Super Eagles Hit by Fresh Blow as Denmark Names Premier League Nigeria-Eligible Player in Squad
Published 17 Mar 2026 at 6:36 PM by Chukwu Ikechukwu. 3 min read.
Nigeria has been dealt another significant setback in their ongoing efforts to secure dual-national football talents, following Denmark's inclusion of two Nigeria-eligible players in their latest squad announcement. This development underscores the persistent challenges facing the Nigeria Football Federation in convincing players with dual nationality to commit to the Super Eagles, particularly as European nations act swiftly to secure their international futures.
Denmark Names William Osula in World Cup Playoff Squad
Denmark head coach Brian Riemer has named a 25-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup playoffs, with Newcastle United forward William Osula and FC Midtjylland midfielder Philip Billing, both of whom have Nigerian roots, making the list. Osula's inclusion is particularly noteworthy, as the 22-year-old has been rewarded for his recent impressive form, including a match-winning goal against Manchester United earlier this month.
His performances have earned him a recall to the Danish national team, where he now has the opportunity to make his senior debut. For Nigeria, this situation is alarming because a single competitive appearance for Denmark in their upcoming clash against North Macedonia would effectively tie Osula to the European nation, permanently ending any hopes of him representing the Super Eagles in the future.
Although Osula was previously an unused substitute in earlier qualifiers, this latest call-up strongly suggests that Denmark is now prepared to integrate him into their senior squad, moving quickly to secure his international allegiance.
Philip Billing Already Out of Reach for Nigeria
While Osula's situation remains unresolved, Philip Billing is no longer an option for Nigeria. The midfielder, who now plays for FC Midtjylland, had previously attracted interest from the Nigeria Football Federation during the tenure of former coach Gernot Rohr. However, Billing went on to represent Denmark in a competitive game against Austria in the UEFA Nations League back in 2022, permanently committing his international future to the Scandinavian side.
His inclusion in the latest squad serves as a stark reminder of how Nigeria has previously missed out on players who could have significantly strengthened the team's midfield options, highlighting a pattern of lost opportunities in recruiting dual-national talents.
Denmark Prepares for World Cup Playoffs
Denmark is currently preparing for a decisive run of matches in the race to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to reports, Riemer's side will face North Macedonia in a playoff semi-final at Parken Stadium on March 26. A victory would see the Scandinavian team progress to a final showdown against either the Czech Republic or the Republic of Ireland.
The Danish national team has a strong track record, having regularly qualified for FIFA World Cup finals and making their sixth and most recent appearance at Qatar 2022. This consistent success makes them an attractive option for players like Osula, further complicating Nigeria's recruitment efforts.
Related Development: Manchester United Star Snubs Nigeria for Germany
In a related development, it has been reported that Manchester United forward Noah Ajayi has made an important international decision early in his career, opting to represent the Germany Under-19 team ahead of Nigeria. The 17-year-old attacker, who is eligible to play for the Super Eagles or Flying Eagles through his Nigerian father, has received his first call-up to Germany's youth setup for the upcoming qualifiers for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
This decision adds to the growing list of dual-national players choosing European nations over Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for the Nigeria Football Federation to enhance its strategies in talent retention and recruitment.
Authors: Chukwu Ikechukwu (Sports Editor). Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media. His career has seen him contribute his expertise to prominent media outlets such as Today FM, Wish FM, Silverbird Communications, and Sports Brief. Chukwu has covered prominent sporting events, including the African Wrestling Championship, NPFL matches, AFCON, and World Cup qualifiers.
