Nigeria has strengthened its ties with Germany in recent years due to an increasing number of footballers with Nigerian roots born in Germany.
Players like Leon Balogun, Kevin Akpoguma, Jordan Torunarigha, and Maduka Okoye have all switched their allegiance from Germany to Nigeria, while others such as Jamal Musiala and Karim Adeyemi opted to represent the German national team, Die Mannschaft.
Bayer Leverkusen's Francis Onyeka is a rising star who could follow the path of fellow Nigeria-eligible players. The German-born forward has been in sensational form, scoring five goals in six games for Germany's U-17 team during the European Championship qualifiers. He has also impressed in the UEFA Youth League, where his performances have caught the attention of top scouts.
With Victor Boniface unavailable for Bayer Leverkusen's upcoming UEFA Champions League encounter against Stade Brestois 29 due to injury, Onyeka has been called up to replace the Nigerian international.
Here’s everything you need to know about the young talent, Francis Onyeka.
Francis Onyeka’s background
Francis Ikechukwu Onyeka was born on April 29, 2007, in Gummersbach, Germany, to Nigerian parents. The 17-year-old is fully aware of his Nigerian heritage despite representing Germany at the youth level.
Onyeka is considered one of the brightest prospects in German football, drawing comparisons to other young talents who have successfully transitioned to senior football.
Francis Onyeka’s club career
Onyeka’s football journey began at a young age. He started playing for SC Borussia Lindenthal-Hohenlind, an amateur club based in Cologne, Germany.
Recognizing his immense potential, Bayer Leverkusen’s academy snapped him up when he was just seven years old.
In the 2021/2022 season, Onyeka was promoted to Bayer Leverkusen's U17 squad, where he quickly made a name for himself. Fast forward to the 2023/2024 season, Onyeka has now become a key player for the club’s U19 squad.
His impact on the youth setup has been nothing short of remarkable. Onyeka has played 71 games for Bayer Leverkusen's youth teams, scoring 27 goals and providing eight assists since the 2021/2022 season.
His prolific record has earned him a promotion to the senior team, although he continues to feature regularly for the youth sides.
His performances haven’t gone unnoticed. Onyeka was listed among The Guardian’s 60 most promising young footballers under the age of 20, solidifying his status as one of the brightest prospects in world football.
Francis Onyeka’s international career
Although born in Germany, Francis Ikechukwu Onyeka’s roots lie in Nigeria.
Despite his current commitment to Germany’s youth teams, Onyeka’s future remains open.
So far, Onyeka has represented Germany from the U-15 to U-18 levels, accumulating 22 appearances and scoring 11 goals. His prolific goal-scoring record has made him a standout performer for Germany’s youth teams.
However, he remains eligible to switch allegiance to Nigeria and could represent the Super Eagles or Nigeria's U20 or U23 teams in the future.
Given the recent history of players with dual nationality choosing Nigeria, Onyeka’s international future could become a topic of interest, particularly if he continues his upward trajectory in club football.
Francis Onyeka’s playing style and best position
Onyeka is a versatile attacking player who primarily operates as a central attacking midfielder, often wearing the number 10 shirt. His adaptability makes him a valuable asset across various positions.
His versatility and football intelligence make him an exciting prospect for Bayer Leverkusen.
What’s next for Francis Onyeka?
As Francis Onyeka continues to rise through the ranks at Bayer Leverkusen, his performances will likely attract attention from Nigeria’s football authorities. His eligibility for the Super Eagles presents an intriguing option for Nigeria.
With his current trajectory, Onyeka is well on his way to becoming a star in European football.