The summer transfer window has closed across Europe’s top leagues, and while many Nigerian players have settled into new homes or are preparing to link up with their clubs after the international break, a handful remain without teams.
For some, deals fell through late in the window. For others, injuries or form issues have slowed their progress. But as free agents, these players still have the chance to be signed outside the transfer window, and they could prove valuable additions for clubs willing to take a chance.
Footy-Africa highlights five top Nigerian free agents still on the market, with insights from former Super Eagles forward Dominic Iorfa, who gives his verdict on each player.
Emmanuel Dennis (ex-Nottingham Forest)
After a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in the second half of the 2024/25 season, Emmanuel Dennis returned to Nottingham Forest only to be deemed surplus to requirements. His contract was mutually terminated, and despite reported interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, the winger remains without a club.
Iorfa is baffled by the situation:
“I really do not know what the issue is with Dennis because he is a good player. Some say it is attitude issues, but I am not sure about that.
He is still young and has a lot of football left in him because he was quite good when he was at Watford. I hope he gets a club soon and continues his career.”
Simy Nwankwo (ex-Salernitana)
Once a household name in Serie A, Simy Nwankwo made his reputation at Crotone, where his goals made him one of Nigeria’s most prolific strikers in Italy. But in recent years, his form has dipped, and he parted ways with Salernitana. He is now training to stay fit, with a return to Serie B looking likely.
Iorfa believes the striker still has plenty to offer:
“I am surprised Simy is clubless at the moment because he is something of a proven striker in Italy, especially in Serie B.
Maybe there is something we are missing, or he is working on another deal, but someone of his calibre should be somewhere. It might not be Serie A, but he is surely good for a good club in Serie B.”
Jamilu Collins (ex-Cardiff City)
The 31-year-old left-back endured a torrid spell with injuries at Cardiff City, though Jamilu Collins still managed 43 appearances across his time in Wales. Fully recovered, Collins is now eager for a fresh start in Europe.
Iorfa sympathises with the defender:
“He has been very unlucky with injuries in the last two seasons, which has affected his career in England.
He was quite decent at Paderborn in Germany and also when he played for Nigeria so he can still do a job in Europe. Again, I hope he gets a club and gets his career back on track.”
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Innocent Bonke (ex-Adanaspor)
Once tipped as one of Nigeria’s most promising midfielders, Innocent Bonke’s career has not followed the trajectory many expected. A move to Lorient in France promised much but didn’t work out, and his subsequent spell at Adanaspor in Turkey failed to reignite his career. The tireless defensive midfielder is now back on the market.
Iorfa still rates his ability:
“I rate him as a player, especially when he made his Nigeria debut some years ago, but he has not been in the national team since then.
It has also not worked out for him in Turkey, where I played before, which is quite sad. Bonke is a good player who I believe should be playing right now. I hope his agents can get him a club soon.”
Isaac Success (ex-Al Wasl)
A standout at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup alongside Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac Success was tipped for stardom. He showed flashes of his ability at Udinese and Watford, but consistency proved elusive.
After parting ways with Udinese in 2024, he joined Al Wasl in the UAE, though the stint was short-lived.
Iorfa reflected on his unfulfilled promise:
“Isaac Success is one player we all thought would rule the world when he played for the Golden Eaglets with Manu Garba as coach, but it has not been as we thought.
He is a very talented footballer, one of the best of his generation, but things have not really worked out for him.
Going to the UAE felt like a step down, even though it would have earned him more minutes on the pitch. I do not know what happened there, but maybe he will get another shot at Europe again.”
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