German-born Nigerian midfielder Felix Nmecha has shared his excitement about a groundbreaking moment for the Igbo community in European football.

Following the arrival of Carney Chukwuemeka on loan from Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund now boasts two players of Igbo descent in their squad for the first time ever.

And Nmecha believes it is more than just a coincidence; it is history in the making.

“It’s very special,” the 23-year-old told Afro Ballers during a Club World Cup appearance.

“We’ve never had two players of Igbo descent playing for Borussia Dortmund at the same time before.”

For many Nigerian football fans, this is a proud moment. Not just because both players are making headlines in one of Europe’s biggest clubs, but because they carry with them a piece of home, a representation of Igbo excellence on the global stage.

Born in Hamburg to a German mother and Igbo father, Nmecha’s connection to Nigeria runs deep, even though he spent much of his youth in England after his family relocated in 2007.

Alongside his brother Lukas, he grew up balancing European football ambition with African cultural identity, as seen on Wikipedia.

“I’m very connected and close to my roots,” Felix said. “My dad’s Igbo and we share that passion for our people.”

“It’s nice to have another Igbo and Nigerian player to play together with here. I’m very connected to the music, the food. I’ve tried to learn a few words here and there, but I think I need to learn a few more,” he added.

His cultural pride mirrors that of many young Nigerians in the diaspora, proud of their African identity, while making major strides in foreign lands.

Felix Nmecha signed for Dortmund in July 2023 on a five-year deal after impressing at Wolfsburg.

His journey includes representing both England and Germany at the youth level, and in 2023, he received his first senior call-up for the German national team, Soccernet reports.

Carney Chukwuemeka, meanwhile, made a surprise loan move from Chelsea in February 2025, with Dortmund retaining the option to make the deal permanent.

Both players are now starring for the German giants in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Their presence at Dortmund is not just about skill; it is about visibility, pride, and cultural identity.

For many Nigerians, especially those from the South-East, seeing both players at Dortmund represents something bigger than football; it is a symbol of Igbo greatness shining on the world stage.

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that another Borussia Dortmund forward, Karim Adeyemi, has explained his reasons for choosing to represent Germany over Nigeria at the international level.

Born in Munich to a Nigerian father and Romanian mother, Adeyemi was eligible to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles but decided to pledge his allegiance to Germany.

Although he has opted to represent his country of birth, the 23-year-old has continued to identify with his African roots.

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Source: Legit.ng