In the last summer transfer window, a number of Nigerian players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) made the move to Europe and Asia to continue their careers. In recent years, players such as Seun Akanji, Tochukwu Michael, Nentaka Bangs and Mohammed Garba have also made the jump abroad.
With the winter transfer window fast approaching, another wave of NPFL talents is attracting interest from overseas, with some already being invited for trials while others are being closely monitored by clubs and scouts.
In this feature, Footy-Africa takes a look at four players who are either scheduled to move to Europe or have attracted interest from clubs outside Nigeria.
Victor Samuel (Sporting Lagos)
One of the revelations of the new season, Victor Samuel has established himself as a key figure for Sporting Lagos in the opening nine weeks of the NPFL campaign.
The highly rated youngster was promoted to the first team two seasons ago following his impressive performances for the Sporting Lagos Academy.
An intelligent midfielder, Samuel is an excellent passer, a good dribbler and possesses a keen eye for goal.
He has recorded four goal contributions this season, with two goals and two assists, having also played an instrumental role in helping Sporting Lagos secure promotion back to the NPFL. He finished the Nigeria National League (NNL), the country’s second tier, with seven goal contributions (five goals and two assists).
According to sources within the club, Samuel is expected to travel to Denmark in January, with a view to securing a transfer.
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Rickson Mendos (Niger Tornadoes)
Rickson Mendos has been an integral part of Niger Tornadoes over the past two seasons and has also featured in the home-based Super Eagles set-up, as well as training camps with Nigeria’s U-20 national team.
An exciting winger blessed with pace and technical ability, the 19-year-old brings plenty of energy and creativity whenever he is on the ball. His awareness and attacking instincts have also made him an important figure for the Minna-based side.
Mendos establised himself in the local league over the past two years and he might feel it is time he takes another challenge.
The youngster is expected to leave Niger Tornadoes in December, with Finland and Slovakia emerging as possible destinations, according to information available to Footy-Africa.
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Jonathan Okechukwu (Plateau United)
There was considerable debate among Plateau United supporters when Jonathan Okechukwu was signed from Crown Football Club, but the move has increasingly proved to be a masterstroke.
He has established himself as one of the most impressive ball-winning and ball-protecting midfielders in the Nigerian top flight, while also emerging as a leader within the Plateau United set-up.
Okechukwu can also operate at centre-back and has drawn comparisons with Trabzonspor’s Chibuike Nwaiwu because of their physical attributes and similarities in playing style.
The midfielder was expected to move to Europe at the beginning of the season, but a proposed transfer to the Czech Republic failed to materialise.
However, he has continued to attract the attention of scouts and coaches, with a January departure now looking increasingly likely. A move to the Austrian 2. Liga is reportedly in the works.
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Emmanuel Utake (Rivers United)
Emmanuel Utake was one of the revelations of last season’s NPFL campaign during his time at Nasarawa United, where he played an important role in helping the club secure a respectable league finish.
His impressive performances earned him a move to Rivers United, and he has continued to impress, demonstrating that his displays last season were no fluke.
The versatile player has also earned a call-up to Nigeria’s U-23 national team, which is preparing for the Olympic qualifying encounter against DR Congo.
His versatility is a major asset, as he can operate both in midfield and at centre-back. His composure on the ball has also been an important feature of his game, having made seven appearances for Rivers United this season.
Utake has already attracted offers from North Africa and Asia, however, indications suggest that Swedish side Mjällby AIF are leading the race for his signature as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of next season’s Allsvenskan campaign.
