As many as six players who have represented other countries at various levels are willing to represent the senior national team of Nigeria at the 2026 world cup, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Nigeria are facing a difficult spell in their bid to be at the world cup as they have won just one of their first six games in the qualifiers. Drawing four and losing one. They presently sit in fourth position in their six team group. Six points behind the leaders South Africa.
However there is a glimmer of hope that FIFA will dock three points from the tally of South Africa after they fielded an ineligible player in their 2-0 win over Lesotho. Head coach Eric Chelle is also confident of his team taking advantage of that decision when it’s finally implemented as expected.
To that extent he has already made contacts with six players who are willing to be a part of the team despite representing other countries, or born abroad. Top of it is Tosin Adarabiyio who indicated his desire to play at the world cup and has opened up on wanting to take up the option of playing for Nigeria.
Adarabioyo said: “The World Cup means it is a decision I need to take sooner rather than later. It is a conversation we will have and we will see how it goes.”he said at the ongoing Club World Cup.
Empoli midfielder Tino Anjorin who is closing in on a move to Torino has also given his words to Chelle. Dapo Afolayan of Bundesliga side St. Pauli made the same vow after meeting Chelle in London during the games of the Unity Cup.
Wedding arrangements stopped Moritz Jenz who spent last season at loan to Mainz 05 from Wolfsburg from meeting with Chelle, after positive talks during the course of last season.
Sam Edozie who spent last season in Belgium with Anderlecht on loan from Southampton has also committed to the Super Eagles, just like Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
