Five Super Eagles stars who must leave their teams for bigger clubs this summer

The European transfer window is open, and many players—including several Super Eagles stars—are looking to switch clubs this summer.

​Afrik-Foot reports that deals have been finalized since the start of the month. For Nigeria, the most notable transfer so far is Zadok Yohanna, who joined Brighton from Swedish club AIK Stockholm.

However, more moves involving Nigerian players are expected in the coming weeks.

​Some Super Eagles stars impressed at their clubs last season and showed the quality required to compete at a higher level. In this article, we highlights five players who are ready to make a significant step up.

​1. Maduka Okoye

​Maduka Okoye’s career trajectory is a classic comeback story. Just three years ago, he faced uncertainty following a difficult stint at Watford, but he has revitalized his career since joining Udinese.

​Okoye has established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in Italy. Last season, he featured in 30 games and recorded ten clean sheets. His campaign was highlighted by a standout performance against AC Milan, where he produced brilliant saves to keep his side in the contest.

​The Super Eagles star has previously been linked with Inter Milan, and given his form last season, he is sure to be on the radar of several major clubs. Valued at €9 million, the former Sparta Rotterdam man is an affordable purchase for top teams. Turning 27 this August, he has at least five years of high-level football ahead of him.

​2. Stanley Nwabali

​Stanley Nwabali is another Super Eagles goalkeeper who should be eyeing a major move this summer.

​He spent four years at Chippa United, where he evolved into a key player and eventually earned the captaincy.

Since his breakout with the Super Eagles in 2025, his stock has risen significantly. After terminating his contract with Chippa in February, Nwabali has remained a free agent, despite links to Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Simba FC, and other top clubs across Africa.

​The 30-year-old goalkeeper is expected to secure a new club this summer, likely with a top African side. It remains to be seen where he will land.

​3. Calvin Bassey

​Fulham defender Calvin Bassey is ready for a high-profile transfer. He has consistently been one of the best defenders in the English top-flight over the last two years.

​Two seasons ago, he was named Fulham’s Player of the Season, and he followed that up with another stellar campaign. His qualities—speed, intelligence, and physical strength—are perfectly suited for a major club. It has become a common sight to see Bassey dominating opponents on the pitch.

​The 26-year-old is also versatile; while his natural position is left center-back, he can comfortably fill in at left-back. Valued at a reasonable €28 million and with manageable wage demands, signing Bassey would be a strategic masterstroke for any elite side.

​4. Akor Adams

​The Super Eagles striker is coming off a brilliant campaign with Sevilla. Adams recorded ten goals and three assists in 32 La Liga games last season, finishing as the club’s highest goalscorer in Laliga.

​The 26-year-old has attracted interest from several top clubs, and he fully deserves the attention. With further development, Adams has the necessary qualities to shine at an even bigger club.

He is fast, a skilled dribbler, possesses a powerful shot, and is a committed team player. Sevilla has valued him at €25 million—a fair fee for a player entering his prime.

​5. Victor Osimhen

​Osimhen, who just joined Galatasaray last summer, is currently the highest-paid Nigerian footballer. Although the Turkish giants are a historic club, many believe a superstar of Osimhen’s status belongs in one of Europe’s top-tier leagues.

​He has been linked with clubs like Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and PSG, though no concrete developments have emerged. It may appear that these clubs are hesitant to meet the asking price, but his quality justifies the investment. He has excellent temperament, dominance in the air, a physical edge, and the technical skill to produce moments of magic.

​Galatasaray has stated they will not entertain offers below €150 million, and while no club has officially tested that resolve yet, whoever signs Osimhen will be acquiring a world-class striker capable of leading a team to trophies.