With few days to the end of the winter transfer, we take a look at six Nigerian players who could still make a move before it finally shuts down.
- Odion Ighalo
Odion Ighalo is gradually becoming one of the most sought after strikers in the Barclays Premier League.
The Watford hitman’s 13 goals in the league and 30 in all competitions last year hasn’t gone unnoticed with Europe’s elite clubs jostling for his signature.
Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and most recently Chelsea have all been linked with the 26-year-old.
It’s reported by The Mirror that Ighalo has been identified as a replacement for misfiring strikers Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao who could leave Stamford Bridge on loan.
Blues manager Guus Hiddink is determined to add to his attacking options so as to reduce the goalscoring burden on Spanish striker, Diego Costa.
- Ogenyi Onazi
Super Eagles deputy skipper, Ogenyi Onazi, could likely make a move before the January window closes.
Onazi, 23, has made only six Serie A appearances for Lazio this term – his worst run since joining the Romans.
The player has been linked with several German Bundesliga sides in the past but it is believed he is interested in a move to England.
According to reports, the former youth international could finally get his dream move with Swansea preparing a €5million offer.
New Head Coach Francesco Guidolin who knows the Nigerian while at Italian side Udinese looks to bolster his squad and replace £12 million Newcastle United man Jonjo Shelvey.
- Emmanuel Emenike
Emmanuel Emenike is a transfer target for English side, West Ham United.
The Hammers who have another Nigerian in Victor Moses on its payroll is preparing to take the former Eagles star on loan.
Emenike, 28, is back at parent club, Fenerbahce, after recently ending his six-month loan stint at UAE champions, Al Ain.
The Turkish-side have slapped a €7 million price tag on the 2013 African Cup of Nations top-scorer
According to ESPN, West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that they were hoping to sign a new striker on loan and that Emenike is their main target.
- Obafemi Martins
Seattle Sounders striker, Obafemi Martins, has left the door open for a return to the Premier League.
“I love the English Premier League and you never know what can happen in football,” Martins told BBC Sport.
The ex- Newcastle man has been linked with a reunion with his former employers as well as new boys, Bournemouth.
It is understood that the 30-year-old left-footed striker turned down a move to struggling Aston Villa earlier this year.
Martins has scored 43 goals in 84 appearances for his MLS side which earned him a recall to the national team.
- Kelechi Nwakali and Victor Osimhen
Two players undoubtedly stood out when Nigeria clinched a record fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile last year.
They are tournament’s top-scorer and record goalscorer, Victor Osimhen, alongside Most Valuable Player, Kelechi Nwakali.
These two youngsters are on the verge of sealing moves to European sides, Wolfsburg and Arsenal respectively.
The Daily Mirror reports Nwakali alongside teammate, Samuel Chukwueze, will complete a £3 million move to the Emirates while Osimhen has agreed in principle to join the German side.
