The 2026/27 season could prove significant for several Super Eagles players whose reported contracts are due to expire in 2027.
While some remain regular features of their teams, others are competing to establish themselves or facing uncertainty over their long-term roles.
Their performances over the coming months could influence whether their clubs offer extensions, allow their contracts to run down or consider transfers before the end of the season.
Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo, Chidera Ejuke, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey are among the Nigerians to watch as these decisions approach.
Francis Uzoho — ALS Omonia
The goalkeeper has made just three appearances in the 2026/27 league campaign so far with his contract set to expire in May 2027.
Francis Uzoho is looking to establish himself at ALS Omonia after ending his five-year spell with Omonia Nicosia in August.
The Super Eagles goalkeeper joined the Cypriot side in search of a fresh opportunity after struggling to secure a consistent starting role at his former club. His move provides a chance to rebuild his club career and strengthen his position in Nigeria’s goalkeeping options.
Uzoho has made three league appearances for ALS Omonia this season, according to available statistics. As a goalkeeper, his immediate priority is to establish himself as the club’s first choice and demonstrate the consistency required to retain that position.
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His contract situation remains less clear, and some databases report an expiry date of 31 May 2027, but ALS Omonia have not publicly confirmed the duration of his agreement.
That uncertainty makes it difficult to predict whether the club will offer him an extension. His prospects are likely to depend on his performance and standing within the goalkeeping department over the coming months.
Footy-Africa assessment: Uzoho’s future is too uncertain to call. Regular appearances and consistent performances would strengthen his case for a renewal, but there is not enough confirmed information to conclude that an extension is imminent or that he is preparing to leave.
Arthur Okonkwo — Wrexham, on loan at Charlton Athletic
The Arsenal’s Academy graduate had been in goal seven time for Charlton Athletic in 2026/27 league after joining on loan in the summer.
Arthur Okonkwo, however, faces a defining season after leaving Wrexham on loan for Charlton Athletic.
The goalkeeper had become an important figure at Wrexham, making 39 Championship appearances during the 2025/26 campaign. His loan move to Charlton for the 2026/27 season gives him the opportunity to continue playing regularly, but it also leaves doubt about his long-term place at his parent club after they invested £8m in new goalkeeper last summer.
Okonkwo has started all seven of Charlton’s league matches in which he has featured this season, according to available statistics. The 25-year-old has also recorded three Championship clean sheets, an encouraging return as he adjusts to his new surroundings.
His immediate role is to provide stability between the posts and maintain his place as Charlton’s first-choice goalkeeper. Strong performances would not only benefit his loan club but also strengthen his position when Wrexham assess his future.
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The challenge is that his reported Wrexham contract expires in June 2027. If the club’s plans have changed or Okonkwo does not feature in its long-term thinking, the end of his loan could lead to a permanent departure.
However, his current playing time means Wrexham will have an opportunity to assess his progress before making a final decision.
Footy-Africa assessment: Okonkwo faces one of the more uncertain futures on this list. A strong season at Charlton could persuade Wrexham to retain him, but a permanent move elsewhere is a realistic possibility if he cannot secure a clear role at his parent club. Neither outcome has been confirmed.
Chidera Ejuke — Sevilla
The former CSKA Moscow forward has had a good start to the 2026/27 league campaign with 4 La Liga appearances.
However, Chidera Ejuke‘s future at Sevilla has become an important talking point ahead of the final year of his reported contract.
The winger joined the Spanish club in 2024 and has offered an attacking option capable of taking on defenders, carrying the ball into dangerous areas and creating opportunities through his direct style. His challenge has been to translate those qualities into a consistent starting role.
Recent reports suggest Sevilla would like offer the Nigerian a contract extension that could keep him at the club until 2030, but nothing is concrete at the moment.
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If those reports prove accurate, Ejuke’s situation is more encouraging than that of a player simply approaching the end of his contract. Sevilla’s reported willingness to discuss an extension indicates that the club sees value in retaining him.
The next step will be for the winger to make the most of his opportunities and demonstrate that he can contribute consistently, whether as a starter or from the bench.
Footy-Africa assessment: Ejuke now appears more likely to renew than leave, based on reports of negotiations with Sevilla. However, until a deal is formally announced, his future remains unresolved. His playing time and the progress of negotiations will be important indicators over the coming months.
Semi Ajayi — Hull City
The defender has started all 2026/27 Premier League game for Hull City this season and scored in the famous league win over Manchester United in the opening day.
The Nigerian defender’s contract current deal is set to expire in June 2027, although the hold an option to renew the deal.
The experienced centre-back joined Hull in 2025 on a reported two-year contract. His current role is to provide defensive reliability, aerial strength and experience in central defence. His continued selection suggests that he remains an important option for the coaching staff.
At 32, Semi Ajayi is approaching a stage of his career when clubs must balance immediate performance with longer-term squad planning. His regular starts strengthen his case for staying, but Hull will also have to consider their defensive depth, recruitment priorities and the length of any proposed extension.
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Reports indicate that his contract includes a one-year club option. If that information is accurate, Hull may have the ability to retain him beyond the reported June 2027 expiry without negotiating an entirely new agreement.
That option could be decisive. Ajayi’s current role gives the club a reason to keep him, although the terms of his contract and Hull’s plans for the next season will influence the final decision.
Footy-Africa assessment: Ajayi has a credible chance of remaining at Hull, particularly if he continues to start regularly. A short extension or the activation of a club option appears plausible, but there has been no confirmed announcement that the club intends to exercise either route.
Calvin Bassey — Fulham
Calvin Bassey is the surprised name on the list, given his quality and rise since joining the club from Ajax Amsterdam.
He has started the 2026/27 league appearances on good note, making 5 Premier League appearances and was handed the captain’s armband in some games.
However, his contract at the Craven Cottage will expire in the 2027 summer, with a club option for a further year.
As things stand, Calvin Bassey appears to be in the strongest position of the five players because Fulham have a contractual option that could extend his stay beyond the end of the current deal.
The Nigeria international joined Fulham from Ajax in 2023 and has developed into an established defensive option in the Premier League. His physical strength, recovery pace and ability to operate at centre-back or left-back give the club valuable flexibility.
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Bassey has started all five of Fulham’s Premier League matches this season, according to the league’s available statistics. His role is to provide defensive security while helping the team build from the back. His versatility also allows the coaching staff to adapt their defensive set-up when required.
Fulham’s official player profile states that his contract runs until summer 2027 and includes a club option for an additional 12 months. That gives the club a clearer route to retaining him than it would have with a player whose agreement simply expires at the end of the season.
His regular involvement and ability to play in multiple defensive positions strengthen the case for Fulham to keep him. The existence of the option does not guarantee that it will be exercised, but it gives the club greater control over the decision.
Footy-Africa assessment: Bassey is among the likeliest of the five to remain at his current club. Fulham can potentially extend his contract to 2028 through the existing option, and his regular role makes that a credible outcome. The club has not, however, confirmed that it will activate the clause.
