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It was a worrying transfer window for Nigerian stars, especially those who were desperate to leave their current clubs
As the summer transfer window slammed shut in most European countries, several Nigerian football stars found themselves in precarious situations, their futures uncertain after deals fell through at the last minute.
Here’s a look at five players whose careers are now in jeopardy after failing to secure moves to new teams.
Victor Osimhen
One of Nigeria’s brightest footballing talents, Victor Osimhen, was at the centre of intense transfer speculation throughout the summer.
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Coveted by European giants like Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Chelsea, as well as Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, the Napoli striker seemed destined for a big move.
However, despite advanced negotiations on transfer deadline day, both Chelsea and Al Ahli failed to finalise a deal before the window closed, leaving Osimhen stuck at Napoli.
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To make matters worse, he has been excluded from the first-team squad, further clouding his future at the club.
There remains a glimmer of hope for Osimhen, with reports of a potential loan move to Galatasaray hopefully saving the Nigeria international from spending six months on the sidelines.
Ademola Lookman
After a stellar season with Atalanta, which saw Ademola Lookman score a hat-trick in the final of the Europa League, the Super Eagles star also found himself linked with a major move late in the transfer window.
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Paris Saint-Germain reportedly approached the Italian club with interest in the Nigerian winger, but the move ultimately fell through due to a difference in valuation between the two clubs.
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Unlike Osimhen, Lookman has not had a public falling out with his club, but he is yet to make an appearance in Serie A after three game weeks, raising questions about his immediate future with Atalanta.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka is an England youth international of Nigerian descent and was signed by the Blues from Aston Villa for £20 million on a six-year contract.
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However, the midfielder now finds himself surplus to requirements under new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, alongside big names like Raheem Sterling, who was forced to leave the club, and Ben Chilwell, who remains stuck at Stamford Bridge.
Despite links to AC Milan, West Ham United, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Manchester United, no concrete offers materialised before the end of the transfer window.
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Chukwuemeka remains at Stamford Bridge, but his future is uncertain after Maresca informed players who were not in his plans during the summer that they would not get any game time throughout the season.
Victor Moses
AFCON 2013 champion Victor Moses is now without a club after officially being released by Spartak Moscow following the expiration of his contract.
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The 33-year-old former Liverpool and Chelsea winger had spent four years in Russia, including one on loan from the Blues, but with no offers on the table, he now faces a difficult decision.
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Moses could potentially move to the MLS in the United States or Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, but if no suitable offer emerges, the once-dynamic winger might be forced into early retirement.
Emmanuel Dennis
Despite earning eight caps for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Emmanuel Dennis, who burst onto the scene with Watford during the 2021-22 Premier League season, has seen his career stall since his £10 million move to Nottingham Forest.
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Struggling for game time and form, Dennis was loaned out to Istanbul Basaksehir last season, only for the loan to be cut short.
He returned to Watford on loan but now finds himself back at Nottingham Forest as the fourth-choice striker.
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With a summer move looking increasingly unlikely, Dennis faces an uphill battle to reignite his career at Nottingham Forest.
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