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The 2026 winter transfer window, which ended on February 2, brought mixed emotions for Nigerian football. Although players such as Ademola Lookman and Terem Moffi made notable transfers, OLAMIDE ABE highlights several other Super Eagles players who stayed put.

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United)

Nigeria’s top goalkeeper was anticipated to depart South Africa following another successful campaign at AFCON. He attracted attention from Simba SC in Tanzania as well as a few European clubs in the lower divisions seeking an experienced goalkeeper. Although there has been ongoing speculation about his future, he continues to play for Chippa United, a team struggling in the lower part of the South African Premiership.

The commonly cited explanation for Nwabali’s inability to finalize a transfer is due to Chippa’s high assessment of their top player. Having recently signed a new deal extending until 2027, the Chilli Boys had no financial need to sell and reportedly demanded a transfer fee that Simba SC and European teams considered too high for a 29-year-old competing outside the top leagues.

Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest)

Awoniyi’s circumstances are especially challenging. After losing his starting position at Forest to a strong attacking lineup that includes Lorenzo Lucca, Igor Jesus, and Chris Wood, he was widely rumored to be heading on a loan deal back to Mainz 05 or making a permanent move to West Ham. None of these occurred. He is still with Forest, where playing time is growing more limited, frequently ending up as an unused substitute even after finally breaking a prolonged, injury-related goalless run.

With the club struggling to avoid relegation, they were reluctant to let a proven Premier League goal-scorer depart without a suitable replacement, but they also refused to ensure him the starting positions he requires. By remaining, Awoniyi faces the risk of slipping further down the hierarchy, which poses a direct threat to his chances with the national team. Without consistent playing time, his sharpness—his most valuable quality—will decline, making it challenging for the Super Eagles to justify his selection over strong strikers such as Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu, or the recently transferred Terem Moffi.

Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas)

The captain of the Super Eagles was arguably the most notable “almost” of the transfer deadline. It was reported that he was “eager” to return to the Premier League just six months after joining Turkey. Manchester United had serious discussions with Besiktas, but the deal fell through as United wanted a straightforward six-month loan to address injuries, whereas Besiktas demanded a loan with a £12m option to buy. The Turkish club also rejected a €10m direct offer from Ajax at the last moment, indicating their desire to retain their central midfielder.

Instead of being a disadvantage, Ndidi’s time in Istanbul highlights his significant worth to Besiktas, where he has become a central leader and has been officially named the club’s vice-captain. The club did not approve the transfer since they see him as an essential part of their sporting vision and a crucial figure in the locker room. Consequently, Ndidi will keep guiding the “Black Eagles” for the rest of the season.

Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)

There was a fierce last-minute battle over Onyedika. German club VfL Wolfsburg made a final offer of €20 million on the transfer deadline day, but Club Brugge turned it down, choosing to focus on their domestic championship campaign instead of selling in the middle of the season. Galatasaray also showed interest throughout January but couldn’t match Brugge’s high valuation. Following internal talks, Onyedika decided to remain until the summer, although it’s a big letdown for a player who seems ready to move to a “top five” league.

The inability to finalize this transfer means Onyedika will have to remain in Belgium for another half-season, a league he has likely surpassed. Although Club Brugge gains from his consistency, the player loses the opportunity for immediate recognition and a rise in earnings that the Bundesliga would offer.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio)

Following a strong beginning in Italy, Dele-Bashiru found his playing time decreasing as 2025 came to a close. In January, multiple EFL Championship teams and Turkish Super Lig clubs were connected with him, with AFC Bournemouth making a loan offer that included an €18m purchase option. Lazio ultimately chose to retain him for “squad depth,” turning down the Bournemouth proposal in the last moments of the transfer window.

Lazio’s choice to prevent the transfer exemplifies a typical scenario where a club prioritizes its own advantages over the player’s growth. By retaining him as a backup for their tactical strategies, they have essentially placed him on the sidelines for the next four months. For Dele-Bashiru, this means a complete disruption of his game rhythm. Having demonstrated his value at Hatayspor and securing a place in the Nigerian national team, an extended period without playing at Lazio might result in him losing his position in the Super Eagles’ midfield.

Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution)

Although Yusuf was a standout for the Super Eagles during AFCON 2023, he is still playing in the MLS, a choice that has already led to his exclusion from the 2025 AFCON squad. In January, there was considerable interest from Strasbourg of Ligue 1 and Verona in Italy. However, the Revolution prevented his move during the winter, considering him crucial for their 2026 campaign, which has now started.

By remaining in a league that is either in its off-season or just beginning, the Revolution have hindered his development, while his main rivals for a spot on the national team, such as Tochukwu Nnadi, have made significant transfers to Marseille.

Peter Olayinka (Free Agent)

Peter Olayinka is currently in a challenging professional situation, as one of the most well-known Nigerian free agents without a team. His circumstances changed significantly in late October 2025 when he voluntarily ended his contract with Red Star Belgrade, aiming to gain the opportunity to begin anew in a more competitive league. Unfortunately, Olayinka’s timing was poor, as he has been undergoing a lengthy recovery from a severe Achilles tendon injury that necessitated surgery.

Akinkunmi Amoo (Shanghai Jiading Huilong)

“Little Messi” is likely facing the most challenging situation of all. Following a stalled career in Europe due to legal and injury problems, Amoo spent 2025 in the Chinese second division to regain his fitness and image. Throughout January, there were rumors about a possible return to Scandinavia with Hammarby or a transfer to the Latvian league. No agreement was finalized before the deadline, leaving the 23-year-old in the Chinese lower divisions.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).