“They already told me Congrats” – Super Eagles star reveals failed transfer move to Nantes during AFCON

Nigeria international Bruno Onyemaechi has revealed he was close to leaving Portuguese club Boavista for French side Nantes during the Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

Onyemaechi was a member of the Super Eagles squad to the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire where the three-time African champions reached the final.

During Nigeria’s adventure at the tournament, Onyemaechi was the subject of a bid from Ligue 1 side Nantes who would reach an agreement with his present club, Boavista.

Onyemaechi thought the deal was as good as done that he informed his national team coaches and teammates.

The 25-year-old had his bags packed, ready to jet out of Cote d’Ivoire when he received news that Boavista had cancelled the deal.

“It really happened,” Onyemaechi told EaglesTracker.

“When I was at the AFCON, I nearly left the camp. This was Nantes. I nearly left the camp and then my agent called me back and said to me that Nantes changed some things in the contract offer they made to Boavista and then Boavista didn’t accept.

“So I needed to stay back because the national team players they already said to me ‘Congratulations’ for I’m leaving, I’m going to Nantes. That is what happened.”

Onyemaechi joined Boavista from fellow Portuguese side Feirense in 2022 initially on loan before making the move permanent a year later for a €1 million transfer fee.

The left-back, who is valued at €3 million as per Transfermarkt, is contracted to Boavista until the summer of 2026.