Jamal Musiala and 4 Others Who Chose Germany Over Representing Nigeria’s Super Eagles
- Nnamdi Collins has made his competitive debut for Germany, ending Nigeria’s hopes of securing him for the Super Eagles
- Jamal Musiala headlines a growing list of German-Nigerian stars who have committed to Germany over Nigeria
- Despite these losses, Nigeria have also secured players like Leon Balogun and Jordan Torunarigha from Germany
The German Football Association confirmed another win in the ongoing tug-of-war for dual-national players.
Nnamdi Collins, the 21-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back, made his senior debut for Germany in their 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in Bratislava during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Source: Getty Images
Born in Dusseldorf to a Nigerian father, Collins was eligible for both nations. His competitive debut now cap-ties him to Germany, shutting the door on any chance of playing for the Super Eagles, Daily Post reports.
Although his performance was shaky, with coach Julian Nagelsmann replacing the 21-year-old defender at halftime, captain Joshua Kimmich defended his performance after his horror game, per One Football.
but the bigger story is Germany once again securing a player long admired by Nigeria.
Musiala lead list of players to boycott Nigeria
At the top of this list of players who have dumped Nigeria to represent Germany is Jamal Musiala.
Source: Getty Images
The Bayern Munich star, born in Stuttgart to a Nigerian father and German mother, grew up in England and even played for England’s youth teams.
When the time came to pick, however, Musiala chose Germany over England and Nigeria.
Now 21, Musiala is already a key member of the Germany national team, and eye for goal, he has become a fan favourite and one of the faces of Die Mannschaft.
For Nigeria, losing Musiala was a major blow as he could have transformed the Super Eagles’ midfield for years to come.
Other stars who went with Germany
Karim Adeyemi
Adeyemi, born in Munich to a Nigerian father and Romanian mother, chose Germany over the Super Eagles and now plays for Borussia Dortmund.
Known for his pace and direct style, he has already been capped several times at senior level.
Kevin Schade
The Brentford winger was also eligible for Nigeria but made his Germany debut in 2023.
Tall, quick, and versatile, Schade represents another missed opportunity for the Super Eagles.
Felix and Lukas Nmecha
The Nmecha brothers are German-born with Nigerian heritage. Both came through Manchester City’s youth academy before returning to Germany.
Felix now plays for Borussia Dortmund while Lukas features for Wolfsburg, and each has represented Germany at the senior level, ending Nigeria’s hopes of ever calling them up.
Nigeria win some battles against Germany
While Germany has taken some of Nigeria’s bright prospects, the Super Eagles have had their own victories.
Leon Balogun, Jordan Torunarigha, and Kevin Akpoguma all chose Nigeria after featuring in Germany’s youth system.
More recently, Werder Bremen’s Felix Agu accepted Nigeria’s call-up and could make his competitive debut in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa after featuring in the Unity Cup earlier.
Bundesliga star dumps Nigeria for Germany
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Julian Nagelsmann invited Nnamdi Collins to the Germany squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifier matches against Slovakia and Northern Ireland.
Nagelsmann trusted the defender to start at right-back, but was hauled off at half-time with Germany 1-0 down after struggling to make his mark. Germany went on to lose the match 2-0.
Source: Legit.ng
