With the European winter transfer window set to open in a few weeks, talk has intensified around several Nigerian players who could be on the move.
While some are desperate for regular playing time after limited minutes in the first half of the European season, others have attracted interest due to their impressive form.
The winter window is usually an intriguing period, as teams shore up their squads either to make a late push for the league title or to fight off relegation in their respective divisions.
Footy-Africa.com provides insight into five Nigerian players tipped to change clubs this winter.
Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzeň)
One of the rising stars of Nigerian football, Rafiu Durosinmi is widely expected to break into the Super Eagles soon.
Big, strong, and blessed with pace, he has consistently been in transfer conversations.
A move to Eintracht Frankfurt collapsed earlier in the season and, after dealing with injury concerns, he is back in form and reigniting interest from clubs in Germany and England.
This season, he has scored 11 goals in 25 games for Plzeň, attracting strong attention. Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly monitoring him again, with English Championship sides Hull City and Derby County also interested in securing his services.
Rafiu Durosinmi in talks with clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia
Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest)
Although contracted to Nottingham Forest until the summer of 2027, Taiwo Awoniyi has made no secret of his desire to leave the club on loan in search of playing time.
The Super Eagles striker has had a frustrating period, spending most of the season on the fringes due to injury setbacks that cost him his starting spot.
Talks between the club and his representatives have already taken place to find a temporary solution.
The 28-year-old has made only eight appearances across all competitions this season as he works to regain rhythm.
German side Werder Bremen have made an approach, although the player’s preference is to remain in England, with West Ham and Burnley said to be admirers.
A January move looks increasingly likely.
Taiwo Awoniyi to switch clubs in the Premier League, while Werder in the hunt
Emmanuel Dennis (Unattached)
Emmanuel Dennis left Nottingham Forest by mutual consent after failing to break into the team and was not registered for the current campaign.
A return to former club Watford fell through after the Championship side opted not to sign him due to fitness concerns.
There were also rumours of a move to the Saudi Pro League, but those discussions did not materialise.
The winger has been undergoing personal training to rebuild his fitness and, although free to sign at any time as a free agent, he has been targeting the winter window to ensure he returns fully fit.
Watford have suggested they may revisit a deal for him in January, while opportunities in the Gulf remain open.
Emmanuel Dennis to Persepolis: Three reasons striker will flourish in Iran
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
Arguably Nigeria’s most complete midfielder at the moment, Raphael Onyedika has been consistently linked with major European clubs.
Over the summer, rumours connected him to AC Milan, Bayern Munich, and others as he continued his steady rise.
Still contracted to Club Brugge until June 2027, the Belgian side may be tempted to cash in this winter.
Onyedika has been one of their standout players, shining in both the domestic league and the UEFA Champions League, where he scored in a 4–1 win over Monaco.
His performances have alerted several top clubs once again, with AC Milan and Napoli reported to be among the primary suitors heading into the January window.
Raphael Onyedika to West Ham: what will the Nigerian cost the Hammers
Umar Sadiq (Real Sociedad)
The Nigerian forward has endured a torrid time since joining Real Sociedad from Almería in 2022.
Umar Sadiq, now 28, started brightly but recurring injuries and inconsistent form saw him lose his place.
He was loaned to Valencia last season, where he performed reasonably well.
Back at his parent club, he has not had the best start to the season with Sociedad.
He has made only three La Liga appearances – scoring once and a single outing in the Copa del Rey.
With limited involvement, a January move is now on the cards as he searches for playing time to revive his career. A stay in Spain is believed to be his preferred choice.
