Nigerian footballers on the move

“Nigeria’s number one shot-stopper moved to France from Israel where he has been for four years.” 

Following the closure of the transfer window last night across Europe, DailyTimes can authoritatively reveal that few Nigerian players plying their trade in Europe made money spinning, tongue-wagging moves.

This is how they moved

Vincent Enyeama: Hapoel Tel Aviv to Lillie (Undisclosed)

After four seasons at Israeli’s side, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Super Eagles number shot-stopper moved to French side Lillie for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract.

Before moving to Tel Aviv, Enyeama played for Bnei Yehuda from 2005 to 2007.

Taye Taiwo: Olympique Marseille to AC Milan (free transfer)

In 2005, at age 20, Taye Taiwo was signed by French giants, Olympique de Marseille to fill the void created by the exit of Bixente Lizarazu for Bayern Munich. The 1.83 meter tall left back would spent six seasons and win the same number of medals wearing Marseille’s colours before signing on a free transfer with Italian great, Ac Milan.

Emmanuel Emenike: Fenerbahce to Spartak Moscow (€10 million)

Between May 25 and July 27, 2011 Emmanuel Emenike changed clubs twice. First he completed a deal worth about €9 million to move from Turkish side Karabükspor to Fenerbahce. Two months later he was sold, at a profit, to Spartak Moscow of Russia where he has already started scoring. He scored for his new side in the Moscow derby against CSKA this weekend.

Victor Obinna: Inter Milan to Lokomotiv Moscow (free)

In just six years, Victor Obinna has played for five clubs. From Italy’s Chievo Verona (2005-2008), the attacker moved to Inter Milan where he made just nine appearances and scored only one goal before he was bundled to Malaga on loan. Last season Obinna was again sent on loan to relegated West Ham United where he played 25 matches and scored a meagre three goals.

Others

Nigeria midfielder, Nwankwo Obiora moved from Inter Milan to Parma in a co-ownership deal;Samson Kayode completed two signings – he moved from Vietnamese side Đồng Tháp F.C. to Atletico Madrid and was immediately loaned out to Portuguese side, Braga. Kayode had established himself as one of the top players in Vietnam. During the 2011 season he scored 17 goals in 18 matches.

Other moves

Anthony Ujah: Lillestrom to Mainz (€2.3 million)

Kalu Uche: Almeria to Xamas (€4 million)

Kelechi Ibekwe: Campobasso to Fiorentina (undisclosed)

Sani Kaita: Monaco to Beerschot

Abubakar Bello-Osagie: Qorm to Leiria (free transfer)

Rabiu Afolabi: Red Bull Salzburg to Rangers (free)

Christian Obodo: Udinese to Lecce (loan)

Ikechukwu Uche: Zaragoza to Villareal, then to Granada (loan) 

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-By Olusola Babarinsa 

Source: DailyTimes