The Super Eagles have been bolstered by a number of foreign-born Super Eagles stars who were born outside Nigeria. Many of the finest players in recent years have Nigerian heritage but grew up in Europe or elsewhere. In particular, fans searching for “top Nigerian footballers from England” will find that some of the team’s key players grew up in London and other parts of Britain. This list profiles notable Nigerian internationals born abroad – from England to the Netherlands – exploring each star’s background, career journey and impact on Nigeria’s national team. The article features both footballers that have played and those currently wearing the Super Eagles jersey.
1. Ademola Lookman (Born in Wandsworth, England)
Ademola Lookman was born on 20 October 1997 in Wandsworth, Greater London, to Nigerian parents. He came through the youth ranks at Charlton Athletic in England, eventually moving to Everton and then to Germany’s RB Leipzig before joining Atalanta in Italy. Lookman’s journey reflects the path of a truly outstanding talent: he quickly made a name for himself with speed and skill on the wing. Internationally, Lookman elected to play for Nigeria and scored in an Africa Cup of Nations match in 2021. Notably, he starred in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, scoring a hat-trick for Atalanta and was named African Footballer of the Year for his performances. As a leading attacking player, Lookman has become one of the Super Eagles’ most exciting foreign-born stars, bringing flair and technical prowess to the team.
2. Joe Aribo (Born in Camberwell, England)
Joseph “Joe” Aribo was born and raised in Camberwell, South London. Despite growing up in England, he chose to represent Nigeria internationally due to his heritage. Aribo started his career at Southend United and then moved to Rangers in Scotland, where he developed into a creative midfielder. His drive and versatility have made him a finest example of Nigerian footballers from England contributing to the national side. In 2021, Aribo played a starring role as Nigeria reached the Africa Cup of Nations final (on home soil), helping the team finish as runners-up. His dynamic midfield presence and goals in key matches have made him an indispensable member of the Super Eagles, embodying the strong connection between English-born players and Nigeria’s squad.
3. Calvin Bassey (Born in Aosta, Italy)
Calvin Bassey was born on 31 December 1999 in Aosta, Italy to Nigerian parents but was raised in London. He began at the Arsenal academy in England and later moved to Fulham, before earning a high-profile transfer to Ajax in the Netherlands. Bassey, a powerful left-back/centre-back, made his Nigeria debut in 2021 and played in the African Cup of Nations that year. As a defender, his contributions have strengthened the Super Eagles’ back line. Described as an outstanding young talent, Bassey represents the new generation of diaspora players (“top Nigerian footballers from England“) who have quickly become important at the international level. His club success in Europe has translated to impressive performances for Nigeria, exemplifying how foreign-born players boost the team’s quality.
4. Ola Aina (Born in Southwark, England)
Ola Aina was born in Southwark, London, on 5 October 1996. The right-back graduated from Chelsea’s youth system in England and later played for Torino in Italy and Hull City in the English Championship. In 2019, Aina accepted a call-up to the Super Eagles, citing pride in his Nigerian heritage. He has since become a leading defensive figure for the team, providing energy and crossing ability from the back. Aina’s journey underscores the trend of English-born players strengthening Nigeria’s roster. As one of the best overseas-born defenders, he combines experience in top European leagues with a deep commitment to Nigerian football, making him a key member of the squad.
5. Maduka Okoye (Born in Düsseldorf, Germany)
Maduka Okoye was born on 28 August 1999 in Düsseldorf, Germany. A goalkeeper of Nigerian descent, he trained in Germany’s youth systems before turning professional. Okoye made waves as a teenager at Sparta Rotterdam in the Netherlands and earned his Nigeria debut in 2019. He was the Super Eagles’ starting goalkeeper at the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite being Germany-born, Okoye expressed that playing for Nigeria was a “dream come true” for him. His journey illustrates the importance of European-born players in the squad. By 2023 Okoye signed for Watford in England, and he continues to compete for Nigeria’s number one spot. His presence brings confidence and modern goalkeeping skills to the Super Eagles.
