Euro 2024: Saka, Musiala, 5 Players of Nigerian Descent Set to Represent European Nations in Germany

Euro 2024: Saka, Musiala, 5 Players of Nigerian Descent Set to Represent European Nations in Germany

Raphael Abiola
June 14, 2024 at 6:54 PM
In this article:
UEFA European Championship logo
UEFA EURO
Europe
Bukayo Saka logo
B.Saka
Arsenal logoFEngland logo
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
Jamal Musiala logo
J.Musiala
Bayern Munich logoFGermany logo
Noah Okafor logo
N. Okafor
FC Salzburg logoFSwitzerland logo
Michael Folorunsho logo
M. Folorunsho
Verona logoMItaly logo
Manuel Akanji logo
M. Akanji
Manchester City logoDSwitzerland logo
Eberechi Eze logo
E. Eze
Crystal Palace logoMEngland logo
Joshua Zirkzee logo
J. Zirkzee
Manchester United logoFNetherlands logo
  • Nigeria will be largely represented at the 2024 UEFA European Championship in Germany despite not being from the region
  • The West African nation has a huge number of players with their roots representing European countries at the Euros
  • Sports Brief has compiled a list of players of Nigerian descent called up to represent their national team at Euro 2024

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The popular saying that 'Nigerians are everywhere around the world' will be evident at the 2024 UEFA European Championship in Germany.

Nigeria is known for producing several football talents but has missed out on some to other nations across the globe.

Sports Brief outlines players with Nigerian roots but representing a European nation at the Euros.

Jamal Musiala and Bukayo Saka lead the list of Nigerian players representing European nations at Euro 2024 in Germany. Photo: Harry Langer.
Jamal Musiala and Bukayo Saka lead the list of Nigerian players representing European nations at Euro 2024 in Germany. Photo: Harry Langer.
Source: Getty Images

Top players with Nigerian roots at Euros

1. Jamal Musiala - Germany

Musiala was included in Germany's 26-man squad for the competition after having a fantastic with Bayern Munich.

The 21-year-old midfielder was born to a Nigerian father in Germany but decided to represent Die Mannschaft internationally.

2. Manuel Akanji - Switzerland

The Manchester City defender was born in Switzerland and has represented the European nation from the youth level up to the national team.

The former Borussia Dortmund star has made over 50 appearances for the Swiss national team, and the Euro 2024 will be his second European Championship.

3. Noah Okafor - Switzerland

The AC Milan star also represents the Swiss national team internationally despite being of Nigerian descent.

The former Basel forward has found the back of the net twice in 22 appearances for the Red Crosses.

4. Michael Folorunsho - Italy

Folorunsho was tipped to represent Nigeria internationally but opted for the Euro 2020 winners after Luciano Spaletti named him in the 26-man squad for the Euros in Germany.

He has yet to make a competitive appearance for the Azzuris and could be cap-tied if he plays in any of Italy's games in the tournament.

5. Bukayo Saka - England

The Arsenal star was born to Nigerian parents, but he's been a vital member of the England national team since the last Euros.

The winger has visited Nigeria before and doesn't deny his connection with the West African nation in any way.

6. Eberechi Eze - England

The Crystal Palace star is a late addition to the Three Lions, and the Euros 2024 will be his first tournament.

He was previously called to the Super Eagles camp a few years ago but has always preferred representing his country of birth over the West African nation.

7. Joshua Zirkzee - Netherlands

Zirkzee initially didn't make the Netherlands' final 26-man squad for Euro 2024 but was called up to replace Teun Koopmeiners, who withdrew due to injury.

The former Bayern Munich striker was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch father and a Nigerian mother.

Favourites to win Euro 2024

Sports Brief earlier compiled a list of favourite teams to win Euro 2024 in Germany with Italy and Belgium not being included.

The Azzurri won the last edition after defeating England in the final at Wembley but are not favourites to retain their trophy in Germany.

Authors
Raphael Abiola photo
Raphael Abiola
Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over five years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015.