2 months ago
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Nigerian stars waiting in the wings for breakout
Following the end of summer transfer business in Europe, ABIODUN ADEWALE takes a look at Nigerian players who are still unsure of what the future holds for them
EMMANUEL DENNIS (Nottingham Forest)
Despite playing on loan at İstanbul Başakşehir and Watford last season, Dennis was unable to make either of the moves permanent and is now surplus to requirement at City Ground.
The club’s Premier League squad was released during the week, and the striker, whom Forest paid €16m for in 2022, was left out. He hasn’t featured in any of their matches this season.
He spent the first part of the season on loan at Istanbul Basaksehir before joining Watford on loan in January. During his time at Watford, Dennis scored four goals in 17 Championship appearances.
Since joining Forest from Watford in 2022, the 26-year-old has struggled to establish himself, managing only two goals in 19 league appearances during his debut season.
With two years left on his contract, it remains to be seen how he will bounce back, with reports also suggesting that Forest are willing to sell him and three other players at a reduced price to free up space in the squad.
PAUL ONUACHU (SOUTHAMPTON)
After an impressive loan campaign with Trabzonspor last season, it’s surprising to see Onuachu not walking back into the Southampton squad as they returned to the Premier League.
Bought for £15m on a three-and-a-half-year deal in January 2023, the striker failed to make his mark in England and subsequently moved to Trabzonspor on loan in September and scored 17 goals and rendered four assists in 25 appearances.
The Turkish club tried to get him on a permanent deal, which didn’t materialise, and the player is back in England, with fans unsure of what plans the Saints have for him.
With their inability to get the Nigeria forward a new club before the closure of the transfer window, they had to register him in their Premier League squad for this term, but he hasn’t been afforded any opportunity to play.
Speaking after Southampton defeated Everton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, Saints manager Russell Martin hinted that he could give game time to the Super Eagles striker in the coming games.
“I have to balance the short, medium, and long-term plans for the club and who fits the style of play the best,” Martin said to BBC Radio Solent.
“Tonight, it’s these guys—on Saturday [against Ipswich] it will be someone different. The door isn’t shut for anyone. I have to make decisions based on what I think is best for the team and club.
“I like them both. They train hard, but I was really honest with them before the transfer window closed, and I’ve been honest with them since it closed.”
Onuachu hasn’t featured for the Saints since coming off the bench in a 3-1 loss to Gillingham in August 2023.
ISAAC SUCCESS (UNATTACHED)
Former Golden Eaglets striker Success saw his contract with Serie A club Udinese terminated before the start of the season, and he has yet to join a new club.
The former Granada star joined Udinese from their sister club Watford in 2021 and registered six goals and 17 assists in 83 appearances across all competitions for the I Bianconeri.
His last goal for the club was against Napoli in May, ending his 379-day goal drought in the Serie A.
FRANCIS UZOHO (OMONIA)
Super Eagles goalkeeper Uzoho seems to be fast losing his place at club level and in the national team, having not been the preferred choice most recently.
The 25-year-old has yet to feature for his Cyprus club after 10 league games this season. Last season, he was only called into action in the last 19 games following an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Fabiano.
For Nigeria, his last invitation was during the two friendly games against Ghana and Mali in March. He was left out of the Super Eagles squads for the 2026 World Cup and 2025 AFCON qualifying series in June and September.
AFEEZ AREMU (Kaiserslautern)
Aremu featured in only five games last season, and the former NPFL star still exists on the fringes at his German Bundesliga II side, where his future remains in the balance.
The midfielder has not featured in any of their games this season but only made the bench in their last game against Hannover.
He joined the 2024 DFB Pokal finalists last summer after spending three seasons at St. Pauli.
