Nigerian stars chart different paths to African international football

For Nigerian youngsters with dual nationality or family ties across Africa, the route to international football does not always lead to the Super Eagles.

Across the continent, players with Nigerian heritage have built careers and represented countries connected to their birthplace, upbringing or family background. Some were born in Nigeria before developing elsewhere, while others were born in another country to Nigerian parents.

The latest example is Joseph Ede Oloko, the Lagos-born forward whose outstanding 2026 campaign in Latvia earned him his first senior call-up to the Benin national team.

Oloko’s breakthrough has again brought attention to a group of players whose Nigerian connections have formed part of their football journeys, even though they now represent other African nations.

Made in Africa sport highlights five players to watch: Junior Olaitan, Aiyegun Tosin, Ime Okon, Joseph Ede Oloko and Lawrence Agyekum.

Olaitan’s Benin pathway

Junior Olaitan’s story begins in Porto-Novo, Benin, where he was born to a Nigerian father and a Beninese mother.

However, much of his formative years were spent in Lagos, where he developed his early footballing foundations before returning to Benin.

Olaitan eventually joined Ayema FC in Porto-Novo, beginning his professional career before earning a move to France with Niort in 2022.

His performances at Ayema had already brought him to the attention of the Benin national team, and he made his senior debut in 2021.

In an interview with So Foot, Olaitan recalled the role Nigeria played in his development.

“I started in Lagos, then I returned to Benin, where I started with Ayema FC,” he said.

His career illustrates how a player can be shaped by more than one football environment, with Nigerian upbringing and Beninese heritage both forming part of his journey.

Aiyegun takes the Benin route

Aiyegun Tosin provides another example of a player born in Nigeria who has established himself internationally with Benin.

Born in Lagos, Tosin holds Nigerian and Beninese nationality. He began his professional career in Latvia with FK Ventspils before moving to FC Zürich in Switzerland and later French club Lorient. (FC Lorient⁠)

His time in Latvia proved particularly important, with Tosin making 89 appearances, scoring 35 goals and providing 20 assists for Ventspils before his move to Switzerland. (FC Lorient⁠)

Tosin chose to represent Benin at senior international level in 2022 and has since become part of the Cheetahs squad.

He featured for Benin at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, starting all four of the team’s matches, including the round-of-16 defeat by Egypt. 

His career demonstrates another route available to Nigerian-born players whose eligibility extends beyond Nigeria.

Okon chooses South Africa

Ime Okon’s connection to Nigeria comes through his father, but his football identity was shaped primarily in South Africa.

Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and South African mother, the defender developed through the South African football system, including SuperSport United. He later moved to Germany with Hannover 96.

Okon made his senior debut for Bafana Bafana against Mozambique at the 2025 COSAFA Cup before scoring his first international goal against Zimbabwe three days later. 

His international choice has been explained in terms of his connection to the country where he was born and raised.

Speaking about his decision, Okon said: “I know where my heart lies.”

He has subsequently reaffirmed his commitment to South Africa, despite his eligibility to represent Nigeria through his Nigerian father.

For Okon, birthplace, upbringing and football development have all contributed to the national team he represents.

Oloko earns his Benin opportunity

Oloko is the newest name to join the conversation.
The Lagos-born striker developed with 36 Lion FC in Nigeria before moving to AS Cotonou in Benin and later continuing his career in Europe.

His 2026 season with Latvian club Liepāja brought him firmly into the spotlight.

Oloko scored 26 goals and provided six assists in 30 matches across all competitions, according to CAF, earning a first senior call-up from Benin coach Gernot Rohr in September. (Confédération Africaine de Football⁠)

His family background also played a role in his international decision.

“My mother is Beninese, so I have always had that link with Benin. I also have Nigerian roots and I am proud of both sides of my identity,” Oloko told Joueurs Béninois. 

Oloko’s story therefore combines two elements that appear repeatedly among dual-national players: family heritage and football development across borders.

Agyekum’s Ghana connection

Lawrence Agyekum represents Ghana internationally, despite having a Nigerian mother.

Born in Ghana, Agyekum developed at the West African Football Academy before moving to Austria, where he joined Red Bull Salzburg and spent time with FC Liefering. He later moved to Belgium with Cercle Brugge. 

In 2024, Agyekum confirmed that his Nigerian mother makes him eligible to represent the Super Eagles, while he remained eligible for Ghana. 

His senior international career, however, began with Ghana

Agyekum made his Black Stars debut on 21 March 2025, coming on as a late substitute during Ghana’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Chad. 

His journey shows that Nigerian heritage can remain an important part of a player’s identity without necessarily determining the national team he eventually represents.

More than one route

The stories of Olaitan, Tosin, Okon, Oloko and Agyekum reveal different pathways into African international football.

For some, the connection to Nigeria comes through a parent. For others, it is rooted in childhood, birthplace or the football system in which they developed.

Their careers also demonstrate how increasingly fluid football development has become across Africa. Young players can begin in one country, develop in another and eventually represent a third country based on their eligibility and personal connection.

Oloko’s first Benin call-up is the latest example, but it is part of a broader pattern involving Nigerian youngsters whose careers have crossed national borders.

For these players, Nigerian heritage remains part of their stories, even as their international careers unfold under different flags.

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