Zachary Athekame ruled out for Super Eagles after Switzerland cap-tie
Zachary Athekame, AC Milan right-back currently on loan at Lyon, will no longer be eligible to play for Nigeria after appearing for Switzerland in a UEFA Nations League match against North Macedonia that ended 3-0. He provided assists for both goals scored by Zeki Amdouni in that appearance, which cap-tied him to Switzerland.
Nigeria loses a promising dual-eligible defender who could have strengthened the Super Eagles right-back position. Born in Geneva to a Nigerian father, Athekame had represented Switzerland at youth level (17 U21 caps, unused sub in the 2026 World Cup qualifier vs Slovenia) and has started the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season strongly with Lyon, scoring two goals and two assists in five matches. His commitment to Switzerland reduces Nigeria's pool of available talent amid ongoing efforts to secure other dual-eligible players such as Manuel Akanji, Noah Okafor, Simon Sohm, Isaac Schmidt, and Eseosa Aigbogun.
The Nigeria Football Federation has been unsuccessful in persuading these players to choose Nigeria, highlighting the challenge of convincing diaspora athletes to prioritize the Super Eagles over their countries of birth or upbringing. Meanwhile, Onyinyechi Zogg opted for the Super Falcons but remains eligible for Switzerland. Should the NFF adjust its recruitment strategy, focus on developing homegrown talent, or improve incentives for dual-eligible players to bolster future squads?