I remember the excitement in my uncle’s voice when he told me about his friend’s son, a promising footballer named Bukayo Saka. “That boy is special,” he said proudly. “He’s going to wear the green and white one day!” At the time, I believed it too. Saka’s Nigerian roots seemed destined to tie him to the Super Eagles. But not long after, I watched him don an England jersey, and my uncle’s excitement faded into frustration. “We lost another one,” he sighed — a story all too familiar for Nigerian football fans.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In recent years, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have lost potential stars like Saka ($130 million), Fikayo Tomori ($35 million), and Eberechi Eze ($40 million) to England’s calculated cap-tie strategy. This talent drain has cost Nigeria over $100 million in potential player value, leaving fans and analysts questioning how such promising players keep slipping away. And it’s not just limited to players in England — the talent drain also extends to the European Union, where Nigeria’s football future continues to be undermined.
England’s Tactic: Securing Dual-Nationals Early
England’s approach is both strategic and effective — identifying Nigerian-eligible players early and offering senior caps to secure their loyalty. This tactic strengthens England’s depth while limiting Nigeria’s ability to call up key talents.
For players, the appeal is understandable. Playing for England means access to top facilities, elite coaching, and greater global exposure. However, soccer analyst John Akinwale, a former scout for the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), believes many players are used as tactical pawns.
“England’s strategy isn’t about developing these players long-term,” Akinwale explained. “Players like Tomori and Eze could have been crucial for Nigeria, but instead they remain on England’s bench with limited opportunities.”
Nigeria’s Loss: A Struggle for Quality Talent
Nigeria’s football success has historically blended homegrown players with talented diaspora recruits. While some, like Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina, embraced their Nigerian roots, others never got that chance.
For every Iwobi, there’s a Chuba Akpom or Jacob Murphy — players who explored Nigeria only after England overlooked them. This pattern has weakened Nigeria’s chances in major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.
Adekunle Ibitoye, a Nigerian sports journalist, criticized the NFF’s lack of urgency. “The NFF isn’t aggressive enough in scouting and convincing players with Nigerian heritage,” Ibitoye stated. “We’ve lost top-tier talent by waiting too long or failing to present Nigeria as a serious career option.”
Missed Opportunities: The Sad Stories of Nigerian Talent Lost to England
• Gabriel Agbonlahor: The former Aston Villa striker earned just three England caps before being discarded. Nigeria had expressed interest, but by the time England moved on, his best years were behind him.
• Carlton Cole: Cole, who earned seven England caps between 2009 and 2010, never became a regular squad member. Nigeria lost out on a strong striker who could have bolstered their attack.
• Ugo Ehiogu: Despite an impressive club career, Ehiogu made just four England appearances from 1996 to 2002. Nigeria missed the chance to gain a formidable defender.
• Dele Alli: Once one of England’s brightest prospects, Dele Alli’s career has since declined, with injuries and form struggles limiting his progress. He previously had the option to play for Nigeria, making his story another painful reminder of what could have been.
• Tammy Abraham & Fikayo Tomori: Both players chose England despite their Nigerian roots, yet they have struggled for consistent opportunities. Tomori’s early recruitment by England — scouted as early as age seven — shows how proactive England’s talent strategy has been.
• Eberechi Eze: Despite years of attempts from Nigeria’s Football Federation, England successfully secured Eze’s loyalty in 2023. With limited opportunities in a competitive England squad, his international career now hangs in uncertainty.
The story extends beyond players tied to England, reaching the larger European football landscape, where Nigeria has also suffered losses in potential talent.
Nigerian Talent Lost in the European Union
• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (France/ Gabon): Born in France to a French mother and Gabonese father with Nigerian roots, Aubameyang chose to play for Gabon, but his Nigerian ties are undeniable. While he may not have played for the Super Eagles, his potential could have greatly bolstered Nigeria’s forward line. His success in European football further emphasizes the missed opportunity.
- Ethan Ampadu (Italy/Wales): Despite his mother’s Nigerian heritage, Ampadu opted to represent Wales. Now playing in Italy’s Serie A with AS Roma, Ampadu’s defensive skills could have strengthened Nigeria’s backline.
- Chris Smalling (England/Italy): Born in England to a mother of Nigerian descent, Smalling chose to represent England. His strong defensive presence could have been a valuable addition to Nigeria’s defense during key international competitions.
- Dele Alli (England): Despite his Nigerian father, Alli committed to England at a young age. Once a rising star in European football, Alli’s career struggles highlight the unpredictable nature of player decisions.
- Tammy Abraham (England): Despite heavy interest from Nigeria, Abraham chose to represent England. While he experienced mixed fortunes in the English setup, his goal-scoring ability could have been a game-changer for the Super Eagles.
