The FIFA Club World Cup provides a stage for top football talents to showcase their abilities. This year’s edition is being held in the United States, with the number of participants increased to 32 in a newly expanded format.
Over the years, top Super Eagles talents have impressed on the big stage, and the 2025 edition brings together clubs from all continents, with five players flying the Nigerian flag.
1. Zaidu Sanusi (Porto)
The only player on this list to have featured for the Super Eagles, Zaidu Sanusi is expected to play a key role for Portuguese side FC Porto in the ongoing Club World Cup tournament. The left-back joined Porto in 2020 from Santa Clara and became an integral part of the team, winning five trophies before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear in 2024.
The 28-year-old was also part of the Nigeria squad that finished runners-up at the last Africa Cup of Nations, losing to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.
Sanusi was an unused substitute in Porto’s first game — a goalless draw against Palmeiras — but is expected to be called upon in subsequent matches as the former UCL winners look to advance to the next stage.
Porto are in Group A alongside host club Inter Miami, Palmeiras, and Egyptian side Al Ahly
2. Onuche Ogbelu (Espérance Tunis)
Onuche Ogbelu joined the Tunisian champions in September 2023 from Nigerian Premier Football League side Nasarawa United. Since his move, the 22-year-old has become an integral part of the club, featuring in 33 matches across all competitions as the Blood and Gold completed a domestic treble in the just-concluded season.
Ogbelu played the full 90 minutes in Espérance’s opening game against Flamengo, although he couldn’t prevent his side from falling to a 2–0 defeat to the Brazilian side. While yet to feature for the Super Eagles, he was an important part of the Nigeria U20 team that finished third at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
Espérance compete in Group D alongside English side Chelsea, Los Angeles FC, and Flamengo.
3. Haliru Sarki (Al Ain)
Haliru Sarki joined UAE side Al Ain in 2023. The 21-year-old is yet to earn a cap for the Super Eagles but was part of the Nigeria squad that finished third at the 2023 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, alongside Espérance’s Onuche Ogbelu.
The winger has mostly featured for Al Ain’s U23 side, though his pace and creativity could prove valuable when called upon during the tournament.
4. Joshua Udoh (Al Ain)
The 17-year-old midfielder Joshua Udoh is another Nigerian representing Al Ain at the Club World Cup. Udoh has primarily featured for the club’s U17 team and will be eager to impress in a tough group that includes Juventus, Manchester City, and Wydad AC.
5. Hassan Mohammed (Al Ain)
The third Nigerian in the Al Ain squad, Hassan Mohammed is a goalkeeper who is yet to feature for the Super Eagles. He could be called upon to stand between the sticks for the Asian side if needed during the tournament.
