With just a month to go before the Super Eagles' crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, none of the players linked with a nationality switch to Nigeria have had their applications approved, at least based on FIFA’s Jurisprudence database.
The Super Eagles find themselves in a difficult position in Group C, sitting fifth with three points from four matches. Eric Chelle‘s side remain winless in the campaign, having recorded three draws and one loss.
With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, securing maximum points next month is imperative.
Amid these struggles, discussions around diaspora-born reinforcements have gained traction, with several players linked to a potential switch. However, despite widespread reports, there is no official confirmation that any such process has been completed.
Which diaspora-born players have been linked to the Super Eagles?
Reports have suggested that the likes of Jacob Murphy, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Lesley Ugochukwu all indicated interest in switching allegiance to Nigeria.
Murphy, eligible through his Nigerian father, has represented England at youth level but remains uncapped at the senior stage.Chukwuemeka and Ugochukwu have also played for England and France, respectively, at youth level and remain eligible for Nigeria.
However, FIFA’s official records indicate that no player has been granted a switch to Nigeria in recent months. While this does not rule out ongoing applications, it suggests that none of the speculated names are close to completion.
The lack of movement regarding these players suggests that reports of their imminent inclusion were premature.
Nigeria has previously convinced players such as Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and William Troost-Ekong to switch allegiances, but as it stands, no new recruits are set to join ahead of the must-win qualifiers in March.
