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Five Nigerian players, led by Super Eagles defender, Zaidu Sanusi, are set to feature in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the US, displaying Nigerian talent on the global stage.
Five Nigerian players are set to feature in the highly anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off this Saturday in the United States.
Leading the charge is Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi of FC Porto, joined by teammates and compatriots spread across top clubs competing in the global tournament.
Nigerian Stars to Watch
Onuche Ogbelu (Esperance ST, Central Midfielder, born 2003)
A rising star who featured prominently for Nigeria at the U20 AFCON 2023, playing in every game except one.
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Although he did not get minutes at the U20 World Cup, Ogbelu made headlines with a stunning 30-metre strike that secured the Tunisian Cup for Esperance earlier this month.
A product of the renowned Fosla Academy in Abuja, founded by former NFF President Alhaji Sani Lulu, Ogbelu is quickly making his mark on the international stage.
Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Left Back, born 1997)
A dependable defender for Portuguese giants FC Porto and the Super Eagles, Sanusi brings experience and solidity to the Nigerian contingent.
His presence in one of Europe’s top leagues adds valuable depth to the Nigerian representation at the tournament.
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Rilwanu Haliru Sarki (Al Ain, Left Winger, born 2004)
Sarki shone brightly at the U20 AFCON 2023 and elevated his performance at the U20 World Cup 2023, scoring a crucial goal and providing an assist across both competitions.
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His late stunner against Argentina in Brazil sent Nigeria to the last eight, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.
Joshua Udoh (Al Ain, Forward, born 2008)
One of the youngest Nigerian prospects, Udoh is part of the Al Ain squad competing in the tournament, representing the next generation of Nigerian talent.
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Hassan Sani Mohammed (Al Ain)
Also part of the UAE-based club’s squad, Mohammed adds to the Nigerian presence in the competition.
About the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
The 21st edition of the FIFA Club World Cup is set to be the biggest yet, held in the United States with a revamped format featuring 32 teams from all six football confederations.
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Unlike previous editions that featured only seven teams, this expanded tournament will run over a month, showing top clubs from Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, North America, and Oceania.
European clubs have the largest representation with 12 teams, including heavyweights like Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.
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South America sends six teams, while Asia, Africa, and North & Central America each contribute four.
The United States, as host nation, has three clubs participating: Inter Miami, Los Angeles FC, and Seattle Sounders.
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The 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four, with Nigeria’s representatives spread across different clubs and groups:
Esperance de Tunis (Group D)
Al Ain (Group G)
FC Porto (Group A)
The comepetition promises to be intense, with clubs vying for the prestigious title and a chance to showcase their talents on a global stage.
Defending champions Manchester City headline Group G alongside Al Ain and Juventus, while European giants like Real Madrid and Chelsea are also in the mix.
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With five Nigerians set to feature prominently, the Nigerian influence will be felt across the tournament.
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