With the January transfer window looming, a fresh start could be on the horizon for several Super Eagles stars. For some, a temporary move away from their current clubs might be the catalyst needed to reignite their careers and rediscover their best form.
Loan spells have proven to be pivotal turning points for numerous Nigerian footballers. Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Ola Aina, among others, have all experienced career-defining loan stints that propelled them to greater heights.
Here are five Super Eagles players who could significantly benefit from a temporary change of scenery:
Emmanuel Dennis
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In 2021, Emmanuel Dennis was indispensable at Watford, even skipping the Africa Cup of Nations to help his team. However, his career has since taken a downturn.
Currently signed with Nottingham Forest, Dennis has yet to make an appearance this season. His last loan spells were a mixed bag—he struggled at Bursaspor but found some form back at Watford, scoring four goals in 17 Championship matches.
A loan move in January could offer Dennis the chance to rebuild his confidence, regain momentum, and get back on track professionally. At 27, the Nigeria international who once scored a UEFA Champions League brace against a star-studded Real Madrid side at the Santiago Bernabeu still has a lot ahead of him.
Paul Onuachu
Despite a promising performance for Southampton against Liverpool earlier this season, Paul Onuachu’s stint with the Saints has been underwhelming. The prolific striker, who joined from Belgian giants Genk during the 2023 winter break, has failed to find the net in nine appearances this season neither has he registered a goal for the club.
However, Onuachu’s recent loan to Trabzonspor tells a different story—17 goals and four assists in 25 games highlight his enduring ability to score. If Southampton cannot adapt to his strengths, a January loan could allow him to flourish in an environment more suited to his skill set.
A total move away from England may do him good. Despite being 30 years of age, he still has a lot to offer to clubs in Europe just like he showed during his stint at Trabzonspor.
Taiwo Awoniyi
Taiwo Awoniyi’s form this season has been perplexing. Once the main man for Nottingham Forest, the Super Eagles striker is now 12 Premier League games without a goal. The rise of Chris Wood and the club’s pursuit of another striker suggest Awoniyi may struggle to regain his place.
A loan spell, potentially outside England, could offer Awoniyi the fresh start he needs to regain his scoring touch and rediscover his confidence. Awoniyi is not a stranger to being on loan having spent time with several clubs on loan in Germany and Belgium.
He will need more playing time to get back to his best but that is not certain under manager Nuno Espirito Santo who will continue to work with Wood who has been delivering goals.
Umar Sadiq
Returning from an ACL injury has been challenging for Umar Sadiq. The former Almeria star, known for his goal-scoring prowess, has struggled at Real Sociedad this season, failing to score in 11 appearances across all competitions.
A January loan to a club where he can earn consistent playing time and rebuild his rhythm could help Sadiq return to form and reclaim his reputation as a reliable striker. Limited time on the pitch has not helped his productivity but a time away and more minutes or even a starting spot will do well for his confidence.
The good news for the Nigeria international is that he is heavily linked to a move to Getafe while other teams might also be looking to snap him up.
Kelechi Iheanacho
The move to Sevilla was supposed to be a fresh start for Kelechi Iheanacho, but the forward has yet to shine in La Liga. With no goals or assists in nine league matches, he has struggled to impress fans and management.
Although he has shown flashes of brilliance in the Copa del Rey, scoring three goals in two games, his impact has been limited for the team leaving him with just
Fortunately, clubs in England, Spain, and Turkey are reportedly interested in Iheanacho. A loan move to the right team could provide him the platform to rediscover his spark and remind the world of his talent.
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