Over the years, several footballers born or raised in England have chosen to represent Nigeria at senior level.
Drawn by family ties, playing opportunities or a desire to honour their heritage, these ten players traded the Three Lions badge for the Green Eagles.
1. Alex Iwobi
Born in Lagos but raised in England, Alex Iwobi rose through the Arsenal academy and appeared for England at U16, U17 and U18 levels. In 2015, he made the switch to Nigeria, debuting in a friendly against DR Congo. Since then, Iwobi has featured in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and both the 2019 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, drawing on the inspiration of his uncle, Nigerian legend Jay‑Jay Okocha.
2. Ola Aina
London‑born fullback Ola Aina came through Chelsea’s youth ranks and represented England from U16 to U20. In 2017, he opted to play for Nigeria, making his Super Eagles debut in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Zambia. His dependable defending has made him a regular at both the 2019 and 2023 AFCON tournaments.
3. Joe Aribo
Though Joe Aribo trained with England’s C team, he never earned an official youth cap. In 2019 he chose Nigeria and marked his debut with a goal in a friendly against Ukraine. Aribo’s creativity and work rate have been vital in the 2021 AFCON and the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.
4. William Troost‑Ekong
Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, Troost‑Ekong grew up in England and played for its U16 side. He switched to Nigeria in 2015 and debuted in a 2017 AFCON qualifier against Chad. A commanding centre‑back, he has starred at the 2018 World Cup and captained the Super Eagles during AFCON 2019 and 2023.
5. Leon Balogun
Although born and raised in Germany, Leon Balogun qualified for England and Nigeria. Never capped by England, he elected to join the Super Eagles in 2014. Balogun’s partnership with Troost‑Ekong in central defence has underpinned Nigeria’s backline at the 2018 World Cup and recent AFCON tournaments.
6. Josh Maja
A London native who featured for England’s U16 side, striker Josh Maja declared for Nigeria in 2019. He made his debut against Ukraine and, while opportunities have been limited, remains on the national team’s radar as a promising attacking option.
7. Shola Ameobi
Born in Nigeria but schooled in England, Shola Ameobi represented England at U21 level before switching allegiance in 2012. He debuted in a friendly versus Venezuela and joined the squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, offering experience and composure up front.
8. Carl Ikeme
Carl Ikeme played for England’s U20s before committing to Nigeria in 2015. He kept a clean sheet on his debut in a 2017 AFCON qualifier against Tanzania and became the Super Eagles’ first‑choice goalkeeper. His career was tragically cut short by a leukaemia diagnosis, but his impact endures.
9. Sone Aluko
Fast and direct, winger Sone Aluko featured for England from U16 to U19 before switching to Nigeria in 2009. He debuted against Ireland and contributed pace on the flanks across qualifiers and friendlies, helping the team through key rebuilding phases.
10. Victor Moses
Born in Nigeria and raised in England, Victor Moses won caps at every England youth level from U16 to U21. He opted for Nigeria in 2011, debuting in early 2012. Moses played a starring role in Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON triumph and represented the country at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups before his retirement.