When the “Norwegian Neymar” opened the scoring in Norway’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 victory over Côte d’Ivoire, you could be forgiven for mistaking the two.
Okay, maybe that is a slight exaggeration, but the flair, audacity, and magic behind Antonio Nusa’s brilliant solo effort were all reminiscent of the Brazilian superstar.
Unlike many wingers who struggle to switch flanks, Nusa is equally effective on both wings. He is well-known for his explosive pace and direct style of play, making him a formidable counter-attacker.
His technical skill and flair have earned him the Neymar comparisons. Nigerian-born winger Antonio Eromonsele Nordby Nusa lit up the FIFA World Cup on Monday night, scoring a stunning goal for Norway in a 2-1 victory over Cote d’Ivoire, which eliminated the Ivorians from the tournament.
Nusa’s father is Nigerian, giving the winger’s World Cup heroics extra resonance in his home country, despite the fact that he has represented Norway at all levels. His performance against Cote d’Ivoire has made him a talking point in Nigeria, Norway, and around the football world, adding his name to the growing list of Nigerian-born players making an impact on the global stage.
He grew up just outside Oslo and started playing football with the local club Langhus before joining Stabaek Fotball’s academy at the age of 13. He joined Club Brugge in 2021 and quickly established himself as a regular starter for the Belgian side at the age of 17, putting him on the radar of several Premier League clubs.
Potential deals with Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur fell through, but excitement grew around Nusa’s raw talent. On 13 September 2022, he scored on his Champions League debut in a 4-0 away win over Porto, becoming the youngest Norwegian player and the second youngest player of any nationality in the competition.
The next step was a move to Germany, where RB Leipzig signed him in August 2024 on a five year deal, with a team style that suited his energetic, forward-thinking personality. Nusa, who primarily plays on the left wing, can ride defenders’ challenges and wriggle away from pressure thanks to his wiry frame and close control.
In August 2023, Nusa was called up to the Norway senior national team by head coach Ståle Solbakken for a friendly match against Jordan and a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia.
He scored his first international goal for Norway in his debut against Jordan, which the team won 6-0. On May 21, 2026, Norway national team manager Ståle Solbakken selected Nusa to the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The goal against Ivory Coast was historic for Norway, as it was the country’s first World Cup knockout stage goal in 88 years, and Nusa was named man of the match for his overall performance.
His statistics on the night were nearly flawless, with a perfect success rate on his long balls, every shot he attempted hitting the target, and three ball recoveries to go along with the goal.
There is more to expect from the Norwegian international. Seven goals and six assists in his first two Bundesliga seasons are numbers he will be desperate to improve on in the future. Coaches have praised his eagerness to learn and work ethic, qualities that have helped him cope with the pressure of being named one of Norway’s next superstars.
