Lots of searches for Antonio Nusa’s parents have spiked worldwide after the RB Leipzig winger helped Norway reach their first-ever World Cup quarter-final, with a stunning 2-1 win over Brazil on July 5, 2026, following his goal against Côte d’Ivoire in the Round of 32.
The 21-year-old was born to a Nigerian father, Joe Nusa, a former footballer, and a Norwegian mother, Kristin Hedelund Nordby. His dual heritage once made him a target for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, but he committed early to Norway, a decision now paying off on football’s biggest stage.
Who Is Antonio Nusa? Norwegian Football Prodigy
Antonio Eromonsele Nordby Nusa, born April 17, 2005, is a winger and attacking midfielder for Bundesliga club RB Leipzig and the Norway national team, widely rated among the most exciting young players in world football.
He announced himself early: at 17 years and 149 days, he scored on his Champions League debut for Club Brugge against Porto, becoming the youngest Norwegian ever to feature and score in the competition.
Nusa was born and raised in Langhus, a suburb south of Oslo in Norway’s Nordre Follo municipality. His full name reflects both sides of his family, Nordby from his Norwegian mother, Nusa from his Nigerian father.
His middle name, Eromonsele, is of Nigerian Edo origin, while the surname Nusa traces back to Nigeria’s historic Benin Kingdom and is said to mean “What God says will come to pass.”
Antonio Nusa’s Parents and Family
Joe Nusa is Nigerian, with family roots in Edo State, the heartland of the old Benin Kingdom. He played football at a competitive level, including for Norwegian side Follo FK, before a serious knee injury ended his playing days early.
Though his own career was cut short, Joe is credited with shaping his son’s game, encouraging Antonio’s football ambitions from a young age and introducing him to the sport in their multicultural household.
Kristin Hedelund Nordby is Norwegian and provides the family’s link to Langhus, where Antonio grew up. She has largely stayed out of the spotlight while remaining a constant presence at her son’s matches.
Reports describe the parents as making significant sacrifices to support Antonio’s development, prioritizing stability and encouragement through his rapid rise.
Nusa grew up with two younger sisters, Ellie and Keisha. According to Norwegian media reports citing their mother, the sisters are their brother’s biggest fans and regularly attend his most important games, while keeping their own lives private.
Club Career Timeline
Nusa started at local club Langhus before joining Stabæk’s academy at 13. He signed his first professional deal in May 2020 and made his Eliteserien debut in May 2021, scoring twice in his first start against Viking FK at just 16.
By the end of that summer transfer window, he had joined Club Brugge in Belgium, where he became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer and a Champions League record-breaker.
On August 13, 2024, Nusa signed a five-year contract with RB Leipzig. He scored on his Bundesliga debut against VfL Bochum days later and finished his first German season with three goals and three assists despite a knee injury that sidelined him for over two months.
International Career & 2026 World Cup
Despite reported approaches from the Nigerian Football Federation, Nusa always intended to play for Norway, representing the country from U-16 level upward. He scored on his senior debut against Jordan in September 2023.
He was central to Norway’s qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, the nation’s first since 1998, contributing a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win over Italy. At the finals, he started the opening 4-1 win over Iraq, then scored a superb curling opener in the 39th minute of the 2-1 Round-of-32 victory over Côte d’Ivoire, earning Player of the Match honors.
On July 5, Nusa started as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to send Norway into a first-ever World Cup quarter-final. The victory echoed Norway’s famous 2-1 win over Brazil at France ’98.
Ståle Solbakken’s side, captained by Martin Ødegaard, now prepares for a quarter-final that already ranks as the greatest run in Norwegian World Cup history.
Antonio Nusa Playing Style and Future
A left-sided winger with explosive pace, magnetic close control, and the ability to beat defenders either way, Nusa has openly modeled his game on Neymar, describing himself as a “creator of chaos.” Youth coach Gaute Larsen, who coached both players as kids, once rated the teenage Nusa a greater talent than Haaland at the same age.
Previously linked with Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal, his transfer value, reported around the €25 million mark at the time of his Leipzig move, is expected to climb sharply after his World Cup performances.
Personal Life: Tattoos, Books & Values
Nusa is known as one of football’s more grounded young stars, repeatedly described by former coaches as exceptionally down-to-earth. He credits his family for keeping him level-headed, saying it is important to have good people around you, including his family and girlfriend.
He keeps his relationship largely out of public view, sharing only occasional glimpses on social media. His name itself carries the family’s values: Eromonsele translates roughly to “God has answered my prayers,” a nod to the faith and heritage his parents passed down.
Antonio Nusa, atacante da Noruega, sobre Neymar.
“Eu disse, eu disse isso antes, mas você sabe que Neymar é meu ídolo do futebol desde que eu era muito jovem, então toda vez que eu o assisto no YouTube, eu me inspiro. Neymar é meu herói no futebol.”
📽️@sbt_sports pic.twitter.com/gg72PW7C5Y
— LIBERTA DEPRE (@liberta___depre) July 1, 2026
FAQ
Who are Antonio Nusa’s parents?
His father is Joe Nusa, a Nigerian former footballer who played for Follo FK, and his mother is Kristin Hedelund Nordby, who is Norwegian.
Is Antonio Nusa Nigerian or Norwegian?
He holds dual heritage. He was born in Langhus, Norway, to a Nigerian father and Norwegian mother, and chose to represent Norway internationally despite interest from Nigeria.
Does Antonio Nusa have siblings?
Yes. He has two younger sisters, Ellie and Keisha, who grew up with him in Langhus.
What does the name Nusa mean?
The surname originates from Nigeria’s Benin Kingdom and is said to mean “What God says will come to pass.”
How has Nusa performed at the 2026 World Cup?
He scored Norway’s opener in the 2-1 Round-of-32 win over Côte d’Ivoire and started the historic 2-1 quarter-final-clinching victory over Brazil on July 5.
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Last Updated on July 7, 2026 by 247 News Around The World
