Germany began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a commanding 7-1 victory over Curaçao in their Group E opener, but the biggest talking point after the match was the impact of two former Super Eagles-eligible players Felix Nmecha and Jamal Musiala, who both chose to represent Germany instead of Nigeria and delivered standout goals in a dominant performance.
The match started at high intensity, with Germany striking early in the 6th minute when Felix Nmecha finished from close range after being set up by Florian Wirtz to make it 1-0.
Curaçao responded bravely and equalised in the 21st minute through Livano Comenencia, whose deflected effort beat the goalkeeper to level the game at 1-1.
Germany regained control in the 38th minute when Nico Schlotterbeck rose highest to head home from Nathaniel Brown’s corner, restoring the lead at 2-1.
Just before half-time, Kai Havertz converted from the penalty spot after Riechedly Bazoer brought down a German attacker, sending Germany into the break 3-1 ahead.
In the 47th minute, Jamal Musiala made it 4-1, finishing calmly from close range after a precise assist from Joshua Kimmich.
The Bayern Munich star dictated play between the lines and constantly troubled Curaçao’s defence with his movement and creativity.
In the 68th minute, Nathaniel Brown added the fifth goal, reacting quickest inside the box to turn in a low cross from Deniz Undav, with VAR confirming the goal after a brief check.
Curaçao also had a goal ruled out for offside, further denting their hopes.
Deniz Undav then got on the scoresheet in the 78th minute, finishing off another Kimmich-assisted move to make it 6-1.
Germany, however, were not done. In the 88th minute, Undav turned provider as Kai Havertz produced a clever chipped finish over the goalkeeper to complete the rout at 7-1, capping a dominant attacking display from Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
However, beyond the result, the narrative was shaped by Felix Nmecha and Jamal Musiala two highly talented players of Nigerian heritage who opted to represent Germany at international level.
Both were eligible to play for Nigeria through their family roots but developed their careers within Germany’s football system and ultimately committed their futures to the European giants.
Their decision has long been a talking point among Nigerian football followers, and on this occasion, it came into sharper focus as both players scored in Germany’s opening World Cup match, playing key roles in a performance that highlighted the quality Nigeria never gained at international level.
Wale Adejumo
Photo credit: dfb.de
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