6. Semi Ajayi (Born in Crayford, England)
Semi Ajayi, born on 9 November 1993 in Crayford, London, is a central defender who started his career in England and Turkey. Ajayi won promotion to the Premier League with Cardiff City in 2018 and later played for West Bromwich Albion. In 2019 he declared for Nigeria and was quickly a mainstay in defence. His physicality and aerial strength make him one of the finest center-backs in the team. Ajayi’s inclusion illustrates how Nigerian footballers from England have become pillars of the national side’s defense. He played every minute of Nigeria’s 2021 AFCON campaign, helping the team reach the final, and has amassed many caps since debuting in 2018. An elite defender, Ajayi is often praised for leadership and skill, showing how a foreign-born defender can shine for Nigeria.
7. Felix Agu (Born in Osnabrück, Germany)
Felix Agu was born on 8 December 1970 in Osnabrück, Germany. He spent the majority of his club career in Germany (notably at Bochum, Köln and Duisburg) and earned 15 caps for Nigeria between 1996 and 2002. Agu was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2002 World Cup. His career is a reminder that German-born players have also featured for the Super Eagles. As one of the early Nigerian internationals raised in Europe, Agu contributed veteran experience and defensive stability. Though he is now retired, Agu’s legacy as a leading foreign-born player shows that Nigeria’s talent pool has long included players born overseas.
8. William Troost-Ekong (Born in Haarlem, Netherlands)
Born on 1 September 1993 in Haarlem, Netherlands, William Troost-Ekong is a center-back who grew up in Europe before representing Nigeria. He played youth football at Everton and clubs in the Netherlands and Denmark before establishing himself at Bursaspor in Turkey. Troost-Ekong made his Nigeria debut in 2015 and was captain of the Olympic team in 2016. Since then he has earned over 50 caps, including at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Known for his intelligence and timing, Troost-Ekong is regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest defenders of his generation. His career highlights include winning the Turkish Cup with Kasimpasa and solid performances for Udinese in Italy’s Serie A. Troost-Ekong’s rise from Dutch-born youth to Nigeria stalwart makes him a top example of Nigeria’s elite foreign-born talents.
9. Cyriel Dessers (Born in Tongeren, Belgium)
Cyriel Dessers was born on 8 December 1994 in Tongeren, Belgium to a Belgian father and Nigerian mother. He developed his early career in Belgium and the Netherlands, and later played in Italy and Scotland. In 2021, Dessers opted to represent Nigeria and scored on his debut. Though new to the international scene, his club form at Feyenoord and Rangers indicates high potential. As a forward, Dessers brings a goalscoring presence, as seen by his winning goal in the 2021 UEFA Europa Conference League final for Feyenoord. Even though his tenure with Nigeria began recently, he adds depth to the attack. Dessers joins the ranks of players representing Nigeria born in Europe, showing that even Belgian-born players can become Super Eagles.
10. Nathan Tella (Born in Stevenage, England)
Nathan Tella was born on 5 July 1999 in Stevenage, England. A striker by trade, he played for Arsenal and Southampton youth teams before establishing himself at Burnley and then Bayer Leverkusen. In 2023 Tella accepted a call-up to the Super Eagles, marking his first senior international action. With his flair and finishing ability, Tella has quickly made an impression, scoring on his Nigeria debut. His case highlights how even though he was born and raised in England, he chose Nigeria at the senior level. As a promising young talent, Tella adds to Nigeria’s attacking options and continues the trend of Nigerian footballers from England stepping up for the national team.
11. Jordan Torunarigha (Born in Chemnitz, Germany)
Jordan Torunarigha was born on 7 August 1997 in Chemnitz, Germany. A central defender trained at Hertha Berlin, he played for Germany at youth levels before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2023. That year, Torunarigha helped Nigeria’s Olympic team win bronze at the 2023 Africa Cup. He combines German-style defensive education with Nigerian passion and physicality. Torunarigha’s move to Nigeria as an adult shows the growing pool of talent with dual heritage. As a leading defender for Gent in Belgium, he brings club experience at a high level. His international debut was celebrated by fans searching for “foreign-born Super Eagles stars”, as he represents both the Nigeria-Germany connection and the new generation of dual-nationals.
