While several Nigerian footballers have already secured moves to new clubs or signed contract extensions this summer, a number of established names are still without a team as preparations for the new season gather pace.
With their contracts expiring on June 30, these players are now free agents and are exploring their options in search of the next chapter of their careers.
In this feature, Footy-Africa takes a look at five notable Nigerian players who are still available on the transfer market.
Peter Olayinka
(Last club: APOEL Nicosia)
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Former Super Eagles forward Peter Olayinka has enjoyed a successful career across Europe but now finds himself searching for a new club.
The 30-year-old, who has earned four caps for Nigeria, has previously represented Red Star Belgrade in Serbia, Zulte Waregem in Belgium and Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic, among others.
Since leaving APOEL Nicosia, Olayinka has attracted interest from clubs in Turkey, Belgium and Slovakia as he weighs up his next move.
David Okereke
(Last club: Cremonese)
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Once regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest attacking prospects, David Okereke has struggled to consistently fulfil his enormous potential.
The 28-year-old has featured for Club Brugge in Belgium as well as Italian clubs Spezia, Venezia, Torino and Cremonese.
Last season, he made 11 appearances in all competitions for Cremonese, scoring twice before the club suffered relegation.
Now a free agent, Okereke is reportedly in talks with Serie B side Sampdoria as he looks to revive his career in Italy.
William Agada
(Last club: Real Zaragoza)
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William Agada‘s spell with Spanish side Real Zaragoza has come to an end, leaving the striker available on a free transfer.
The powerful forward returned to Europe in January after leaving Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake, but his time in Spain proved to be short-lived.
Before his move to the United States, Agada built an impressive reputation in Israel, where he established himself as one of the league’s most prolific forwards before earning a move to Sporting Kansas City.
At 26, the striker still has plenty to offer, and Footy-Africa understands that Agada is close to completing a return to Israel for a second spell in the Ligat Ha’Al.
Okechukwu Azubuike
(Last club: Erzurumspor FK)
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Few Nigerian midfielders of his generation have seen their careers disrupted by injuries as much as Okechukwu Azubuike.
Widely known as “Azu”, the 29-year-old was one of Nigeria’s standout performers during the country’s bronze medal-winning campaign at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. He also captained the Flying Eagles during his youth international career.
Azubuike spent much of his professional career in Turkey, featuring for clubs including ฤฐstanbul Baลakลehir, รaykur Rizespor, Sivasspor and Erzurumspor FK.
Now a free agent, the experienced midfielder is expected to explore opportunities outside Europe, with a move to the Middle East emerging as a realistic option.
Kingsley Ehizibue
(Last club: Udinese)
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Super Eagles defender Kingsley Ehizibue is also available after failing to agree on a new contract with Italian Serie A side Udinese.
The 31-year-old’s departure comes as something of a surprise, having made 32 appearances across all competitions last season.
Born in the Netherlands to Nigerian parents, Ehizibue made his Super Eagles debut against Sierra Leone in 2020 and has since established himself as a dependable option at right-back.
According to information available to Footy-Africa, a move to either the English Championship or a return to the Eredivisie appears to be the most likely outcome for the experienced defender.
