Nigeria, June 10 -- When the FIFA World Cup kicks off in Canada, Mexico and the United States, one of Africa's traditional football powers will be conspicuously absent.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament, extending the country's wait for a return to football's biggest stage.

But as fans go through FIFA's final squad lists, one thing stands out: players with Nigerian names, Nigerian roots and Nigerian heritage are everywhere

The Super Eagles may not be at the World Cup, but players with Nigerian roots will feature for some of the tournament's biggest contenders, including England, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Canada and the United States.

This intriguing development means that, while Nigeria will no...