Free agents: Top Super Eagles stars with expiring contracts this summer

Soccernet.ng highlights below the names of a few Nigerian internationals who are seeing out the last days at their present clubs.

Anthony Nwakaeme

Transfer value: €5 million
Age: 33
Position: Left-winger

Anthony Nwakaeme is one of the most prominent Nigerian footballers who will be in search of a new club this transfer window if Turkish league champions Trabzonspor fail to reverse their decision to let the attacker leave.

Nwakaeme’s 13 goals and ten assists in 30 matches were crucial to helping Trabzonspor win their first Super Lig title in almost four decades.

But the Black Sea Storms refused to meet the attacker’s contractual demands and will watch the 33-year-old depart unceremoniously after four years of meritorious service.

Mikel Agu

Market value: €1 million
Age: 29
Position: Defensive midfielder

Mikel Agu joined Spanish lower division side CF Fuenlabrada in January after Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes released him.

But the Spaniards have decided against extending the six-month deal for the former FC Porto star, forcing him back into the unemployment waters.

Leon Balogun

Market value: €800k
Age: 31
Position: Centre-back

Leon Balogun enjoyed a memorable 2021-22 season, playing his part as Rangers reached the finals of the Europa League, finished runners-up in the Premiership, and lifted the Scottish Cup.

But Rangers surprisingly turned down the option to extend the Super Eagles defender’s contract by a year, and both parties have already said their goodbyes.

Took me some time, but eventually it is time for me to say goodbye …

Thank you to every single soul at the club working their socks of, making sure me and the boys can focus on performing at our best. A lot of whom we work with on a daily basis… pic.twitter.com/fxsSzvyMRW

— Leon Balogun (@LeonBalogun) June 18, 2022

Abdullahi Shehu

Market value: €800k
Age: 29
Position: Right-back

Abdullahi Shehu’s fate was probably decided when he received a red card in the final of the Cypriot Cup, forcing Omonia Nikosia to play nearly the entire ninety minutes of the encounter against Ethnikos Achanas with ten men.

Omonia Nikosia managed to win the trophy, and Shehu apologised, but his contract will not be renewed.

The Super Eagles full-back penned an emotional goodbye message to the club’s fans two nights ago.

Daniel Akpeyi

Market value: €650k
Age: 35
Position: Goalkeeper

At age 35, Daniel Akpeyi is still making fine saves between the sticks and is among the best shot-stoppers in the DSTV Premiership.

The Nigeria international conceded only seven goals and kept five clean sheets in 12 league matches for Kaizer Chiefs.

But the South African side is looking to refresh their goalkeeping department with younger hands and will show Akpeyi the exit doors in the coming days.

Anthony Ujah

Market value: €500k
Age: 31
Position: Centre-forward

Anthony Ujah joined Union Berlin in 2019 and remained a big hit with the fans of the Iron Ones.

But having recovered from the injury that blighted the 2020-21 season for him, the seven-cap Super Eagles forward only made three Bundesliga appearances in the just-concluded campaign.

Union Berlin have a new Nigerian prince in Taiwo Awoniyi and are well prepared for Ujah’s departure this summer.

Notable mentions

Aminu Umar
Market value: €500k
Age: 27
Position: Left winger
Club: Caykur Rizespor

Suleiman Abdullahi
Market value: €400m
Age: 25
Position: Centre-forward
Club: Union Berlin

Efe Ambrose
Market value: €350k
Age: 33
Position: Centre-back
Club: St. Johnstone

Bright Enobakhare
Market value: €300k
Age: 24
Position: Centre-forward
Club: Hapoel Jerusalem

Top Nigerian footballers already without a club

Mikel Obi
Market value: €300k
Age: 35
Position: Defensive midfielder

Sylvester Emeka Igboun (Sly)
Market value: €800k
Age: 31
Position: Centre-forward

Kelechi Nwakali
Market value: €700k
Age: 24
Position: Attacking midfielder

Ramon Azeez
Market value: €400k
Age: 29
Position: Central midfielder

Godfrey Oboabona
Market value: €275k
Age: 31
Position: Centre-back

*All Transfer market values via Transfermarkt