Top Nigerian Stars Await Moves as Offers Stall

As Europe’s summer transfer window heats up, several top Nigerian football stars are facing uncertainty about their futures. These players, despite their talent and past achievements, find themselves in a limbo of rejection, contract disputes, and waning interest from clubs.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s La Liga adventure with Sevilla has not gone as planned. After joining the club last summer, he managed just one league goal in eleven appearances, leading to a loan spell at Middlesbrough in January.

Although he showed some promise with one goal and two assists in 15 Championship appearances, Iheanacho’s future at Sevilla remains uncertain. New boss Matías Almeyda has indicated that Iheanacho may not feature in his plans, leaving the 28-year-old to fight for his career revival before the transfer window closes.

Samuel Chukwueze’s €20m switch to AC Milan has not yielded the expected results. With just eight goals in 69 games across all competitions, the 26-year-old winger is being offered to clubs in Turkey. New Rossoneri boss Massimiliano Allegri has declared him surplus to requirements, and while Real Betis have shown interest, Chukwueze’s high wage demand might hinder his chances of escaping San Siro.

Other Nigerian Stars in Limbo

Other notable Nigerian players facing uncertain futures include:

• Umar Sadiq: Despite a mini-revival at Valencia on loan last season, Sadiq remains unwanted at parent club Real Sociedad. Turkish giants Beşiktaş are circling, but negotiations are slow.
• Bright Osayi-Samuel: The 27-year-old defender finds himself clubless after rejecting an extension with Fenerbahce and talks with Besiktas collapsed due to his father’s last-minute demand for additional bonuses.
• Zaidu Sanusi: The 26-year-old left-back has barely featured for FC Porto over the past 18 months due to a serious ACL injury. Despite having two years left on his contract, Zaidu is one of nine players shown the exit door by new coach Martin Anselmi.
• Cyriel Dessers: The Scottish side Rangers are desperate to sell Dessers before bringing in replacements. Although Greek giants AEK Athens and Feyenoord are linked, complications have piled up, and Dessers’ future remains uncertain.
• Frank Onyeka: The Nigerian midfielder’s long-term future with Brentford is far from secure after a managerial change. Onyeka has attracted interest from Burnley, Stuttgart, and Fiorentina, but no formal bids have materialized.
• Chuba Akpoma: Akpom’s situation is particularly bizarre, having been exiled from Ajax’s facilities and stripped of parking rights after claims that he’s not fitting into new boss John Heitinga’s plans. His agents are working hard behind the scenes to find a resolution.