- Fikayo Tomori (England): Born in Canada to Nigerian parents but raised in England, Tomori joined the English national team despite Nigeria’s attempts to recruit him. His move to AC Milan has seen him excel in Serie A, making him a major defensive asset Nigeria missed out on.
- Eberechi Eze (England): Despite Nigeria’s persistent efforts to convince him, Eze ultimately chose England. With limited opportunities in England’s crowded midfield, his skills could have flourished with Nigeria.
- Bukayo Saka (England): Despite his Nigerian roots, Saka’s decision to play for England marked a significant blow to the Super Eagles. His versatility and creative play have made him a standout in English football.
- Angelo Ogbonna (Italy): Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, Ogbonna’s defensive abilities earned him a place with the Italian national team. His decision reflected the tough choices many dual-nationality players face.
- Noah Okafor (Switzerland): With Nigerian heritage, Okafor emerged as a top talent for Switzerland’s national team. His attacking prowess could have significantly boosted Nigeria’s forward options.
- David Alaba (Austria): Despite his Nigerian father, Alaba chose to represent Austria. His leadership and defensive skills could have had a major impact on Nigeria’s international campaigns.
- Ademola Lookman (England/Nigeria): After representing England at youth level, Lookman switched allegiance to Nigeria in 2022. His success shows how proactive engagement can influence players with Nigerian heritage.
- Sunday Oliseh (Belgium/Nigeria): Unlike others, Oliseh embraced his Nigerian roots early, becoming a key Super Eagles midfielder in the 1990s. His story contrasts the struggles of securing talent in recent years.
• Ethan Ampadu (Italy/Wales): Though Ampadu chose Wales, his mother’s Nigerian roots could have seen him representing the Super Eagles. Playing in Italy’s Serie A with AS Roma, he is a player with strong potential for a top-tier international career, further widening the gap between Nigeria and its European counterparts.
Experts’ Views: The Cost of Lost Talent
The toll on Nigeria goes beyond missing out on valuable players. The cost extends into endorsement deals, sponsorships, and potential revenue that these players generate for their respective countries. The lost value in talent has had significant ramifications in the market.
John Akinwale pointed out that “players like Saka and Tomori are worth millions not just for their on-field performances, but also their marketability. Nigeria’s footballing landscape has missed out on potential sponsorships and endorsements, not to mention the opportunity to attract young fans and investors.”
Sports business analyst, Tolu Aderibigbe, stated, “When players like Saka represent England instead of Nigeria, the country loses out on millions of dollars in commercial partnerships and brand exposure, especially as these players rise to stardom on the global stage. The ripple effect reaches beyond football; it affects businesses, youth participation, and the overall reputation of Nigeria as a footballing nation.”
The Financial Impact on Nigerian Football:
According to sports business analyst Felix Adetunji, Nigeria’s loss extends beyond player value. “With these players, Nigeria could have attracted major endorsement deals, improved ticket sales, and grown a stronger brand identity,” Adetunji explained. “We estimate that Nigeria’s football industry has lost over $318 million in potential revenue.”
Sports pundit John Akinwale echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strategic nature of European recruitment. “European nations understand the value of locking in talented Nigerian dual-nationals early,” Akinwale stated. “The NFF’s delayed engagement and lack of organized talent recruitment strategies are key reasons Nigeria has struggled.”
Lessons from Ademola Lookman: A Success Story for Nigeria
Ademola Lookman’s story offers a rare win for Nigeria. After winning the U-20 World Cup with England in 2017, Lookman switched allegiance to Nigeria in 2022. He has since become a standout figure for the Super Eagles, showing that choosing Nigeria can elevate a player’s career.
Sports analyst Tolu Aderibigbe believes Lookman’s case highlights a key lesson. “The NFF played an active role in Lookman’s decision,” Aderibigbe explained. “They stayed in touch with him, presented Nigeria as a serious option, and provided him with a clear path to international success. That’s exactly what’s been missing in previous cases.”
The Way Forward for Nigeria
To secure future talent, the NFF must adopt a proactive strategy:
• Early Engagement: Identifying and contacting Nigerian-eligible players before rival nations do.
• Building Relationships: Maintaining communication with players and their families to foster strong connections.
• Creating a Clear Pathway: Showing players that Nigeria offers stability, career growth, and international visibility.
• Investing in Infrastructure: Developing world-class training facilities to compete with top European setups.
With Nigerian talent continuing to emerge across Europe, Nigeria must act swiftly to protect its football future. The Super Eagles’ success depends on making Nigeria the preferred choice for rising stars — not a backup plan when other dreams fade. The staggering $318 million lost due to the strategic maneuvers of other countries is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake.
