Three Nigerians are set to play for other countries when the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, starts in Morocco this weekend.
They are midfielder Junior Olaitan, forward Aiyegun Tosin and forward Uche Ikpeazu.
The trio are set to represent the Benin Republic and Uganda, respectively, after career choices or international circumstances redirected their allegiance.
Olaitan and Tosin are expected to represent the Benin Republic, while Ikpeazu will feature for Uganda at the AFCON.
Olaitan was born in Benin to a Nigerian father and Beninese mother, but was raised in Nigeria. The Göztepe midfielder has already faced Nigeria several times in competitive matches in the past.
Tosin was born in Lagos to a Nigerian father and Beninese mother. Despite his Nigerian roots, he never featured for the Super Eagles. The 27-year-old Lorient star was called up by Benin in 2022 and later faced Nigeria several times in qualifiers, including the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, which Eric Chelle’s men won 4-0.
Ikpeazu was born in London to an Igbo Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother. The St. Johnstone forward made his senior international debut for Uganda in September 2025 and will face his father’s nation, Nigeria, at the 2025 AFCON.