Nigeria may not be at the 2026 World Cup, but Nigerian-born and Nigerian-heritage players made sure 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 in front of 70,492 fans at SoFi Stadium.
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 none of the host teams lost their opening games. Mexico had already set the tone with a 2-0 win over South Africa on Thursday.
Balogun delivered one of the standout performances of the opening round. The 24-year-old forward scored twice in the first half to put Paraguay firmly on the back foot.
An own goal from Damian Bobadilla handed the US an early lead. Balogun then doubled the advantage after being picked out by captain Christian Pulisic. He grabbed his second just before halftime, rifling a clinical finish into the top corner.
Substitute Giovanni Reyna added a fourth goal in stoppage time to complete a dominant American performance.
Balogun's double earned him a place in US football history. He became the first American player to score multiple goals in a World Cup match since Bert Patenaude's hat-trick against Paraguay in 1930.
The achievement carries additional significance for Nigerian football followers.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Nigerian parents, Balogun moved to England as an infant and progressed through Arsenal's academy system. He represented England at youth level and was also eligible for Nigeria before eventually committing his international future to the United States.
While Balogun grabbed the headlines, Canada also benefited from Nigerian influence in their Group B encounter against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Canadians appeared headed for defeat after Jovo Lukic gave Bosnia the lead in the 21st minute. Despite dominating large spells and creating numerous chances, the co-hosts struggled to find a breakthrough.
Substitute Cyle Larin rescued them with an equaliser less than three minutes after coming on. The goal secured a historic 1-1 draw and delivered Canada's first-ever point at a World Cup.
Nigeria's connection to the result came through substitutes Oluwaseyi and David, both introduced as Canada pushed for a way back into the game.
Oluwaseyi was born in Abuja before relocating to Canada. He's emerged as one of the country's attacking options in recent years. David, another player eligible to represent Nigeria, was also called upon as Canada intensified their search for an equaliser.
The opening days of the World Cup have once again highlighted Nigeria's enormous contribution to global football talent. Although the Super Eagles are absent, players of Nigerian descent continue to feature prominently for several competing nations. As the tournament progresses, more players with Nigerian roots are expected to take centre stage.