Transfers: 5 Nigerian Players Who Need Big Moves This Summer

With the 2025 summer transfer window heating up, several Super Eagles stars are at a turning point.

For some, a move is about more than just growth—it’s about finding their form, getting regular playing time, and proving they belong on bigger stages. Here are five Super Eagles players who urgently need a transfer to boost their careers and stay vital for Nigeria.

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1. Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen, 26, is one of the world’s top strikers. After an incredible loan at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals and helped win a domestic double in 2024/25, his next move is unclear.

Napoli turned down a €70m offer, and while Juventus have a strong interest, a return to Galatasaray seems the most likely option. Osimhen’s talent deserves a club that keeps him shining, whether in Europe’s top leagues or back in Turkey. A transfer this summer is crucial to keep him leading the Super Eagles’ attack.

2. Kelechi Iheanacho

Kelechi Iheanacho, 28, is at a crossroads. With only a year left on his Sevilla contract and struggling to make an impact at Middlesbrough, where he hasn’t matched his Leicester City days, a permanent move is a must.

Once a key scorer for Leicester and part of their 2021 FA Cup win, Iheanacho needs a club where he can play regularly to boost his Super Eagles chances. A move to a mid-table Premier League or La Liga team could help him find his scoring touch again.

3. Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman is flying high as the reigning CAF Player of the Year after another brilliant season with Atalanta, scoring 20 goals, including a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.

With his contract lasting until June 2026 and no new deal in sight, Barcelona and Arsenal are eyeing the 27-year-old.

Lookman wants a fresh challenge, and a move to a top European league could take his career to the next level while keeping him crucial for the Super Eagles.

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4. Emmanuel Dennis

Emmanuel Dennis was once a dynamic forward at Watford, but has struggled at Nottingham Forest, playing only 25 games and scoring two goals since 2022. Out of favor and no longer in the Super Eagles’ plans, Dennis needs a new club to show his flair and versatility.

A move to a less competitive league, like the Eredivisie or Belgian Pro League, could give him the chance to play regularly and get his career back on track. His talent is clear, but he needs consistent minutes to shine again.

5. Raphael Onyedika

Raphael Onyedika, 24, has been a key player for Club Brugge, playing more minutes than any Nigerian in 202 carved out a reputation for reliability and starred in their Belgian Pro League title win two seasons ago.

The hardworking midfielder’s consistency has caught the eye of Premier League and Bundesliga clubs. Staying at Brugge might limit his growth, and a move to a top European league could push his career forward, both for his club and the Super Eagles. This summer could be his chance to step up.