{"id":838914,"date":"2025-04-04T12:12:05","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T17:12:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/04\/saka-musiala-olise-ten-most-valuable-players-who-could-have-played-for-nigeria\/"},"modified":"2025-04-04T12:12:05","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T17:12:05","slug":"saka-musiala-olise-ten-most-valuable-players-who-could-have-played-for-nigeria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/04\/saka-musiala-olise-ten-most-valuable-players-who-could-have-played-for-nigeria\/","title":{"rendered":"Saka, Musiala, Olise \u2013 Ten most valuable players who could have played for Nigeria"},"content":{"rendered":"

Soccer <\/p>\n

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Nigeria have long been a breeding ground for top footballing talent, producing stars such as Victor Osimhen<\/a>, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi<\/a>, and Victor Boniface, who have shone across Europe\u2019s elite leagues, Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, the Super Eagles<\/a> could have been even stronger had several dual-nationality players chosen to represent them.<\/p>\n

Several footballers of Nigerian descent have chosen to represent other nations, particularly European giants, leaving fans to ponder what could have been.<\/p>\n

Had these players opted for Nigeria, the Super Eagles could have boasted a squad capable of making a serious push for World Cup glory.<\/p>\n

\"Soccer
The superstars who could have played for Nigeria: Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise. Photo by IMAGO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here\u2019s a look at the 10 most valuable players, according to Transfermarkt<\/a>, who had the option to represent Nigeria but ultimately chose a different path.<\/p>\n

Soccer 10. Karim Adeyemi \u2013 \u20ac40m (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)<\/h2>\n
\"Soccer
The superstars who could have played for Nigeria: Karim Adeyemi. Photo by IMAGO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Borussia Dortmund winger, whose father was born in Ibadan, opted to represent Germany despite strong ties to Nigeria.<\/p>\n

Adeyemi\u2019s<\/a> blistering pace and goal-scoring ability would have made him a perfect fit in the Super Eagles\u2019 attack, but he is now part of a new generation of German stars.<\/p>\n

Soccer 9. Joshua Zirkzee \u2013 \u20ac40m (Netherlands, Manchester United)<\/h2>\n
\"Soccer
The superstars who could have played for Nigeria: Joshua Zirkzee. Photo by IMAGO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Born to a Nigerian mother and a Dutch father, Zirkzee could have been leading the line for the Super Eagles but chose the Netherlands instead.<\/p>\n

The powerful forward, who recently secured a move to Manchester United, has developed into a versatile striker with an eye for goal.<\/p>\n

Soccer 8. Dominic Solanke \u2013 \u20ac45m (England, Bournemouth)<\/h2>\n
\"Soccer
The superstars who could have played for Nigeria: Dominic Solanke. Photo by IMAGO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite being 27, Solanke remains a highly valuable striker with a proven goal-scoring record in the Premier League.<\/p>\n

He played a key role in England\u2019s youth success, winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017, where he was named the tournament\u2019s best player. His senior career with the Three Lions has been limited to just three appearances, but he could have had a significant impact for Nigeria.<\/p>\n

Soccer 7. Destiny Udogie \u2013 \u20ac45m (Italy, Tottenham Hotspur)<\/h2>\n
\"Soccer
The superstars who could have played for Nigeria: Destiny Udogie. Photo by IMAGO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The marauding left-back, currently impressing in the Premier League with Spurs, is another player Nigeria could have called upon.<\/p>\n

Udogie, who has Nigerian parents, has already earned 11 caps for Italy and is viewed as one of football\u2019s brightest defensive prospects.<\/p>\n

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