Nigerian forward Saviour Godwin has officially left Saudi Arabian club Al-Okhdood, becoming the latest addition to a growing list of Super Eagles stars now without a club, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old attacker, who has one senior Nigeria cap and is a former Flying Eagles standout, saw his contract run out at Al-Okhdood and has opted not to renew. His exit comes amid a broader squad shake-up at the club ahead of the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League campaign.
Godwin, who joined Al-Okhdood in 2023 after an impressive stint with Portuguese side Casa Pia, was a regular presence in the Saudi club’s lineup, putting in several eye-catching displays throughout the season. He smashed seven goals and added four assists in 31 league games for Al-Okhdood this term.
Despite being valued at €2 million, the Jos-born forward is now a free agent and expected to assess his options in the coming weeks.
Godwin is not alone.
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Nigerian footballers: Top free agents in 2025
July 1 has seen a surge in Nigerian footballers entering the free agency market, including notable names from Europe’s top leagues and clubs across Asia.
Among the most high-profile departures is Bright Osayi-Samuel, the versatile full-back and winger who ends a six-year stay at Turkish giants Fenerbahçe.
Valued at €6.5 million, Osayi-Samuel is currently the most valuable Nigerian player on the free market. He has already been linked with a switch to either Besiktas or English Championship side Birmingham City.
Also on the move is David Akintola, whose contract at Turkish side Çaykur Rizespor has expired. The 29-year-old, formerly of FC Midtjylland and Adana Demirspor, has not agreed to fresh terms and is now looking for a new club.
In-form forward Emeka Eze joins the list after leaving Pendikspor, while Victor Moses, 34, is back on the market following a short spell at Luton Town.
The former Chelsea and Inter Milan man has not officially retired and is believed to be weighing offers. A tricky winger in his prime when he won the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria and lifted the Premier League with Chelsea, Moses could be tempted to try another adventure if stimulating enough.
Super Eagles left-back Jamilu Collins is another player on the move, having left Cardiff City after his contract expired.
Goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye, 25, has also parted ways with Cyprus-based EN Paralimniou.
There’s also an end of an era for Simy Nwankwo, one of Nigeria’s most prolific scorers in Italian football history. The 33-year-old is without a club after leaving Salernitana. Once Nigeria’s top marksman in Serie A and Serie B, Simy previously enjoyed successful spells with Crotone, Parma, and Benevento.
Four-cap Super Eagles midfielder Bonke Innocent is now a free agent after departing Adanaspor. One-time Super Eagles hopeful Samuel Adegbenro and Nigeria international Okechukwu Azubuike are now free agents.
Valentine Ozornwafor, once highly rated at Enyimba, has left Bulgarian club Septemvri Sofia just six months after signing. Meanwhile, German Bundesliga veteran Anthony Ujah has had his contract terminated by Botev Plovdiv due to a persistent injury.
Other Nigerian internationals entering the free agent pool include Joel Obi, 34, after leaving Italy’s Vis Pesaro and Michael Babatunde, who has ended his stint at Uzbekistan’s Mash’al Mubarek.
There is also Reuben Gabriel, 2013 AFCON winner and 2014 World Cup squad member, who has left Lebanese outfit Shabab Al-Sahel.
As the transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on how this experienced pool of Nigerian talent reshapes their careers.
