Nigeria may not be participating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but players of Nigerian birth and heritage ensured the country’s presence was felt on the second day of the tournament.
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Former Nigeria-eligible striker, Folarin Balogun, stole the spotlight with a brilliant brace as co-hosts the United States defeated Paraguay 4-1, while Abuja-born Tani Oluwaseyi and fellow Nigeria-eligible forward Promise David featured for Canada as the co-hosts secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The results also meant that none of the three host nations lost their opening matches, after Mexico had earlier set the tone with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday.
Balogun produced one of the standout performances of the opening round as the United States began their campaign in emphatic fashion before a capacity crowd of 70,492 at SoFi Stadium.
The 24-year-old forward scored twice in the first half to put Paraguay under pressure and help the Americans cruise to victory.
The United States took an early lead after Damian Bobadilla turned the ball into his own net, before Balogun doubled the advantage after being set up by captain Christian Pulisic.
Balogun then added his second goal shortly before halftime, firing a clinical finish into the top corner to send the home supporters into celebration.
Substitute Giovanni Reyna completed the dominant display with a fourth goal in stoppage time.
Balogun’s brace earned him a place in United States football history, as he became the first American player to score more than once in a World Cup match since Bert Patenaude’s famous hat-trick against Paraguay in 1930.
The achievement also carried significance for Nigerian football followers. Balogun was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Nigerian parents, moved to England as an infant and developed through Arsenal’s academy system.
He represented England at youth level and was also eligible to play for Nigeria before eventually committing his international future to the United States.
While Balogun dominated the headlines, Canada also had Nigerian influence in their Group B clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Canadians appeared to be heading for defeat after Jovo Lukic gave Bosnia the lead in the 21st minute.
Despite dominating large spells of the match and creating several chances, Canada struggled to find the equaliser until substitute Cyle Larin came off the bench to rescue the co-hosts with a goal less than three minutes after his introduction.
The goal secured a 1-1 draw and gave Canada their first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s connection to the historic result came through Oluwaseyi and David, both of whom were introduced as Canada pushed for a way back into the game.
Oluwaseyi was born in Abuja before relocating to Canada and has become one of the country’s attacking options in recent years.
David, who is also eligible to represent Nigeria, was also called upon as Canada intensified their search for an equaliser.
The opening days of the World Cup have again highlighted Nigeria’s strong contribution to global football talent.
Although the Super Eagles are absent from the tournament, footballers of Nigerian descent continue to play important roles for other nations on the world stage.
As the competition progresses across Mexico, Canada and the United States, more players with Nigerian roots are expected to feature and possibly make major contributions at football’s biggest event.
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