Nigerian footballers, Williams Troost-Ekong, and Asisat Oshoola, have been trapped in their respective base in the Middle East following the ongoing military tensions between Iran and United States.
Troost-Ekong, Oshoola and six other footballers from the west African country are stranded following a shut down of airline activities Qatar and Saudi Arabia as part of a pre-approved security plan.
Other footballers whose movement is restrained in the region include George Ilenikhena, Francisca Ordega, Edidiong Udosen, Abdulah Oyekanmi, Ambrose Ochigbo, Christopher Boniface, Peter Olawale Aremu Owolabi and Suleiman Bello,
Ashleigh Plumptre, Tochukwu Oluehi, Kingsley Kuku, Ibrahim Tomiwa, Iyayi Atiemwen, Essien Ededem and Daniel Ajibola, Samson Dare Gbadebo, Joshua Akpudje, Benjamin Okoronkwo and Kalu Onyemaechi and Azeez Oseni.
Ekong is confined after Qatar Ministry of Defence closed its airspace after it intercepted incoming missiles as part of a pre-approved security plan.
Rising tensions between the United States and Iran, after joint strikes with Israel, have rattled the Middle East, triggering reprisals and security crackdowns that forced temporary football suspensions, leaving dozens of Nigerian players facing sudden uncertainty.
In Qatar, authorities confirmed that Iranian missiles were intercepted before entering national airspace, with residents in Doha reporting explosions overhead. Though the country’s infrastructure and security mechanisms are advanced, the atmosphere has inevitably unsettled routine life.
Troost-Ekong, Nigeria’s former national team captain, is among those based in the Qatari top flight after joining Al-Ahli. Udosen, at Umm Salal, has featured regularly in defence, playing 14 games this season, while in the second division, Ochigbo and Oyekanmi play for Al-Khor.
In Saudi Arabia, the most high-profile male Nigerian in the country is George Ilenikhena, who joined Al-Ittihad in January with a market valuation of €12m, making him the most valuable Nigerian currently active in the Middle East.
Anthony Okpotu is a regular player for Al-Jandal, while Aremu Owolabi and Suleiman Bello add to the Nigerian footprint in the lower tier.
The women’s game in Saudi Arabia also carries significant Nigerian influence with Oshoala’s arrival at Al-Hilal in 2025 represented one of the league’s most prominent international signings, reinforcing its growing ambition.
A-Ittihad has Francisca Ordega and Ashleigh Plumptre as well as Tochukwu Oluehi who has a consistent presence at Shualat Alsharqia.
Kingsley Kuku plays in Iraq for Al-Gharraf, while Ibrahim Tomiwa features for Al-Zawraa, Iyayi Atiemwen who has been added as an attacking thrust at Al-Mina.
Saviour Godwin remains one of the most recognisable Nigerian names in the UAE Pro League, with a valuation around €1.7m and a steady scoring contribution for Baniyas this season. At Al-Wahda, Favour Ogbu has featured in defence, while Elijah Benedict and Rilwanu Sarki continue to build experience at Dibba and Al-Ain respectively.
Abdul Ajagun has featured prominently for Al-Faisaly, bringing European experience to the Jordanian game.
Benjamin Okoronkwo and Kalu Onyemaechi have been operating in attacking roles for Al Wehdat and Al Salt SC, respectively, while Azeez Oseni has played 13 games for Al Ramtha . For these players, exposure in Jordan offers a platform for continental tournaments and potential moves elsewhere in Asia.
