August 18, (THEWILL) – The summer transfer window, traditionally a period of excitement and anticipation for football fans worldwide, has been notably subdued for Nigerian players this year. With the European transfer deadline looming at the end of August, the expected flurry of high-profile moves involving Super Eagles stars has yet to fully materialise.
It is not as if there has been no moves to reckon with, though. One of the most significant transfers involving a Nigerian player this summer has been Chidera Ejuke’s move to Sevilla. The 26-year-old winger joined the Spanish club on a free transfer after his contract with CSKA Moscow expired.
Ejuke’s arrival at Sevilla marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first Nigerian player to don the white and red jersey of the Andalusian club. His three-year contract presents an opportunity for the talented forward to make his mark in La Liga and potentially revive his international career with the Super Eagles.
Another noteworthy transfer involves Kelechi Iheanacho, who has also made the switch to Sevilla joining Ejuke. The former Leicester City striker arrives at the Spanish side on a two-year contract, bringing his goal scoring quality and English Premier League experience to bolster Sevilla’s attacking options. Iheanacho’s move could provide him with a fresh start and the chance to reignite his career after a somewhat inconsistent spell in England.
However, the most anticipated transfer saga of the summer involving a Nigerian player has been that of Victor Osimhen. The Napoli striker, who played a crucial role in the club’s Serie A triumph two seasons ago, has been the subject of intense speculation linking him with a move away from Italy. Despite reported interest from several top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain.
Recent reports suggest that Napoli’s high valuation of the striker, coupled with his substantial wage demands, have cooled interest from potential suitors. The collapse of a proposed deal involving Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion at Chelsea further complicates matters. With time running out in the transfer window, it appears increasingly likely that Osimhen may remain at Napoli for another season, potentially working under the tactical guidance of Antonio Conte, after the former Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur manager was given charge at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
While Osimhen’s situation dominates headlines, several other Nigerian players have been involved in transfers or are subjects of ongoing speculation. Frank Onyeka, currently at Brentford, is reportedly looking to leave the club before the transfer window closes. The midfielder has struggled for playing time since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations and is attracting interest from clubs in England, Spain, and France.
In the women’s game, Toni Payne has made a significant move, joining Everton Women after six years with Sevilla in Spain’s top flight. The 29-year-old forward, who has earned 21 caps for Nigeria, brings a wealth of experience to the Women’s Super League and could be a key player for both club and country in the coming years.
Another notable transfer involves Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi, who has joined Belgian side Oud-Heverlee Leuven from Italian club Salernitana. The 22-year-old striker’s move, reportedly worth N1.8 million, represents a significant investment for the Belgian club and offers Ikwuemesi a platform to continue his development in a competitive league.
In the realm of potential transfers, Sadiq Umar’s future at Real Sociedad remains uncertain. The Spanish club is reportedly open to offers for the Nigerian striker, with a valuation of around N15 million euros plus a percentage of any future sale. Genoa and Sevilla have shown interest, though they prefer a loan arrangement rather than a permanent transfer.
Raphael Onyedika, currently plying his trade with Club Brugge, has been the subject of EPL interest. However, the Belgian champions have decided to halt any potential transfer, citing Onyedika’s importance to the team. This decision underlines the growing value of Nigerian players in European football and the reluctance of clubs to part with their prized assets.
In Major League Soccer, New England Revolution have made a significant acquisition in Alhassan Yusuf. The 24-year-old midfielder joins from Belgian side Royal Antwerp FC, bringing with him experience of winning the Belgian Pro League and Belgian Cup. Yusuf’s arrival is a coup for the Revolution and could pave the way for more Nigerian players to consider moves to the growing North American league.
Looking at the broader picture, the relatively quiet transfer window for Nigerian players can be attributed to several factors. The global economic climate, influenced by the post-2020 effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to more cautious spending by many clubs. Additionally, the impressive performances of Nigerian players in their current teams have made their clubs reluctant to sell, as exemplified by Club Brugge’s stance on Onyedika.
Furthermore, the regularity of the January Africa Cup of Nations may be influencing transfer decisions. Clubs may be hesitant to invest heavily in players who could be absent for a significant portion of the season due to international commitments.
Despite the subdued nature of this transfer window, it’s important to note that quality often trumps quantity. The moves of Ejuke and Iheanacho to Sevilla, for instance, could prove to be shrewd acquisitions that benefit both the players and their new club. These transfers also open up opportunities for Nigerian players in La Liga, potentially paving the way for future moves to one of Europe’s most prestigious leagues.
Moreover, the retention of key players like Osimhen at their current clubs is not necessarily a negative outcome. Continuity can be beneficial for player development and team chemistry, potentially leading to even stronger performances in the coming season. Osimhen’s decision to experience a fresh challenge elsewhere may be the only cog in the wheel of this outcome.
Looking ahead to the final weeks of the transfer window, there is still potential for late moves involving Nigerian players. The domino effect of major transfers elsewhere in Europe could create opportunities for Super Eagles stars to secure moves to top clubs.
For players like Onyeka and Umar, who are seeking more playing time, the closing days of the window may present chances to find new clubs where they can play regular first-team football. This would be crucial for their development and their hopes of maintaining their places in the national team setup.
While this summer’s transfer window may not have produced the volume of high-profile moves involving Nigerian players that fans might have hoped for, it has still featured some significant transfers. The moves of Ejuke and Iheanacho to Sevilla, in particular, could prove to be excellent pieces of business with mutual benefits for club and players.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the immediate futures of several Nigerian players. Whether it is Osimhen potentially staying at Napoli, Onyeka finding a new club, or unexpected late moves, the final days of the transfer window promise to be intriguing for Nigerian football fans.
Ultimately, the true impact of this transfer window on Nigerian football will only become clear as the new season unfolds. The performances of players in their current or new environments will determine whether this relatively quiet window was a missed opportunity or a period of consolidation before future successes.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
