireland in the recently-concluded international break. However, he could still play for Nigeria, as he has yet to make a competitive appearance for the German national team.
Perhaps, the goalkeeper could consider playing for the Super Eagles given their goalkeeping challenges and a possibility of playing at the 2026 World Cup.
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Lesley Ugochukwu
Born in France to Nigerian parents, Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu is also eligible to play for the Super Eagles, despite having represented France at the youth levels.
The 21-year-old is a nephew of former Nigerian centre-back Onyekachi Apam, who could play a major role in convincing the midfielder to accept an invitation to play for the three-time African champions.
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Justin Njinmah
Exciting winger Justin Njinmah remains eligible to represent Nigeria, having yet to feature for the Germany, where he was born.
The 24-year-old has openly expressed interest in playing for Die Mannschaft, but also kept the door open as he also indicated willingness to accept an invitation from Nigeria if the opportunity comes.
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