Nigeria has always been one of the top countries in the world when it comes to producing top talents, with many of these players going on to shine at some of the biggest clubs in the world. The demand for Nigerian players has continued to rise in recent years, with their influence growing across top European leagues.
While several stars have secured big-money moves in recent transfer windows, the trend looks set to continue with uncertainty surrounding the future of several of the nation’s biggest players, which could pave way for more high-profile transfers.
Here are five Nigerian players who look set to be on the move once the 2026 summer transfer window opens.
Raphael Onyedika
Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika was on the verge of sealing a transfer to Turkish champions Galatasaray during the winter transfer window, although Club Brugge pulled the plug on the deal at the last stages.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed an impressive campaign with the Belgian side so far, helping them reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, while they also remain in contention to reclaim the Belgian league title.
However, his future at the club remains uncertain and it is very likely he joins compatriot Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray in the summer, while a move to the English Premier League also remains on the cards.
Five African players who missed out on moves during the winter transfer window
Samuel Chukwueze
Samuel Chukwueze joined Premier League side Fulham on a season-long loan deal last summer and has enjoyed an impressive campaign at the club, rediscovering his mojo and contributing to the team’s challenge for an European spot.
However, the Cottagers have not activated the option to sign the Nigerian forward on a permanent deal, while the arrival of Oscar Bobb from Manchester City in January has also cast doubts over the Super Eagles midfielder’s future at the club.
While a return to AC Milan also remains another option, it is very likely that Chukwueze would not be short of suitors once the transfer window opens.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho could also be on the lookout for a new club despite only joining Celtic during the last summer transfer window.
The 29-year-old joined the Scottish champions on a one-year deal with the option of an additional year, although it is very unlikely that the club activates the extra year option.
Iheanacho enjoyed a bright start to his career in Scotland, but has not been able to rediscover his early form due to several injury problems that has hampered his time at the club.
Curious case of Kelechi Iheanacho: From bright start to uncertain future at Celtic
Taiwo Awoniyi
Nottingham Forest expected Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi to leave in January, but he did not move away. The former Liverpool attacker could finally get his exit from the club once the summer transfer window opens, with interest from German club Werder Bremen.
Awoniyi has endured a disappointing campaign so far, struggling for playing minutes and was even excluded from the club’s Europa League squad this season.
The arrivals of other attacking players in the team has further limited his chances of making an impression for the team.
Christantus Uche
Young midfielder Christantus Uche completes this list because Crystal Palace expects him to leave once his loan spell ends at the end of the season.
The Super Eagles midfielder joined the Eagles last summer but has struggled to break into Oliver Glasner’s lineup, limiting him to just a few appearances throughout the campaign.
It is also unlikely that he returns to parent club Getafe, although the 22-year-old should not be short of suitors once the transfer window opens.
