With the winter transfer window set to close on February 2, several Nigeria internationals are facing a defining period in their careers, balancing the desire for regular football with the lure of more competitive leagues, OLAMIDE ABE writes
Stanley Nwabali
Nigeria’s undisputed number one goalkeeper and one of the continent’s finest shot-stoppers, Nwabali, has found himself in a delicate position at Chippa United. The South African Premiership club, long adrift at the bottom, has only recently moved to 14th place following a late surge, still hovering just above the relegation zone.
With his contract expiring on 30 June 2026, Nwabali is unlikely to renew, and his reputation has drawn attention from clubs elsewhere on the continent. Tanzanian giants Simba have opened discussions over a potential move, accelerated by the knee injury to their first-choice goalkeeper, Moussa Camara.
The 29-year-old has continued to impress for Nigeria, particularly at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he kept four clean sheets in seven matches as the Super Eagles secured a bronze medal. In the league, he has played 11 matches, conceding 16 goals, and saving 62 per cent of the shots faced. He has also saved two out of four penalties, conceding only two goals from outside the box while making 11 saves from such attempts.
Taiwo Awoniyi
Awoniyi has endured one of the most challenging periods of his career, coming off a 348-day goal drought following a serious abdominal injury sustained in May 2025.
The 28-year-old striker has featured in only seven Premier League matches this season for Nottingham Forest, including nine appearances overall, often coming off the bench. His path to first-team football became increasingly obstructed by the arrival of Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca, leaving Awoniyi in search of consistent playing time.
Discussions are intensifying with German club Mainz 05 for a potential loan move that would allow him to regain form in a familiar environment, but Awoniyi still remains confident about his abilities to shine for the Tricky Trees, telling BBC Radio Nottingham, “I have always believed I am a Premier League player, no matter what is going on around me. That is my focus.”
Frank Onyeka
Onyeka has struggled for regular playing time at Brentford this season, featuring in just six Premier League matches without a single start.
The 28-year-old midfielder spent the previous season on loan at FC Augsburg in Germany, making 31 Bundesliga appearances in an attempt to secure a more prominent role.
Brentford’s decision to extend Vitaly Janelt’s contract has further limited Onyeka’s prospects, with the club making clear that departures are likely for those not integral to the squad.
Interest in Onyeka is rising, with Coventry City, Valencia, and Sheffield United reportedly keen to secure the midfielder’s services. Coventry, currently leading the EFL Championship, sees Onyeka as an experienced Premier League player who could strengthen their midfield options, while Onyeka himself is eager to play regularly to maintain his Super Eagles credentials.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Dele-Bashiru has struggled to secure regular playing time at Lazio since his summer 2024 move from Hatayspor for around €6m. The midfielder has found opportunities limited under Maurizio Sarri, even before his return from injury and AFCON duties.
Reports indicate that he is out of favour at Lazio, which has triggered interest from West Bromwich Albion in the Championship. Dele-Bashiru’s versatility, able to operate as a six, eight, or in a more advanced attacking midfield role, is viewed as a valuable asset for Albion, who have struggled this season with both goals scored and goals conceded.
Across 10 appearances for Lazio this term, he has logged 317 minutes, averaging just 32 minutes per game, with no goals or assists and a minimal involvement in key passes or big chances.
Joe Aribo
Aribo has seen his role at Southampton diminish sharply under manager Tonda Eckert, featuring in just seven matches off the bench this season and logging 111 minutes. Aribo is considered surplus to requirements at Southampton following the departures of Gavin Bazunu, Ryan Fraser, Damion Downs, and Ronnie Edwards this month.
The Nigerian midfielder, who has previously been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, is now reportedly set to join Leicester City on loan for the remainder of the season.
Philip Otele
Otele has been a key performer for FC Basel in the Swiss Super League, registering 17 goals and seven assists in 51 appearances since joining the reigning champions.
Despite his success, the 26-year-old has yet to compete in one of Europe’s top five leagues, and a move to England could accelerate his prospects with the Super Eagles.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are exploring a loan deal with an option to buy, while Celtic and Lazio have also expressed interest. Basel are reportedly seeking £7m, but a loan structure could be considered depending on player sales.
This season, Otele has featured in 20 matches, starting 17, and accumulating 1,362 minutes. He has scored five goals, provided four assists, averaged 2.8 shots per game, and created four big chances, while completing 72 per cent of passes overall.
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