Two Nigerian footballers, Joe Aribo and Saturday Erimuya, are hoping to return to competitive action when the January transfer window opens, with both players expected to secure new clubs after spells without a team.
The duo, who have represented Nigeria at different levels – Erimuya at U23 and Aribo who has 34 caps with the Super Eagles are currently free agents but appear to be closing in on the next chapters of their careers.
While Aribo is attracting interest from clubs in England, Erimuya is expected to continue his career in Spain, where he could reunite with a former club.
Aribo eyes return to English football
Aribo, 30, is among the more recognisable Nigerian players currently without a club, having previously featured for Rangers, Leicester City and Charlton Athletic.
The former Super Eagles midfielder is reportedly attracting interest from clubs in the English Championship and League One, with Luton Town and Notts County among the sides understood to be considering a move for him.
Footy-Africa understands that a return to English football remains Aribo’s preferred option, despite previous opportunities to move to Turkey.
A source close to the player told Footy-Africa that the midfielder has continued working on his fitness while waiting for the January transfer window, when interested clubs are expected to strengthen their squads.
“For Aribo, he has been keeping fit with a personal trainer and a physical trainer, as most of the clubs looking to sign him want to do so in January when they rejig their squads,” the source said.
“He is a good player who has just been unlucky and, at 30, he still has a lot of football in him.”
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The source also indicated that England remains the midfielder’s preferred destination, although a move to Turkey has not been completely ruled out.
“Joe will remain in England based on what I gathered, even though there was an opening in Turkey in the past two seasons. Maybe that option will also be explored, but the first option is to remain in England.”
Aribo’s absence from competitive football has also been difficult, with the source revealing that the former Rangers midfielder is eager to get back on the pitch.
“He misses the game, but in a couple of weeks, hopefully, he will be back to competitive football,” the source added.
Erimuya set for a Spanish return
For Erimuya, 28, the next destination is also expected to be familiar territory, with Spain emerging as the likely location for his return to football.
The centre-back, who represented Nigeria at under-23 level, has built much of his professional career in Europe, featuring in both Spain and Turkey.
His career has included spells with Spanish sides Real Valladolid and Cádiz, as well as Turkish outfit Kayseri Erciyesspor. His most recent club was Ciudad Lucena in Spain.
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However, Footy-Africa has scooped that Erimuya is likely to return to former club AD Ceuta as the Spanish side look to add the Nigerian defender to their squad.
Reports from Spain suggest that the club are considering bringing the centre-back back into their ranks, potentially offering him an opportunity to revive his career in familiar surroundings.
A return to Ceuta would provide Erimuya with an opportunity to continue playing in Spanish football, where he has spent a significant part of his professional career.
January comeback beckons
Although Aribo and Erimuya have followed different career paths and operate in different positions, their immediate objective is the same: a return to competitive football.
Aribo, with his Super Eagles experience and background in Scottish and English football, is looking towards another opportunity in England, while Erimuya is expected to remain in Spain.
With the January transfer window approaching, both Nigerians will be hoping that the interest surrounding them translates into concrete offers and a fresh start in the second half of the season.
