The RB Leipzig winger, born to a Nigerian father, delivered a man of the match display that eliminated Cote d’Ivoire and had social media buzzing.
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Nigerian-born winger Antonio Eromonsele Nordby Nusa lit up the FIFA World Cup on Monday night, scoring a stunning goal for Norway in a 2-1 win over Cote d’Ivoire that knocked the Ivorians out of the tournament.
The goal carried historic weight for Norway, marking the country’s first knockout stage goal at a World Cup in 88 years, and Nusa was named man of the match for his all round display. His numbers on the night were near flawless, including a perfect success rate on his long balls, every shot he attempted hitting the target, and three ball recoveries to go with the goal.
Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano highlighted the historic nature of the moment on social media, noting that Nusa’s goal marked Norway’s first at a World Cup knockout stage in 88 years.
From Langhus To The Bundesliga
The 21 year old’s rise has been rapid. He started out at Langhus before joining Stabæk’s youth setup at 13, signing his first professional contract there in May 2020. A move to Belgian side Club Brugge followed in the summer of 2021, and he marked his Champions League debut with a goal in a 4-0 win away to FC Porto in September 2022, a feat that made him the youngest Norwegian player to appear in the competition and the second-youngest goalscorer in Champions League history regardless of nationality.
Nusa signed a five year deal with RB Leipzig in August 2024 and has continued to develop into one of European football’s most exciting wide players, earning the nickname the “Norwegian Neymar” along the way.
A Nigerian Connection Nigeria Can Be Proud Of
Nusa’s father is Nigerian, giving the winger’s World Cup heroics an extra layer of resonance back home even though he has represented Norway at every level. His display against Cote d’Ivoire has made him a talking point across Nigeria, Norway and the wider football world, adding his name to the growing list of players of Nigerian descent making an impact on the global stage.
📌 Did You Know?
- Norway had gone 88 years without scoring at a World Cup knockout stage before Nusa’s goal against Cote d’Ivoire.
- Nusa’s Champions League debut goal for Club Brugge made him the second youngest scorer in the competition’s history at the time.
- He signed his first professional contract with Stabæk in May 2020 before his move to Belgium a year later.
- Cote d’Ivoire became the third African team eliminated from the tournament following their defeat to Norway.
- Nusa joined RB Leipzig on a five year contract in August 2024 after his breakout spell at Club Brugge.
- The nickname “Norwegian Neymar” reflects the flair and dribbling ability that have defined Nusa’s playing style.
- Players of Nigerian descent representing other nations at major tournaments has become an increasingly common storyline in recent World Cups.
