It’s the peak of the transfer season and some Nigerian players have joined their colleagues all over the world to switch clubs or renew their contracts at present clubs.
However, a few Super Eagles stars have just not found a club abroad to ply their trade. Soccernet takes a bold look at them.
Victor Anichebe
Remember that big brave boy who burst into limelight seemingly from nowhere with Everton? Well, he’s a man now and he’s currently unattached.
West Brom 1-1 Chelsea: Victor Anichebe's goal was the first Chelsea had have conceded away from home in 447 minutes pic.twitter.com/lQ4TPRQctt
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 12, 2014
The 31-year-old was last seen playing in China for Beinjing Enterprises. That is the exact same city where he won a silver medal with Nigeria’s Dream Team in 2008.
The former West Brom star is too young to retire and will probably have his agent pulling all the stops to ensure he hooks a club before the transfer window slams shut.
Michael Eneramo
The former Besiktas striker has been a free agent since Esperance terminated his contract a few weeks ago.
Eneramo has played league football in Algeria, Turkey, Tunisia, Nigeria and the UAE and he should not have much trouble finding a club from any of this country.
Nigerian Michael Eneramo celebrates his goal at Turkish Super League match btw Kayserispor and Besiktas, Kayseri #AA pic.twitter.com/rMvAC8aDSZ
— Anadolu Images (@anadoluimages) November 9, 2013
The 33-year-old journeyman did not really make much of an impact with the Super Eagles, amassing a grand total of 10 games and scoring twice.
Onyekachi Apam
It’s sad and unfortunate how a career could promise so much but achieve so little.
Apam, once tagged the new Taribo West, was the defensive cornerstone of that Mikel Obi-inspired Flying Eagles that went all the way to the finals of the 2005 World Youth Championships.
The former Nice of France defender then picked up an impressive silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with Nigeria’s U-23 team.
The next logical step was a step up to the senior team but injuries would not let the ex-Rennes centre-back flourish beyond the measly 14 caps he earned for the Super Eagles.
WATCH: Onyekachi Apam's first interview as a member of the #Sounders. http://t.co/KzE5YaP6nH pic.twitter.com/hGsRf9UXZr
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) September 30, 2014
It’s been 4 years since he was released by Seattle Sounders and searching for a club but Apam, at 32, is still too young to quit football.
John Ogu
The Super Eagles versatile midfielder only just won a Bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, a few weeks after claiming his third straight Isreali Premier League winner medal with Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
After 5 years here in Hapoel Beer sheva,I have decided I won’t be continuing my career here .All I just want to say is ,thank you to everyone that made it possible for me to be here . Thank you for the memories and support . And to the fans ,I specially say a Big Thank you 👍👍 pic.twitter.com/ZwJamM2dF9
— John Ogu (@ogujohnugo) April 15, 2019
The club did all it could to keep the Nigerian on their books. But after 5 years and six domestic titles, the former Academica playmaker is yearning for a fresh challenge in a new country.
The 31-year-old has made 25 appearances for the Super Eagles and has scored 2 goals.
Surely, John Ogu will not be a free agent for long?