The Super Eagles have been the toast for foreign-born players lately as superstars born abroad are eagerly anticipating putting on the Nigerian jersey.

The foreign-born players in the national team has increased exponentially in recent years starting under the leadership of former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick.

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and recently crowned CAF Men’s Player of the Year Ademola Lookman per BBC, all chose Nigeria over their nations of birth.

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina is also among the few who have chosen to represent Nigeria over England, while the likes of Leon Balogun, Maduka Okoye, and Joe Aribo also towed the same paths.

These set of players have made playing for the Super Eagles a thing of pride for other foreign-born footballers as many are now willing to switch their allegiance to play for the three-time African champions.

Aina lists benefits of picking Nigeria over England

Born in England to Nigerian parents, Ola Aina was one of the few players who realised early that playing for the Super Eagles has more benefits than waiting for a Three Lions call-up.

"There's no better feeling than playing for Nigeria. It just fills you up..."

Ola Aina and Alex Iwobi kinda agree with Mikel Obi on players with African roots. https://t.co/Q19xY8TpSj pic.twitter.com/BNQtLAbf62

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) August 16, 2024

The 28-year-old Nottingham Forest defender started his international career playing for England’s youth teams but switched his allegiance to Nigeria in 2017 and has been a mainstay in the team ever since.

According to Transfermarkt, Aina has made 44 appearances for the Super Eagles and was a member of the silver-winning team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast last year.

“It means a lot. It’s a big honor to play for the Super Eagles. Every time I put the jersey or t-shirt on, it’s a great feeling — one that can’t really be matched.

“It’s really nice. I love playing for Nigeria, and hopefully, I can keep on playing for Nigeria for many more years. It’s actually going to Nigeria and playing there in front of the fans. It’s fun and I really enjoy it.” Aina was quoted by Complete Sports

With the appointment of Eric Chelle, Aina will hope the Malian tactician can help Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the only tournament he has yet to play in as a Super Eagles player.