With the new European season approaching, the summer transfers of Super Eagles players such as Taiwo Awoniyi and Kelechi Iheanacho could play a major role in shaping their careers and Nigeria’s fortunes on the international stage.
For Nigeria’s footballers, this summer’s transfer window has been less about chasing the biggest badge and more about choosing the right story to write.
Days ago, Nigeria’s Taiwo Awoniyi signed for Coventry. The forward joined from an English side, Nottingham Forest, where he had spent four years and carved a name for himself.
“Taiwo will always have a special place in the history of Nottingham Forest,” the club’s owner Evangelos Marinakis said about the Nigerian after joining Frank Lampard’s side, who are back in the Premier League for the first time in 25 years. “He has been one of the defining figures in our journey and given our supporters moments of great joy that will never be forgotten.”
For those who followed Awoniyi’s career at Nottingham, Marinakis’s praise won’t come as a surprise. The former Union Berlin star played a crucial role for Forest in the 2022/23 season, scoring 10 goals. His vital winning goal against Arsenal in May 2023 ensured the club’s safety.
While the forward had come in as a prospect, over the four years, injuries and fitness concerns limited his playing time. So, when Coventry came calling with a £17 million offer, Awoniyi didn’t hesitate. The club – newly promoted after winning last season’s Championship – is on an ambitious project, one the Nigerian did not hesitate to choose. It wasn’t a bigger team on paper, but the 29-year-old 10-time capped Nigerian star was “excited” to be part of Coventry’s “incredible” Premier League story.
“I am very excited about this season, and I can’t wait to get started,” said Awoniyi, who bid farewell to the City Ground when he was given a guard of honour by the Forest squad during their pre-season friendly against Brest. “I’m really looking forward to working with my new teammates. I have seen how amazing they have been last season, coming up from the Championship. They were incredible, and now I am just excited to join them.”
Other Eagles
Awoniyi’s decision to leave a club where many would argue he was “settled,” known and respected, for a project under Frank Lampard has somewhat become the story of several Nigerian players this summer.
Across Europe, Nigerian players seemed to have trod a similar line. While some were climbing, others decided to settle, leading to the emergence of a pattern as the Super Eagles sought new nests.
Like Awoniyi, Raphael Onyedika chose project over comfort. The 25-year-old midfielder had spent four years at Club Brugge of Belgium, where he won domestic titles and built a reputation for himself.
Although he had different irresistible offers, including from the money-spending Saudi Pro League, Onyedika turned down the big bag when Eintracht Frankfurt knocked on the door.
Frankfurt are still hunting and will be playing in the Champions League, meaning the Nigerian player is not just settling for a pay cheque or retirement. The Anambra-born star is expected to feature prominently for the German side.
When Akor Adams left Sevilla for Venezia, there were questions about his move to the newly promoted Italian outfit. He arrives in Venice on the back of an eventful sojourn in Norway, Spain and France and brings valuable goalscoring experience.
Much like some of his compatriots, Akor’s decision was propelled by Venezia’s “incredible project” and the desire to “play my part in writing the next chapter of the club’s history”.
“I believe this team deserves to be in Serie A. That’s where this club belongs, especially considering the loyalty and passion the fans have shown over the years,” the former Flying Eagles player told the club’s website. “They are faithful, passionate, and they never stop supporting the team. I’m proud to become part of all of this.”
Iheanacho In Turkey
In Istanbul, Kelechi Iheanacho signed for Bursaspor. In Turkey, Chidozie Awaziem returned to Konyaspor while Leon Balogun found his next home in Hungary. Having seen it all, these experienced internationals have chosen to step aside from the high-intensity leagues to teams where their experience and leadership qualities will come in handy.
Iheanacho, a former Manchester City star, turned down Celtic to join Bursaspor. In his first interview with the club, he explained why.
“When I heard about their project, that they wanted to climb up to the Super Lig and also play in Europe, I said that this is a big project and it’s very good for me to come and be involved and help the team,” the forward said. “So I asked my agent to make sure he does everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor. My target is for us to go to the Super Lig.”
At 29, Awaziem left Nantes in France and penned a deal with Konyaspor. The experienced defender returns to familiar terrain, having played previously for Çaykur Rizespor and Alanyaspor, both in Turkey.
Teaming up with Konyaspor came after a difficult campaign with Nantes, and his farewell message to the French outfit captured that.
“Thank you, @fcnantes, super amazing fans and city. It was a great privilege to serve you. Although last season did not end well for us, I believe you will be back in your place sooner. I wish you the best. May God bless you,” the defender wrote on his Instagram handle after signing a two-year deal with the Green and White from Nantes, who were relegated to the French Ligue 2.
When most players are hanging up their boots, Balogun, at 38, signed for Hungarian side ETO Győr.
The summer transfer window for Nigerian players wasn’t exactly about big or small moves. It was a case of the country’s footballers writing their stories.
And as the new season beckons, one thing is clear: for this generation of Super Eagles, the next chapter matters more than the name on the shirt.
