Despite their Nigerian heritage, AC Milan right-back Zachary Athekame and SC Freiburg centre-back Bruno Ogbus are prioritising Switzerland at senior level ahead of the 2026 World Cup, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Both players are eligible to represent the Super Eagles through their Nigerian fathers but are provisionally cap-tied to Switzerland, where they were born.

The Nigeria Football Federation are believed to be monitoring Athekame and are hopeful of persuading him to switch allegiance.

Athekame appears to be a fan of the Super Eagles as he follows the three-time African champions on social media.

Regarded as two of Switzerland's most promising young defenders, Athekame has featured in 26 matches for AC Milan this season, while Ogbus has made 14 appearances for Freiburg’s first team.

Ahead of Switzerland’s European U21 Championship qualifiers against the Faroe Islands, both players expressed their ambition to represent Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup.

When asked if the tournament is on their minds, Athekame told Bluewin: "Yes. That’s a very clear goal of mine."

Ogbus added: "I think every footballer would like to play in a World Cup. Of course, I hope so, and it would make me very happy."

Athekame was called up for Switzerland's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Slovenia last October but remained an unused substitute, while Ogbus has yet to receive his maiden senior call-up

The dual-national players completed the full match as Switzerland U21s secured a 1-0 win over the Faroe Islands on Thursday, March 27.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: acmilan.com