Chelsea Defender Among 6 Players Reportedly Willing to Represent Nigeria for WC Qualifiers
- A Chelsea defender reportedly tops a six‑man list of foreign‑born players ready to switch allegiance to Nigeria
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers are set to resume, and head coach Eric Chelle has held 'positive talks' with squad targets
- Nigeria sits fourth in their tournament qualification Group C, six points behind table-topping South Africa
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The Super Eagles have struggled so much in recent matches, but reinforcements could be on the way ahead of must-win international games.
Nigeria, a participant in the 2018 tournament, could introduce new players ahead of the 2026 qualifying campaign.
Source: Getty Images
Six foreign-born players, many of whom have represented other countries at the youth levels, are now reportedly willing to commit their international futures to Nigeria, OwnGoal Nigeria has reported.
This comes amid growing optimism that qualifiers Group C leader, Bafana Bafana would be penalised, an anticipated three point deduction, considering the team used an ineligible player in a match.
Nigeria could get World Cup player boost
Notwithstanding the possible point deduction for Bafana Bafana, Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying form has been far from convincing.
The Super Eagles have won just one game, drawn four and lost another, placing them fourth in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa, per FIFA.com. The team is also one point behind Benin and Rwanda.
Yet, head coach Eric Chelle, who took over the reins after Nigeria’s disappointing start, is confident of a turnaround.
Source: Getty Images
Chelle has wasted no time in searching for new players to boost his team, identifying six dual-national players eager to wear green and white.
Five players who could switch to Nigeria
1 - Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea)
At the top of the list is Tosin Adarabioyo, the newly signed Chelsea centre-back, who was born in England to Nigerian parents.
He represented England at the youth levels but has never featured for the senior Three Lions, making him eligible for Nigeria.
Speaking at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup, where the Blues advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Benfica, he 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.”
The defender’s physical presence, composure, and Premier League experience would be an asset for Nigeria’s shaky backline.
2 - Tino Anjorin (Empoli)
The former Chelsea and England youth midfielder is on the verge of a move to Torino but has reportedly pledged allegiance to the Super Eagles after conversations with Chelle.
3 - Dapo Afolayan (St. Pauli)
The Bundesliga forward met with Chelle during the Unity Cup in London and has reportedly committed to switching national teams.
4 - Moritz Jenz (Wolfsburg/Mainz 05)
Although wedding plans prevented a face-to-face meeting, prior discussions were said to have been positive, and Jenz remains open to joining the squad.
5 - Sam Edozie (Southampton/Anderlecht)
The exciting winger, who spent last season on loan in Belgium, is also said to be ready to commit his international future to Nigeria.
6 - Tim Iroegbunam (Everton)
The former Aston Villa man is highly rated in England and has also apparently given his word to join the Super Eagles setup.
It remains to be seen how quickly any of these potential players could integrate into Nigeria's first-team structure and what impact they could have.
Chelsea star to decide international future
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Chelsea's Tosin Adarabioyo stated he was close to making a decision over his international future with Nigeria.
The promising defender was born in London to Nigerian parents and would thus be eligible to play international football for both countries.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
