Nigeria, June 13 -- Nigeria may not be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Nigerian-born and Nigerian-heritage players ensured the country's presence was felt on the tournament's second day.

Former Nigeria-eligible striker Folarin Balogun stole the spotlight with a brilliant brace as co-hosts the United States thrashed Paraguay 4-1, while Abuja-born Tani Oluwaseyi and fellow Nigeria-eligible forward Promise David featured for Canada as the hosts secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The performances ensured that none of the host teams lost their opening games with Mexico already setting the tone with their 2-0 win over South Africa on Thursday.

Balogun delivered one of the standout pe...