The 2024 UEFA European Championship in Germany will have a strong Nigerian presence, not through the Super Eagles, but via players of Nigerian descent representing various European nations. Nigeria, renowned for producing top football talents, continues to see its diaspora making significant impacts on the global stage. PUNCH Sports Extra’s PETER AKINBO highlights seven players with Nigerian roots who are set to shine at Euro 2024
Bukayo Saka – England
Arsenal’s star winger Bukayo Saka, born to Nigerian parents, has been a crucial member of the England national team since the last Euros.
Saka, who maintains strong ties to Nigeria, has been a revelation for both club and country. He has consistently performed at a high level, and just had an outstanding season with Arsenal scoring 20 goals and providing 13 assists.
Saka’s versatility allows him to operate effectively on either wing, providing England with tactical flexibility. His direct running, precise crossing, and clinical finishing have made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of Gareth Southgate’s plans.
Jamal Musiala – Germany
Jamal Musiala, a key player for Bayern Munich, has been included in Germany’s 26-man squad for the Euros. The 21-year-old midfielder, born to a Nigerian father and a German mother in Germany, chose to represent Die Mannschaft internationally.
Musiala had a stellar season with 12 goals and seven assists, solidifying his place as one of the brightest young talents in European football.
Musiala’s creativity, dribbling skills, and eye for goal make him a pivotal figure in Germany’s quest for European glory. His influence in the midfield will be critical as Germany aims to reclaim their status among Europe’s elite teams.
Manuel Akanji – Switzerland
Manchester City’s stalwart defender, Manuel Akanji, will be representing Switzerland. Born in Switzerland to a Nigerian father, Akanji has been a mainstay in the Swiss national team, earning over 50 caps.
His robust defending and ability to play out from the back have been vital for both club and country. Last season, Akanji played a significant role in Manchester City’s Premier League title-winning campaign, contributing four goals. His experience and leadership at the back will be invaluable as Switzerland looks to advance deep into the tournament.
Noah Okafor – Switzerland
Another player of Nigerian descent in the Swiss squad is Noah Okafor. The AC Milan forward was born in Binningen, Switzerland, to a Nigerian father and Swiss mother. Okafor’s football journey began at FC Basel, where his performances caught the eye of top European clubs. His move to AC Milan in 2023 marked a significant step in his career.
In the 2023/24 season, Okafor scored six goals and provided three assists, demonstrating his growing influence. Although he has only two goals in 22 appearances for Switzerland, Okafor’s pace, dribbling, and finishing make him a player to watch at Euro 2024.
Michael Folorunsho – Italy
Michael Folorunsho’s inclusion in Italy’s Euro 2024 squad is a significant milestone in his career. Born in Rome to Nigerian parents, Folorunsho has been a late bloomer in professional football.
Initially playing in the lower leagues, his impressive performances for Verona in Serie A caught the attention of Italy’s national team coach, Luciano Spalletti.
In the 2023/24 season, Folorunsho scored five goals and registered one assist, showcasing his potential as a box-to-box midfielder. His selection for the Euros marks his first major international tournament, and he could be cap-tied to Italy if he features in any of their matches.
Eberechi Eze – England
Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze is set to make his major tournament debut with England at Euro 2024. Born in Greenwich, London, to Nigerian parents, Eze has always been a subject of international tug-of-war between Nigeria and England. Despite being called up by the Super Eagles in the past, Eze has consistently expressed his desire to play for the Three Lions.
The 2023/24 season was a breakthrough year for him, as he scored 11 goals and provided six assists. Eze’s creativity, dribbling, and flair have made him a fan favorite, and he is expected to add a new dimension to England’s midfield in Germany.
Joshua Zirkzee – Netherlands
Joshua Zirkzee’s path to Euro 2024 has been a winding one. Born in Schiedam, Netherlands, to a Dutch father and Nigerian mother, Zirkzee began his career at Feyenoord before moving to Bayern Munich’s youth setup.
After a few loan spells, he settled at Bologna, where he had a standout 2023/24 season, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists, helping his team secure a fifth-place finish in Serie A and a Champions League spot.
His performances earned him a late call-up to the Netherlands squad for the Euros, replacing the injured Teun Koopmeiners. Zirkzee’s physical presence, combined with his technical skills, make him a valuable asset for the Dutch team.