David Urges Nigerians to Support Canada in World Cup

Canadian-Nigerian striker Promise David has asked Nigerian football fans to support Canada during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He expressed gratitude for the support he has received from Nigeria, even though he plays for Canada, according to The PUNCH.

David was born in Brampton, Ontario to Nigerian parents. The 24-year-old played for Nigeria at the youth level before switching to Canada in February 2025. Since then, he has earned 11 caps for Canada and scored three goals.

He recovered from a hip injury he got in February just in time to join Canada’s 26-man squad for the World Cup. This is Canada’s third appearance in the tournament.

In their first match, David assisted Canada’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium.

After the game, David called on Nigerian fans to keep supporting him and the Canadian team throughout the tournament. He said, "This is the biggest stage of football and obviously I want my Nigerian fans to always support me. Nigeria is not in it, but thank you for all the support so far," he told Nigerian journalist Bolarinwa Olajide.

David also mentioned Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface as someone who has influenced his career. He was one of several dual-nationality players that the Nigeria Football Federation approached before choosing to play for Canada. He explained his decision in an interview with The Athletic in 2025.

"Canadian football raised me, so I feel like I owe it back to Canada to perform for them," he said. "Playing for Nigeria was great, but it was just an opportunity. I like what Jesse Marsch has done with the team. You see the rapid increase."

He added, "I think being a part of that history is an opportunity I should not pass up."

Canada is aiming to move beyond the group stage on home soil. David is expected to play an important role in their campaign after showing himself as one of the country’s most promising attacking players.

Having earned their first-ever World Cup point last week, they are looking for their first win against Qatar on Thursday. After that, they will face Switzerland in their last group match on Wednesday, June 24.