According to a report by Punch, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Canadian-Nigerian striker Promise David has appealed to football supporters in Nigeria to continue backing him and the Canadian national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The forward, who was born in Brampton, Ontario, to Nigerian parents, expressed appreciation for the encouragement he has received from Nigerians despite representing Canada at the senior international level.
His comments came after Canada’s opening match of the tournament, where the co-host nation began its campaign with a draw and continued its quest for a place in the knockout stage.
Promise David’s football journey reflects the growing influence of dual-nationality players in international football.
Although he was eligible to represent both Nigeria and Canada, he initially featured for Nigeria at youth level before deciding to commit his senior international future to Canada.
The change of allegiance was completed in February 2025, allowing him to become part of the Canadian national team setup.
Since then, he has established himself as an important member of the squad, earning several international appearances and contributing goals as Canada prepared for the World Cup on home soil.
The 24-year-old forward faced a difficult period earlier in the year after sustaining a hip injury in February.
His recovery process raised concerns about whether he would be fit enough to participate in the tournament.
However, he successfully regained full fitness and was included in Canada’s final 26-man squad for the competition.
His return was viewed as a significant boost for the team, considering his growing reputation as one of the country’s most promising attacking players.
The striker has continued to demonstrate his importance to the squad through his performances and contributions in key matches.
Canada opened its World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium.
During the match, David played an influential role by providing the assist that led to Canada’s equalising goal.
His contribution helped the hosts secure a valuable point in front of their home supporters.
The performance further strengthened his standing within the team and highlighted the confidence that the coaching staff have placed in him.
As Canada seeks to progress beyond the group stage, the striker is expected to remain a key figure in the attacking lineup.
While discussing his football development, David acknowledged the impact that several players have had on his career.
Among those he mentioned was Nigerian international forward Victor Boniface, whom he regards as an important influence.
The striker has often spoken about the role of experienced professionals in motivating younger players to pursue excellence and maintain high standards in their careers.
His admiration for established footballers reflects the connections he continues to maintain with Nigerian football despite representing another national team.
Before making his final decision regarding his international future, David attracted interest from the Nigeria Football Federation, which sought to persuade him to represent the Super Eagles at senior level.
However, after considering his options, he chose to commit to Canada, citing his personal connection to the country where he was born and raised.
He also pointed to the progress made by the Canadian national team in recent years and the opportunity to contribute to a period of growth in the country’s football history.
The decision was regarded as an important moment in his career and one that helped shape his future on the international stage.
He said, “Canadian football raised me, so I feel like I owe it back to Canada to perform for them.”
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