From Nigeria’s youth ranks to Belgium’s rising star, Promise David’s journey takes a decisive turn as he commits to Canada’s national team.

In the bustling football landscape of Belgium’s Jupiler League, a young striker has been making waves—Promise David. The 23-year-old, who plies his trade at Royale Union SG, has been a revelation, mirroring the path once taken by Nigeria’s Victor Boniface before his rise to stardom.

Born in Ontario, Canada, to Nigerian parents, David had once pledged his international future to Nigeria. He featured briefly for the country’s U-23 side but never quite broke through. However, after years in the shadows, his fortunes changed when Union SG signed him from Estonian club Kalju FC last July for a modest €400,000. Since then, he has flourished, netting seven goals and providing two assists in 18 league matches.

With Nigeria’s national team stacked with elite forwards like Victor Osimhen, Boniface, and Cyriel Dessers, breaking into the Super Eagles’ squad seemed an uphill battle. Meanwhile, Canada, co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, presented a clearer path. Reports from The Athletic confirm that David has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of his decision to represent Canada at the senior level.

While the Super Eagles struggle in their World Cup qualifiers, sitting fourth in Group C, Canada has already secured its place in the tournament. This played a pivotal role in David’s decision. He now joins a growing list of players of Nigerian descent choosing the Canadian red, including Tani Oluwaseyi, Cyle Larin, and Sam Adekugbe.

As Promise David steps onto the global stage in new colors, his decision marks another chapter in the evolving story of international allegiance—a tale of talent, opportunity, and the pursuit of footballing dreams.