Roshan Nayak

What Are “Innit Boys”? The UK-Born Stars Leading Nigeria at AFCON 2025

AFCON, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Nigeria National Football Team

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) recently kicked off in Morocco on December 21, 2024, and the tournament has already delivered high drama, particularly for Nigeria, aka Super Eagles. This is the first AFCON to be held over the Christmas and New Year seasons (ending January 18, 2026), to avoid conflict with the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Nigeria started their Group C campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania at the Stade Foot Fes in Fez, Morocco. While they earned the much needed three points, the game was of a nervy nature.

Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a powerful header following a cross from Alex Iwobi.

Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Charles M’Mombwa equalized early in the second half (50′), briefly stunning the Super Eagles.

The game was sealed by Ademola Lookman just two minutes later (52′) with a brilliant strike from outside the box to restore the lead.

Star striker Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside and missed several clear chances, leading to some visible frustration when he was substituted late in the game.

Semi Ajayi was named as the Man of the Match for his defensive dominance and the opening goal.

However, the spotlight wasn’t about the performance of the Super Eagles after the game on the internet.

“Innit boys” is a common Nigerian football-Twitter expression used to describe the diaspora of the Super Eagles’ .

The term “Innit Boys” is an affectionate nickname for the growing number of players who were born or raised in the United Kingdom but have chosen to represent Nigeria internationally.

The term is a reference to their British accents and South London slang, notably the tag question “innit” (short for “isn’t it”), which is common in British lingo.

In a recent BBC Newsbeat interview conducted ahead of the 2025 AFCON, Alex Iwobi explained how the ‘Innit boys’ trend started in the Super Eagles’ team.

“So for the people that don’t understand what “innit boys” are, in Nigeria, there’s a lot of us that were raised in the UK and it started with Ola Aina who plays for Nottingham Forest”.

When he [Aina] first started coming up to Nigeria, he just kept on saying yeah in it, in it, in it.”

“So all the others also began to say in it, in it, in it”.

“So then the UK-Europe boys were classified as the “innit boys”.

Here is the full video below:

For years, the Super Eagles have drawn talent from throughout the globe, but the addition from the UK diaspora feels different. Players like Alex Iwobi, who spent his early years in London, and Ola Aina, a proud Southwark local, were among the pioneers. They’ve since been joined by a rising group including the aforementioned Lookman and Ajayi, with Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo, among others.

What makes this trend particularly interesting is that several of these players have already represented England at youth levels. Their decision to pledge allegiance to Nigeria is considered by many as a profound expression of identity and a testament to bend to their roots.

The list below comprises the “founding members” and the newer stars that fit the criteria of being born or bred in the UK and speaking with the characteristic “London” accent that gave the group its nickname.

Victor Moses: While he has retired from international football, he is often cited as the “Original Innit Boy.” He was born in Nigeria but moved to London as a child and paved the way for players like Iwobi to choose Nigeria over England.

Ola Aina: Often seen as the “leader” of the group, the one from whom the trend started. Born in Southwark, London. A childhood companion of Iwobi, the two went to the same primary and secondary schools.

Alex Iwobi: Born in Lagos but migrated to Newham, East London, at age 4, coming through the ranks of the Arsenal academy. He is the nephew of Jay-Jay Okocha.

Ademola Lookman: Born in Wandsworth, London. He is presently the star performer of the bunch, scoring key goals in the 2023 and 2025 AFCON campaigns.

Semi Ajayi: Born in Crayford, South London. He was the star of the recent 2025 AFCON opening versus Tanzania.

Calvin Bassey: Born in Italy but reared in Newham, East London. Known for his “tough” London intensity on and off the pitch.

Joe Aribo: Born in Camberwell, London, and raised in Mitcham. A vital midfield presence since his debut in 2019.

While the above seven are the most prominent, several other current or recent squad members are often grouped into this diaspora subculture:

William Troost-Ekong: Though born in the Netherlands, he was raised in England and attended boarding school in Hertfordshire. He often acts as the “bridge” between the Innit Boys and the rest of the squad.

Josh Maja: Born in Lewisham, London.

Gabriel Osho: Born in Reading, England (recently called up to the squad).

Bright Osayi-Samuel: Born in Nigeria but moved to London (Woolwich) at a young age and developed in the English league system.

The “Innit Boys” were vital in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. Their presence has generated a “reverse migration” in football, pushing more dual-nationality players (from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands) to commit to the Super Eagles early in their careers.

The Super Eagles face a massive test in their next match against Tunisia this Saturday in the 2025 AFCON. This game will likely decide who wins Group C and gets an easier path through the knockout stages.

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