Boost for Nigeria With Ex-Liverpool Star Set to Switch Allegiance Ahead of World Cup Playoffs
- An ex-Liverpool star has reportedly shown interest in playing for Nigeria ahead of the 2026 World Cup playoffs
- The Super Eagles still have a chance of qualifying for the Mundial, after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar
- Nigeria missed out on the 2026 World Cup ticket after finishing second in their CAF qualification Group C
Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have received a huge boost with a former Liverpool star reportedly set to switch allegiance.
The Super Eagles struggled in the first four matches of the qualifiers before finding their rhythm under coach Eric Chelle.
Nigeria beat Benin Republic 4-0, with a hat-trick coming from Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen, to move up to second position in the CAF qualification group C.
Source: Getty Images
The win saw the Super Eagles displace Burkina Faso from the best second-place finishers on goal difference.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the first semi-final of the playoff on November 13, while DR Congo takes on Cameroon.
The winners of each match will take on each other in the final, three days later, with a place in the inter-confederation playoffs at stake.
Nigeria are currently on the right track with Osimhen fit, scoring a brace for Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on October 22.
Former Liverpool player considering switch to Nigeria
Former England U20 star Ovie Ejaria is reportedly set to pledge his future to the Super Eagles ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.
According to OwnGoal, the Oviedo player was snubbed by the Three Lions after he played for the age-grade teams, failing to break into the senior team.
The representative of Ejaria said the player has established himself at the club level and was looking to gain the trust of Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle.
He explained that it has always been the dream of the former Reading star to wear the green, white, green jersey at the international level. His representative said:
"I feel it is very early to speak about Ovie Ejaria playing for Nigeria, but that is the realistic long-term goal and aspiration.
"Currently, he has to establish himself at the club level to gain the trust of the coach of the Nigerian team, but it’s true that he is keen on representing Nigeria at the highest level, and his association with England ended years ago.
"The way the season ends will be instrumental to how his dreams will be realised."
Source: Getty Images
Who is Nigeria-eligible Ovie Ejaria?
Born in Southwark, England, Ejaria represented England at the U20 and U21 levels, scoring two goals.
The 27-year-old grew up supporting Arsenal before playing nine years for the Gunners in the academy.
Ejaria signed for Liverpool in 2014, playing his first competitive match against Derby County in the EFL Cup, according to the BBC.
The midfielder made a surprise move to the newly promoted Oviedo at the start of the season after almost two years without a club.
He has made four appearances this season, including his debut, which came against Real Madrid, according to Transfermarkt.
Super Eagles cancel friendly matches
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Super Eagles had cancelled their planned international friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia in November 2025.
Having qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, the three-time African champions are set to continue the quest for a ticket to the global showpiece.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
