Victor Osimhen, Other Top Nigerian Players Who Had Rough Transfer Window

Nigerian players have been subject to controversial transfer stories in Europe over the years, and Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen‘s push to leave Napoli this summer tops the list.

Victor Osimhen’s transfer from Napoli to Galatasaray was the last thing football fans across the world ever imagined, but it had to happen after the highly sought-after striker ran out of options.

The move, which involved a one-year loan without an option to buy and a release clause set at €75 million, sparked reactions from fans and pundits alike.

Initially, the Premier League was Osimhen’s preferred destination, and Chelsea pursued his signature until the last day of the 2024 summer transfer window. But wage demands led to the failure of the move.

Recall that Osimhen’s move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli also failed in the last minute, leaving the 25-year-old Nigerian striker with no choice but to join Galatasaray.

Years before this transfer saga, Nigeria football legend, Mikel Obi was at the centre of one of the most dramatic transfer moments of all time.

Obi’s transfer saga saw him join Chelsea in 2006 after a dramatic turn of events involving Manchester United and his then-club Lyn of Norway. Following the saga, he went on to have a successful stint at Chelsea where he made, 372 appearances and won numerous titles.

In the same vein, Osaze Odemwingie‘s failed move to Queens Park Rangers from West Bromwich Albion in 2013 became a talking point during the transfer window. His frustration, expressed through social media, led to a breakdown in negotiations and no agreement was reached at the last minute.

Also, Emmanuel Amuneke’s transfer woes involved conflicting contracts with MSV Duisburg and Sporting Lisbon after the 1994 World Cup. Ultimately, FIFA’s intervention led to his move to Sporting Lisbon for $1 million, where he achieved success and was later signed by FC Barcelona.

Emmanuel Emenike’s transfer was overshadowed by an alleged match-fixing scandal in Turkey in 2011, but he was later cleared of all charges in 2013.