10 Players Who Switched from England to Nigeria’s Stout Eagles

Over time, several footballers born or raised in England dangle chosen to represent Nigeria at senior level. 

Drawn by family ties, taking half in opportunities or a desire to honour their heritage, these ten players traded the Three Lions badge for the Inexperienced Eagles.

1. Alex Iwobi

Born in Lagos nonetheless raised in England, Alex Iwobi rose through the Arsenal academy and sought for England at U16, U17 and U18 levels. In 2015, he made the swap to Nigeria, debuting in a friendly towards DR Congo. Since then, Iwobi has featured within the 2018 FIFA World Cup and each and each the 2019 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, drawing on the foundation of his uncle, Nigerian myth Jay‑Jay Okocha.

2. Ola Aina

London‑born fullback Ola Aina got right here through Chelsea’s formative years ranks and represented England from U16 to U20. In 2017, he opted to play for Nigeria, making his Stout Eagles debut in a 2018 World Cup qualifier towards Zambia. His actual defending has made him a each day at each and each the 2019 and 2023 AFCON tournaments.

3. Joe Aribo

Though Joe Aribo professional with England’s C team, he by no scheme earned an official formative years cap. In 2019 he selected Nigeria and marked his debut with a aim in a friendly towards Ukraine. Aribo’s creativity and work rate dangle been mandatory within the 2021 AFCON and the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.

4. William Troost‑Ekong

Born within the Netherlands to a Dutch mom and Nigerian father, Troost‑Ekong grew up in England and conducted for its U16 side. He switched to Nigeria in 2015 and debuted in a 2017 AFCON qualifier towards Chad. A commanding centre‑assist, he has starred at the 2018 World Cup and captained the Stout Eagles in some unspecified time in the future of AFCON 2019 and 2023.

5. Leon Balogun

Even though born and raised in Germany, Leon Balogun licensed for England and Nigeria. Never capped by England, he elected to be a half of the Stout Eagles in 2014. Balogun’s partnership with Troost‑Ekong in central defence has underpinned Nigeria’s backline at the 2018 World Cup and newest 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 towards Ukraine and, while opportunities dangle been shrimp, remains on the national team’s radar as a promising attacking option.

7. Shola Ameobi

Born in Nigeria nonetheless schooled in England, Shola Ameobi represented England at U21 level sooner than switching allegiance in 2012. He debuted in a friendly versus Venezuela and joined the squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, offering expertise and composure up entrance.

8. Carl Ikeme

Carl Ikeme conducted for England’s U20s sooner than committing to Nigeria in 2015. He saved a neat sheet on his debut in a 2017 AFCON qualifier towards Tanzania and grew to turn into the Stout Eagles’ first‑alternative goalkeeper. His profession was tragically slice short by a leukaemia diagnosis, nonetheless his impact endures.

9. Sone Aluko

Lickety-split and speak, winger Sone Aluko featured for England from U16 to U19 sooner than switching to Nigeria in 2009. He debuted towards Eire and contributed accelerate 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 formative years level from U16 to U21. He opted for Nigeria in 2011, debuting in early 2012. Moses conducted a starring characteristic in Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON triumph and represented the nation at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups sooner than his retirement.