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Ahmed Musa, Awoniyi, Sadiq: Super Eagles who moved in the 2022 summer window
Multiple Super Eagles complete moves in search of greener pastures
The 2022 summer transfer window has shut in most of Europe, and Nigerian players were not left out of transfer dealings as they made moves across clubs in Europe. Here is a list of Super Eagles who made major transfer moves this summer:
- Ahmed Musa: Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa completed a move from Fatih Karagumruk, where he played under Andrea Pirlo, to Sivasspor in the Turkish Super Lig. The 29-year-old forward will look to help his new club succeed in the UEFA Europa Conference League this season. He is expected to make his debut against his former club.
- Taiwo Awoniyi: Taiwo Awoniyi moved from Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League for a then-club record fee. The striker has scored once in five league appearances for Steve Cooper’s side.
- Emmanuel Dennis: Weeks after Awoniyi moved to England, another Super Eagle arrived at City Ground. Emmanuel Dennis joined Nottingham Forest from Watford for around £20 million, eclipsing the club-record fee paid for his compatriot.
- Sadiq Umar: Lanky striker Sadiq Umar completed a switch from newly-promoted UD Almeria to Real Sociedad for a fee that could rise to €25 million. The former AS Roma striker will feature in this season’s UEFA Europa League. He scored two La Liga goals this season for his former club before his transfer.
- Chidera Ejuke: Tricky winger Chidera Ejuke was not left out as he moved across Europe from Russian outfit CSKA Moscow to Hertha Berlin in Germany. He moved on a year-long loan deal.
- Joe Aribo: Silky midfield maestro Joe Aribo completed a transfer from Scottish giants Rangers to Southampton in the Premier League. The midfielder cost around £10 million, and has instantly endeared himself to Saints faithful with his performances so far.
- Calvin Bassey: Just like Aribo, Calvin Bassey left Rangers after a successful stint with the club. The 22-year-old defender became the most expensive sale by Rangers as he joined Dutch champions Ajax in a deal that could reach €27 million.
- Leon Balogun: After running down his contract at Rangers, Leon Balogun completed a return to English football, joining Championship side Queens Park Rangers on a one-year deal.
- Ademola Lookman: Exciting winger Ademola Lookman moved from RB Leipzig to Atalanta in the Italian Serie A. The 24-year-old joined the Bergamo-based side on a permanent deal for around €15 million.
- David Okereke:Â One-cap Super Eagles striker David Okereke completed a move to newly-promoted Cremonese in the Italian Serie A. The former Venezia man completed a permanent switch to his new Italian club.
- Cyriel Dessers:Â Belgium-born striker Cyriel Dessers, like Okereke, joined Cremonese on a permanent deal after spending last season on loan. The striker starred for Feyenoord as they reached the final of the UEFA Europa Conference League before losing to AS Roma.
- Raphael Onyedika: 21-year-old defensive midfield lynchpin Raphael Onyedika was one of Nigeria’s surprise performers in Europe in 2021-22. His performances earned him links to AC Milan before he completed a switch to Club Brugge for €9 million. He will feature in the UEFA Champions League for the Belgian champions.
- Jamilu Collins:Â Left-back Jamilu Collins joined Championship side Cardiff City following the expiry of his contract with German outfit SC Paderborn 07. The 28-year-old started the season in impressive fashion for the Bluebirds before suffering a season-ending ACL rupture in his third game for his new club.
- Henry Onyekuru:Â Henry Onyekuru completed a switch from Olympiakos to Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor. The erstwhile AS Monaco winger will play on loan for the Turkish club.
- Chidozie Awaziem:Â Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem moved from Turkish club Alanyaspor to Hadjuk Split in the Croatian league. The versatile defender moved on a temporary basis.
- Kelechi Nwakali:Â After seeing his contract terminated by SD Huesca and remaining without a club for months, Kelechi Nwakali finally found a new home with SD Ponferradina in the Spanish second division. The 24-year-old has already begun to make his mark for his new club.
- Tyronne Ebuehi:Â After suffering relegation on loan at Venezia last season, Tyronne Ebuehi secured an instant return to Serie A football as he moved to Empoli from his parent club Benfica. The 26-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Italian club.
- Kingsley Michael:Â After suffering a horrific leg fracture in 2021-22 while he played for Bologna in Serie A, 23-year-old midfielder Kingsley Michael moved on loan to Austrian club SV Ried as he seeks to regain match fitness and get minutes under his belt.
- Anayo Iwuala:Â Super Eagles winger Anayo Iwuala completed a loan move from Tunisian side Esperance to Algerian champions CR Belouizdad after one year in Tunisia.
- Valentine Ozornwafor:Â Super Eagles defender Valentine Ozornwafor completed a loan move to FC Sochaux in the French Ligue 2 from Belgian side Sporting Charleroi.