Nigeria FA Targets Newcastle Forward William Osula for Super Eagles switch
by Devesh Jaganath | by Cydias Aujard
NFF Look To Add Further International Talent to Super Eagles Squad
Nigeria’s efforts to bolster their attacking options after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have gathered pace, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reportedly intensifying their pursuit of William Osula in a bid to persuade him to commit his international future to the Super Eagles.
The 22-year-old forward joined Premier League outfit Newcastle United from Sheffield United for €3m at the start of the 2024-25 season and has been one of the Magpies' standout performers in recent months after having limited opportunities to shine earlier in the campaign.
Osula’s breakthrough came at the start of March, when he scored a stunning winner against Manchester United at St. James’ Park. He has netted four goals this season, including two in his last three starts against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth this month.
Born in Copenhagen to a Danish mother and Nigerian-French father, Osula is eligible to represent several nations. While he has recently been handed a senior call-up with Denmark, he is still awaiting his competitive debut, leaving his long-term international future open.
Reports in recent days suggest that the NFF has made contact with the Magpies’ attacker to discuss the possibility of switching allegiance to Nigeria, where he would add to the team’s attacking options, alongside the likes of Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams.
Newcastle Eyeing Major Reinforcements for 2026-27?
While Osula’s decision regarding his international future will likely come by the start of the FIFA World Cup in June, his attention for the remainder of the campaign will firmly be to help Newcastle United make up as much ground in the Premier League as possible.
The Magpies have endured a very poor season by the standards expected, as they are languishing in 14th place with just 42 points after 34 games. While unlikely, they are still in danger of being sucked into the relegation scrap, currently only eight points above 18-th-placed Spurs.
A major contributor to their downfall this season has been their attacking output, with marquee summer signing Yoane Wissa having spent a large chunk of the season sidelined through injury, while Nick Woltemade has struggled for consistency in his first season on Tyneside.
It has been reported that Newcastle are now looking to bring in major reinforcements for next season, with Nicolas Jackson and Marcus Rashford both believed to be on their wishlist, given that it seems increasingly likely that their loan moves with Bayern Munich and Barcelona are unlikely to be extended.
