The 2017/18 transfer window has seen several top European clubs splash out outrageous fees to land their targets. Though Nigerian players have not been making the headlines for their transfer fees, they are gradually turning Turkey and Belgium into their new haven. Completesportsnigeria.com’s JOHNNY EDWARD profiles Nigerian players who have made moves to the Turkish and Belgian Leagues this summer…
TURKEY
Elderson Echiejile (Sivasspor)
AGE: 29
POSITION: DEFENDER
PREVIOUS CLUB: AS MONACO (France)
Elderson Echiejile arrives in the Turkish Super Lig on the back of a poor season last year playing for both Standard Liege and Sporting Gijon on loan from AS Monaco.
The Super Eagles left-full back made only 13 appearances for both teams but must still have to prove that he can feature regularly for his newly promoted side Sivasspor with the World Cup just a year away. There is a worrying lack of a quality competitor at the Super Eagles for the former SC Braga defender.
Imoh Ezekiel (Konyaspor)
AGE: 23
POSITION: FORWARD
PREVIOUS CLUB: AL ARABI (Qatar)
One would have expected Imoh Ezekiel to have moved on to a bigger club from Al Arabi following his sterling performance for Nigeria’s Olympic team at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil.
But, one year on, the 23-year-old attacker signed a three-year deal with Konyaspor and will face fiercer competition in Turkey than the Qatari league at least and even more reason to up his game having missed out on the preliminary Nigeria squad for the last World Cup in Brazil. At his best, Ezekiel is trouble for any full-back with his dazzling runs down the flanks.
William Troost-Ekong (Bursaspor)
AGE: 24
POSITION: DEFENDER
PREVIOUS CLUB: KAA GENT (Belgium)
After returning to his parent club Gent two years from a loan spell at Norwegian side Haugesund, William Troost-Ekong found it hard breaking into the Buffaloes starting XI last season.. A move to Bursaspor should see him get regular playing time. In subsequent games, Ekong must prove he can marshal his defence line and fill in for the backs when the Super Eagles attack if his selection is to be justified.
Sincere Seth (Malatayspor)
AGE: 21
POSITION: DEFENDER
PREVIOUS CLUB: RHAPSODY ACADEMY
Another defender who was impressive for Nigeria at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil. Seth made his ‘dream’ move to Turkish side Malatayspor this summer.
A versatile defender who could play as a centre-back and as a full back, Seth is one for the future and regular game time will enhance his chances of breaking into the main team of the Super Eagles.
Emem Eduok (Kasimpasa)
AGE :23
POSITION: FORWARD
PREVIOUS CLUB: ESPERANCE (Tunisia)
For Emem Eduok, this is an opportunity to build on the impressive display he had at the club last season on loan from Esperance. The 23-year-old signed a three-year contract with Turkish club Kasimpasa having scored four goals in 29 appearances for the Istanbul club who finished tenth in the Turkish Super Lig.
Eduok previously featured for the defunct Dolphins of Port Harcourt during the 2011–2014 Nigerian Professional Football League season before joining Esperance in 2015.
BELGIUM
Uche Agbo (Standard Liege)
AGE: 22
POSITION: DEFENDER
PREVIOUS CLUB: GRANADA (Spain)
Uche Agbo joined Standard Liege on the back of an excellent season in the Spanish LaLiga with Granada although they were unlucky to have suffered relegation at the end of the season.
Standard Liege offer a new challenge for the Watford loanee and he is looking to take his opportunity at the big stage. He is one defender on the fringes craving for the opportunity to feature for the Super Eagles.
Henry Onyekuru (Anderlecht)
AGE: 20
POSITION: FORWARD
PREVIOUS CLUB: KAS EUPEN
The 20-year-old was one of the standout performers in the Belgian Pro League last season, scoring 24 goals in all competitions. And after being overlooked for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa in Uyo, Onyekuru must use the Anderletch platform bigger that KAS Eupen to stake further claims in the senior national team of Nigeria. The attacker knows his value will skyrocket if he replicates last season’s form for Anderlecht
Abdul Jeleee Ajagun (KV Kortrijk)
AGE: 24
POSITION: MIDFIELDER
PREVIOUS CLUB: Roda JC Kerkrade (The Netherlands)
Having shone in the Dutch Eredivisie last season, former Nigeria U-17 and U-20 star Abdul Jeleel Ajagun will be itching to get on and remind everyone of his value when the new Jupilier season kicks off. A proven midfielder over the years, Ajagun will need to underline his credentials to his new team KV Kortrijk if he wants a look in from the Super Eagles.
Other Nigerian players in the Belgian Jupiler league to look forward to in the league are Moses Simon, Anderson Esiti, Samuel Kalu and Kingsley Madu.
The post 8 Nigerian Players Who Have Found New Homes In Turkey, Belgium appeared first on Complete Sports Nigeria.
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