The new football season is already in full swing, with clubs across Europe looking to assert their dominance.
Some Super Eagles stars are already making significant contributions to their teams, while others have been conspicuously absent from the pitch. Despite promising talent and past performances, a number of Nigeria internationals are still waiting to make their first appearance of the 2024/25 season.
Below, we examine the situations of five such players yet to feature for their clubs this season and explore the uncertainties surrounding their futures.
Paul Onuachu
Southampton’s handling of Paul Onuachu’s situation has been a major talking point, especially after they failed to secure a transfer for the Super Eagles striker during the window.
Despite interest from Trabzonspor and other clubs, the Saints couldn’t strike a deal, seemingly playing hardball and missing out on potential offers. This has left Onuachu stuck at St. Mary’s, without a clear path forward.
What's even more surprising is that Southampton have yet to give the striker any opportunity to feature this season, despite registering him in their Premier League squad. It appears that by holding out for a higher fee, the club not only lost out on a potential transfer but have also sidelined a player who showed his worth during his time in Turkey.
Onuachu’s absence from the team, despite his proven goal-scoring ability, raises questions about how Southampton will manage his situation moving forward.
Emmanuel Dennis
Emmanuel Dennis is another Nigerian talent facing an uncertain future. The 26-year-old forward, who joined Nottingham Forest from Watford in 2022 for €16 million, has struggled to make an impact at the City Ground.
The Super Eagles attacker spent part of last season on loan at İstanbul Başakşehir and later at Watford, but he has failed to secure a permanent move.
Dennis' exclusion from Forest’s Premier League squad suggests that he is no longer part of manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s plans. With no appearances so far this season, the striker’s career seems to be at a crossroads.
Despite his talent, the former Watford man has only managed two goals in 19 Premier League appearances for Forest, and with two years remaining on his contract, the club may be willing to sell him at a reduced price to free up space in their squad. As of now, it remains unclear where he will end up or how he will revive his career.
Francis Uzoho
Francis Uzoho, once considered the Super Eagles no.1 goalkeeper, has found himself sidelined at his Cypriot club this season.
The 25-year-old has lost his starting position to Brazilian goalkeeper Fabiano Freitas, who has been preferred in the first 10 games of the campaign. Uzoho had stepped up last season, playing the final 8 matches after an injury to Fabiano, but this season, he has yet to feature.
On the international front, Uzoho’s situation is equally uncertain. He was last invited to the Nigeria squad in March for friendlies against Ghana and Mali but was left out of the more crucial World Cup and AFCON qualifiers in June and September.
As the season progresses, Uzoho must find a way to regain his club and national team positions.
Kelechi Nwakali
Kelechi Nwakali’s move to Barnsley was seen as a fresh start for the talented midfielder, but he has yet to make his debut for the League One side.
Signed in August on a three-year deal, the former Arsenal prospect has not featured in any of Barnsley’s first eleven matches this season.
Barnsley manager Darrell Clarke has cited Nwakali’s ongoing adjustment to the intensity of English football as the reason for his absence. While fans eagerly await his debut, Nwakali’s lack of game time is a concern, especially given his potential.
If the Super Eagles hopeful can acclimatize to the demands of League One football, he may yet prove to be a valuable asset for the team. For now, the wait continues.
Zaidu Sanusi
Zaidu Sanusi’s absence is a result of a long-term injury rather than a lack of form or opportunity.
The 27-year-old left-back suffered an ACL injury in February 2024, ruling him out for the remainder of last season. Despite resuming training with FC Porto, Sanusi has not yet recovered sufficiently to return to competitive action.
He was part of the Super Eagles squad at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he performed admirably before his unfortunate injury. Since then, he has been on a recovery path that has seen him slowly regain fitness.
Once fully fit, Sanusi is expected to reclaim his place in Porto’s starting lineup, but his return date remains uncertain.
