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Earlier this year, African football took centre stage with the Africa Cup of Nations. That particular contest was won by hosts Ivory Coast, who defeated Nigeria in the final thanks to second-half strikes from Franck Kessie and Sebastian Haller. Now, however, our continent has to take a back seat as Europe and UEFA Euro 2024 take the limelight. So far, there have been goals aplenty in Germany this summer, particularly from the hosts, who demolished Scotland 5-1 in the opening game, before brushing aside Hungary in their second game by two goals to nil.
But while the Super Eagles may not be in action this summer, plenty of players with Nigerian ancestry certainly are. Here are three players with Nigerian roots who could play a starring role at Euro 2024 this summer.
Over the last four years, Bukayo Saka has developed into one of the best wingers on the planet. The talented young star’s rise from Arsenal’s academy to becoming one of the Three Lions’ most promising talents has been nothing short of spectacular. Despite being just 22 years of age, he already has 226 senior appearances under his belt, as well as a further 35 international caps.
Born in London, to Nigerian parents, Saka has always embraced his heritage. However, now is the time to put the country of his birth first, and he will be aiming to lead the English to a first major trophy in 58 years in Germany this summer. Gareth Southgate’s side was originally made the favourites by websites that allow you to place a soccer bet online, but they have since drifted out to +450 third favourites, behind France and Germany. That comes following back-to-back lacklustre displays against Serbia and Denmark.
At Euro 2024, Saka will again be a key player for Gareth Southgate’s squad. He shot to prominence in the previous edition of the tournament by forcing his way into the first team, ahead of Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish, but he made headlines for all the wrong reasons despite his stellar displays. It was his crucial penalty that was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma that ensured that it was Italy that won the tournament at England’s expense, and this summer, Saka will be on the hunt for redemption
Eberechi Eze’s journey from the lower leagues of English football to the Premier League is an inspirational story. Like Saka, he was born in London to Nigerian parents, but his journey to the top has been far different to the one enjoyed by his Three Lions teammate. While Saka has been able to enjoy the luxuries of Arsenal’s state-of-the-art facilities from a young age, Eze bounced around four youth academies in the Big Smoke – with one of them being the Gunners – before finally getting a chance with Queens Park Rangers.
After an impressive loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers, the 25-year-old managed to force his way into the first team at Loftus Road and proceeded to set the world alight, securing a £15m move to Crystal Palace in the summer of 2020. Since moving to Selhurst Park, he has gone on to form a devastating partnership with French winger Michael Olse, and their wizardry throughout the 2023/24 season caught the eye of England boss Gareth Southgate, who promptly brought Eze into the national team.
His playmaking abilities are reminiscent of some of the greatest number 10s in football history. His vision and ability to pick out a pass, combined with his goal-scoring capabilities, make him a dual threat. For England, Eze could be the creative spark that the team desperately needs to unlock stubborn defences at Euro 2024 – something they have struggled to do at the tournament thus far.
While Manuel Akanji represents Switzerland, he could have chosen to represent the Super Eagles through his Nigerian father. Instead, he opted for the country of both his and his mother’s birth, and the Swiss have been lucky to have the giant central defender in their ranks. His imposing physique, combined with excellent ball-playing abilities, have seen him shine in perhaps the best team in Europe at present, Manchester City.
His talent has been on full display at Euro 2024 already. The former Borussia Dortmund man is the linchpin of Switzerland’s defence. His leadership at the back, coupled with his ability to initiate attacks from deep, will be critical for the Swiss as they look to advance far in the tournament. Akanji secured the Man of the Match award following the 1-1 draw against Scotland in their second group game, and with four points from their first two games, they have already secured their spot in the second round.
How far the Swiss go at the tournament remains to be seen, but one thing that is for certain is that they won’t be conceding too many goals with Akanji in defence. They will be hoping that catapults them towards the latter stages of Euro 2024.
