Denmark national team coach Brian Riemer has named his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup playoff matches, with two players of Nigerian descent included, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

William Osula of Newcastle United is among the seven forwards selected in the 25-man squad.

The 22-year-old earns a recall after scoring the match-winning goal in a 2–1 victory over Manchester United on March 4, taking his tally to four goals in all competitions this season.

Osula’s inclusion in the Danish squad is particularly significant as even a brief appearance against North Macedonia on March 26 would render him ineligible to represent the Super Eagles in future.

Last September, he was an unused substitute in World Cup qualifying fixtures against Scotland and Greece, and would have been cap-tied to Denmark had he featured in either match.

Joining William Osula in the squad is FC Midtjylland midfielder Philip Billing, who had previously attracted interest from the Nigeria Football Federation and former coach Gernot Rohr.

Efforts by Rohr to secure the commitment of Billing proved unsuccessful as the former Bournemouth and Huddersfield Town star went on to feature competitively for Denmark against Austria in the Nations League in June 2022, thereby sealing his international allegiance.

Meanwhile, Manchester United wingback Patrick Dorgu is still recovering from a long-term injury and has been omitted from the Danish squad for their internationals in March.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: newcastleunited.com