A lot of Nigerian players have been doing wonders in Europe this season. However, some have dipped to new lows at their club. Some of those players made transfer decisions that have eventually proven to be wrong moves.
Soccernet.ng takes a look at some Nigerian players whose transfer decisions have not paid off this season.
- Maduka Okoye
In the previous two seasons, Okoye was one of the best players at Sparta Rotterdam. In fact, the Super Eagles shot-stopper was named the best player at the club two seasons ago.
Despite his blunders for Nigeria, Okoye played a big role in helping Sparta Rotterdam avoid relegation for two straight seasons, becoming a fan favourite.
His heroics for the Dutch Eredivisie club attracted English side Watford who were in the Premier League at the time. The Hornets paid €5million for his services as they wanted him to replace Fraser Forster.
However, Okoye has not been able to break into the team since he moved to Vicarage Road. The 23-year-old goalkeeper has not played in the league this season, making just two cup appearances and conceding four goals.
It has been a horrible season for Okoye, and he would hope that his situation improves soon. His former club Sparta Rotterdam sit fifth in the Eredivisie and could qualify for the Europa Conference League. Meanwhile, he is sure to remain in the Championship this season, as Watford currently sit 13 in the league.
- Joe Aribo
Aribo joined Southampton from Rangers last summer. The Super Eagles midfielder was the toast of the Scottish Premiership, playing a prominent role in the Gers’ triumph in 2021.
At the end of last season, it was clear that a move was on the cards. There were talks of a possible link-up with former boss Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, but he joined Southampton instead.
Unfortunately for the 26-year-old, things have not played out as he would have wished. Aribo has made only 20 appearances this season, most of which have been from the bench. He has made just seven appearances for the Saints this season. His future is also in doubt, as the club is fighting tooth and nail to stay alive in the Premier League. They are rock bottom of the league, five points away from safety. By the look of things, Aribo seems set for second-tier football.
- Calvin Bassey
Bassey and Aribo were the star players for Rangers last season. For Bassey, he turned heads with his performances in the Europa League last season. And after Ajax lost Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United last summer, they swooped in for the versatile Nigerian defender.
Unfortunately for Bassey, it has been a season to forget. The 23-year-old midfielder has made 24 appearances this season, but he has consistently been under the searchlight.
Former Ajax players have ripped him apart on many occasions for his inability to utilize the ball. Also, the club sit third and look set for their worst finish since 2009.
- Cyriel Dessers
After his heroics in the Europa Conference League last season when he delivered ten goals and two assists in the run-up to Feyenoord’s second-place finish, many thought it was time for him to get a big move.
However, Dessers only got a move to newly-promoted Cremonese last summer. And so far, the move has proven to be a wrong one.
Cremonese languish in 19th position in the Serie A and look set for relegation except a miracle happens. Dessers has managed just six goals in 25 appearances for the Grigiorossi, and he looks set to play Serie B football with them next season.
- Paul Onuachu
Onuachu announced himself to the rest of Europe three seasons ago when he scored 33 goals for Genk, helping them to a second-place finish in the Jupiler League. After his exploits, he was linked with many top clubs like Arsenal, Lyon, and Atletico Madrid. However, Genk refused to sell him.
The 28-year-old attacker spent last season at Genk, but he still could not leave last summer after scoring 21 goals in 35 games.
Onuachu had a great start to this season, scoring 16 goals in 19 league games for Genk. Southampton then snapped him up in January.
Unfortunately for Onuachu, it has been a torrid time for him since he joined the club. He has struggled to get game time, and he is yet to find the net after nine appearances.
The Super Eagles may end up playing Championship football next season, as Southampton look set for relegation.
