As the summer transfer window approaches, several Nigerian footballers are attracting significant interest from top clubs around the globe. With standout performances and impressive statistics, AJIBADE OLUSESAN writes that these players are poised to make high-profile moves that could redefine their careers.
Chidera Ejuke
Ejuke has had his career rejuvenated at Antwerp where he has spent the season on loan from CSKA Moscow. The skilled dribbler contract with CSKA Moscow is set to expire this summer, and he is expected to look for new opportunities after a less-than-stellar stint in Russia.
He initially struggled in Belgium but was able to showcase his talent during a loan spell at Antwerp where he scored three times and provided four assists. There are indications the Belgian side could tie him down permanently as a free agent. Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin is another option for the forward.
George Ilenikhena
The youngster has been tipped for the best thing after an excellent run in Belgium. The forward who was born in Lagos but grew up in France made history after becoming the youngest Nigerian to score in a UEFA Champions League match at just 17 years old against Barcelona in December 2023 when his side the Royal Antwerp FC played against the Catalan giants.
He has been linked with a move away from Belgium with the likes of Italian Serie A side Inter Milan chasing after his signature. With 14 goals under his belt already, Inter Milan see him as a potential replacement for veteran forward, Alexis Sanchez who leaves the club at the end of the season.
Stanley Nwabali
Nwabali shot himself into the international reckoning following a stellar showing at the last African Cup of Nations, AFCON, held in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Chippa United of South Africa star was one of Nigeria’s standout performers as the Eagles cruised to the final of the tournament. His performance attracted interest from many clubs in Europe, South Africa and Saudi Arabia and it would be a miracle if the shot-stopper remained at Chippa United next season.
Saudi Arabin outfit, Al-Ettifaq, are believed to be leading the race for the Nigerian star but news emerged on Monday that the interest may have cooled off. English side QPR are the other side interested just as the South African outfit Kaiser Chiefs hoping to snap up the goalkeeper.
midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.
The 27-year-old played a crucial role in Leicester City’s successful campaign, helping the Foxes secure promotion from the Championship to the Premier League after being sidelined for almost two months due to injury.
Ndidi scored four goals and provided five assists in 32 Championship games for Enzo Maresca team. According to reports, West Ham, Newcastle, and Aston Villa are among the clubs hoping to sign the 2013 AFCON winner with Nigeria as a free agent in the next few weeks.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Iheanacho is destined to leave Leicester City despite the Foxes making an immediate return to the Premier League. The striker has lost his place in the team and there are clear indications that the club are not interested in renewing his contract which will end this summer.
The truth is that the Senior Man is not lacki g in suitors as top sides from within and outside of England are monitoring his situation and are ready to pounce.
Aston Villa have emerged the favourites to land his signature after they qualified for the Champions League. The potential opportunity to play in Europe’s premier competition could be a big attraction for the former Manchester City forward.
Another Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Everton are also said to be in hot pursuit of the forward. Turkish Super Lig giants Trabzonspor and Galatasaray have also been linked with the forward. The Nigeria international has been with Leicester City since 2017. He has made 231 appearances and scored 61 goals for the club across all competitions.
Victor Osimhen
This could be one of the biggest transfer moves in the summer but Osimhen final destination is still unknown as the African Footballer of the Year has been linked with virtually all the biggest clubs in Europe since he led Napoli to their first Serie A title last season.
The former Lille of France star has been linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea but Ligue 1 side PSG has emerged as the favourite destination for the forward.
Osimhen ahs repeatedly spoken about his willingness to play in the more glamourous Premier League but the 130 million euro buyout clause stand a big impediment to such ambition at the moment.
In a bid to bolster their attacking ranks ahead of the 2024/25 season, Chelsea are heavily interested in bringing Victor Osimhen to Stamford Bridge.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Blues could table a deal worth £77 million (€90m/$96m). In addition to that, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are willing to include two players in the deal for Napoli.
One of them is a youngster, the other is rumoured to be Romelu Lukaku, who is currently on loan at Serie A side Roma. But it remain to be seen if Napoli would be willing to accept such an offer. PSG who are destined to lose star forward Kylian Mbappe this summer have identified Osimhen as the direct replacement and with their financial war chest.