As many as five players in Nigeria’s senior national team have made it clear to management that they intend to leave their current clubs, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Heading the list is the Nigerian side’s top striker Victor Osimhen, who is adamant that Napoli honour the agreement reached in December over his departure this summer when he signed an extension to his contract at the club.
His request, which is still ongoing, has seen him excluded from all first-team pre-season, league and cup matches so far in view of his departure despite new manager Antonio Conte’s plea for him to change his mind.
His request follows that of Ademola Lookman, who stunned Europa League champions Atalanta with a transfer request, following interest from Ligue 1 giants PSG. The hat-trick-winning Europa League final hero has not been considered by coach Gian Piero Gasperini since his request to leave.
The latest of them is Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, who is being eyed by several Spanish clubs, with Valencia leading the race for his signature. Onyeka, who played all of the Super Eagles’ matches at the African Cup of Nations, is seeking more playing time elsewhere after failing to get any under manager Thomas Frank.
In Belgium, defender Jordan Torunarigha, who has played one game for the Super Eagles, is also interested in leaving with one year left on his contract with Gent. The 26-year-old, who is attracting interest from teams in Germany and England, has rejected all attempts to get him to sign a new contract.
Bright Osayi-Samuel completes the list, having so far rejected three separate contract extension offers from Fenerbahce, and not even the presence of Jose Mourinho as new manager has made him think differently and with a year left on his contract, he could move in the coming days.
Mohamed Mowiz Suleiman
