With the winter transfer window in full swing, some Nigerian players have switched clubs in search of regular playing time or for other reasons. Whether these moves will positively impact their careers remains to be seen. However, history offers a glimpse of how mid-season transfers have benefited Nigerian footballers.
The most notable switch in the current January transfer so far is Gift Orban’s move to Bundesliga outfit TSG Hoffenheim from Ligue 1 giants Olympique Lyon.
In this piece, Completesports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU highlights six Nigerian players who excelled after their winter transfer window moves. These transfers serve as a reminder of how pivotal January moves can be in shaping a footballer’s career trajectory. As Nigerian players continue to seek greener pastures this winter, fans hope to see similar success stories unfold
Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Maccabi Haifa to Portsmouth)
The powerful striker joined Portsmouth on loan from Israeli club Maccabi Haifa on 6 January 2003. Aiyegbeni made an immediate impact, helping Pompey win the Championship title and secure promotion to the Premier League.
Fondly called ‘The Yak,’ he scored seven goals in 14 league appearances during his loan spell. The move was made permanent in May 2003 for a fee of £4m.
Nwankwo Kanu (Inter Milan to Arsenal)
Kanu’s career was rejuvenated when he joined Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal in mid-season in 1999. Before his move, he managed just one goal in 12 Serie A appearances for Inter Milan.
At Arsenal, Kanu quickly became a super-sub, scoring crucial goals against Sheffield Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa.
He netted six goals in 12 league appearances during his first six months and added one more in five FA Cup games.
Taye Taiwo (Lobi Stars to Olympique Marseille)
The energetic left-back joined French giants Olympique Marseille from Nigerian Premier Football League side Lobi Stars on 20 January 2005.
Brought in to replace Bayern Munich-bound Bixente Lizarazu, Taiwo had to compete with experienced players like Salomon Olembe and Koji Nakata. However, the then 20-year-old defied expectations, becoming a regular starter in the left-back position.
Wilfred Ndidi (KRC Genk to Leicester City)
Wilfred Ndidi’s move from Belgian side KRC Genk to Leicester City was finalised on 5 January 2017.
The midfielder quickly established himself as a key player for the Foxes, becoming renowned for his defensive prowess and work rate. Notably, he played a significant role in Leicester’s FA Cup triumph during the 2020/21 season.
Osaze Odemwingie (Cardiff City to Stoke City)
Odemwingie joined Stoke City on an 18-month deal in a player exchange with Kenwyne Jones on 28 January 2014.
The forward opened his goal account the following month in a 2-2 draw against Southampton. He went on to score five goals in 15 league appearances, a form that earned him a spot in Nigeria’s squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Henry Onyekuru (Monaco to Galatasaray)
Henry Onyekuru joined Turkish giants Galatasaray on loan for the third time on 25 January 2021.
During the short stint, the forward scored five goals in 14 league appearances. Despite his success, Greek club Olympiacos outbid Galatasaray to sign him permanently at the end of the season.
