The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals feature several players with Nigerian eligibility or heritage, despite the Super Eagles not qualifying for the tournament.
France became the first team to reach the semi-finals after beating Morocco 2-0, while Spain face Belgium, Norway play England and Argentina meet Switzerland in the remaining last-eight ties.
Among the eight quarter-finalists are players who are eligible to represent Nigeria, as well as others who have already played for the Super Eagles.
England and Belgium include Nigeria-linked players
England midfielder Ethan Nwaneri is eligible to represent Nigeria through his father.
The Arsenal player has represented England at youth level and has progressed into the senior set-up, but remains one of several players of Nigerian heritage to have emerged through England’s development pathway.
Belgium winger Chidera Ejuke is the only Nigeria international among the remaining quarter-finalists.
The 28-year-old, who was born in Zaria, has earned senior caps for the Super Eagles and remains part of Belgium’s World Cup squad after their victories over Senegal and the United States in the knockout stages.
Spain defender also eligible for Nigeria
Spain centre-back Dean Huijsen is eligible to represent Nigeria through his family background.
The defender, who has previously represented the Netherlands at youth level before switching to Spain, is part of the Spanish squad that reached the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Portugal.
The remaining quarter-finalists – France, Norway, Argentina and Switzerland – do not include players currently known to be eligible to represent Nigeria in their tournament squads.
Nigeria has previously selected several dual-national players, including Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey and Ademola Lookman, all of whom were eligible to represent other national teams before making senior appearances for the Super Eagles.