12. Peter Odemwingie (Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan)
Peter Odemwingie was born on 15 July 1981 in Tashkent, then part of the Soviet Union (modern-day Uzbekistan). His father was Nigerian and his mother Russian, and he moved to Nigeria as a child. Odemwingie had a prolific club career in Europe – most famously with West Bromwich Albion in England, where he scored 30 Premier League goals – and also played in France, Belgium and other countries. He debuted for Nigeria in 2002 and went on to earn 63 caps, playing in two World Cups and four African Cup of Nations. Known for his pace and finishing, Odemwingie was one of Nigeria’s greatest forwards of his era and won three Premier League Player of the Month awards. Despite his unique birth country, he always identified with Nigeria, inspiring other players born abroad to represent the Super Eagles. He remains a Nigerian football icon for both Nigerian fans and the diaspora community.
13. Leon Balogun (Born in Berlin, Germany)
Leon Balogun was born on 28 June 1988 in Berlin, West Germany to a Nigerian father and German mother. A centre-back known for his tactical acumen, he played for Mainz in the German Bundesliga and later for Brighton in England. Balogun switched to the Nigeria national team in 2014 and quickly became a key defender, even captaining the side. He was part of Nigeria’s teams at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Balogun’s composed style and experience make him one of the Super Eagles’ best defensive players. As a Germany-born player, he bridged two footballing cultures and helped secure Nigeria’s defense through crucial tackles and leadership. His international career underscores how Europe-born stars – like those born in England – greatly boost Nigeria’s squad quality.
14. Efe Sodje (Born in Greenwich, England)
Efetobore “Efe” Sodje was born on 5 October 1972 in Greenwich, London, England. He grew up in England but chose to play for Nigeria, debuting in 2000. A towering centre-back, Efe played for several English clubs including Huddersfield and Bury. He helped Nigeria win silver at the 2008 Olympics. Known for wearing a headband with “Against All Odds” during matches, Sodje became a fan favorite. He remains one of Nigeria’s finest defensive players from the diaspora. His story is especially notable as part of the famous Sodje family: multiple brothers (see below) also played professionally. Efe’s contributions – including two African Cup of Nations finals (2000, 2010) – cemented his legacy as a top foreign-born Super Eagle from England.
15. Chuba Akpom (Born in Newham, England)
Chuba Akpom was born on 9 October 1995 in the London Borough of Newham (Greater London). He came up through Arsenal’s academy and played in the English leagues before moving to PAOK Thessaloniki and then Ajax in the Netherlands. Akpom was capped by England at youth level, but in 2022 he made the decision to switch allegiance to Nigeria. He scored on his Nigeria debut in a friendly, signaling his arrival on the international stage. Akpom’s decision adds another name to the list of players representing Nigeria born in Europe. He has continued to find the net in top European competitions and could become an excellent addition to Nigeria’s attack. As someone born and raised in England, he epitomizes the modern Super Eagle who grew up abroad but plays for Nigeria.
Despite being born outside Nigeria, all these players – from Lookman and Aribo in England to Troost-Ekong in the Netherlands and Dessers in Belgium – have embraced their Nigerian heritage. They illustrate how foreign-born Super Eagles stars have become an integral part of the national team. Their diverse backgrounds show that Nigeria draws top talent from its diaspora to stay competitive on the world stage.
Conclusion
The Super Eagles’ roster features many players who grew up abroad but chose to represent Nigeria, from England and Europe to as far as Uzbekistan. Each of these foreign-born stars – including Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, Peter Odemwingie and many more – brought unique experiences and skills from their clubs overseas. Their impact has helped Nigeria remain a continental powerhouse. As the team moves forward, the blend of home-grown and top-class diaspora talent (especially Nigerian footballers from England) continues to enrich Nigerian football and inspire fans worldwide.
