Nigeria have long been a breeding ground for top footballing talent, producing stars such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Victor Boniface, who have shone across Europe’s elite leagues.
However, the Super Eagles could have been even stronger had several dual-nationality players chosen to represent them.
Many footballers with Nigerian heritage have opted to play for other nations, often European powerhouses, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.
If these players had chosen Nigeria, the team’s potential would be staggering — perhaps even enough to mount a serious World Cup challenge.
Here’s a look at the 10 most valuable players, according to Transfermarkt, who had the option to represent Nigeria but ultimately chose a different path.
The superstars who could have played for Nigeria
Bukayo Saka | England | €150 million
Jamal Musiala | Germany, England | €140 million
Michael Olise | France, England | €80 million
Ethan Nwaneri | England | €55 million
Ebere Eze | England | €55 million
Samu Aghehowa | Spain | €55 million
Destiny Udogie | Italy | €45 million
Dominic Solanke | England | €45 million
Joshua Zirkzee | Netherlands | €40 million
Karim Adeyemi | Germany | €40 million
Noni Madueke | England | €40 million
Manuel Akanji | Switzerland | €32 million
Antonio Nusa | Norway | €28 million
Felix Nmecha | Germany, England | €28 million
Kevin Schade | Germany | €27 million
Patrick Dorgu | Denmark | €25 million
