In this piece previews the chances of Nigerian players in their various clubs as the 2015/2016 season gets underway in Europe
ENGLAND
Victor Moses, Chelsea
Coach Jose Mourinho is ready to give his winger another chance to prove himself at the Stamford Bridge after an excellent showing in the pre-season but the Nigerian must prove he can challenge for places in the star-studded Chelsea squad. Brazilian Willian is the undisputed first choice in the right side of Chelsea’s attack but Moses has the capacity to knock Juan Cuadrado from the second position after the Colombian failed to impress in his first few months in England.
Moses was impressive during his loan spell in Stoke scoring three goals and three assists, his dribbling skills and directness seem to have improved and could play a part as Chelsea look to retain the EPL title and challenge for the Champions League trophy.
Brown Ideye, West Brom
Ideye’s first season was heavily underwhelming. Although he experienced an upturn of form midseason, that proved temporary as he subsequently switched off after a six-match run of good form. He seemed to be weighed down by the tag as the Baggies’ record signing when he moved to the Hawthorns on a 10million pound deal from Ukraine having managed just four EPL goals. The honeymoon is over and the hierarchy at the club will not tolerate another dull showing from their prized asset. He has to hit the ground running and win over doubters.
Mikel Obi, Chelsea
As has been the tradition in the last four seasons, Mikel was linked with a move away from the Stamford Bridge but Mourinho has not minced words about his desire to keep his midfielder. Mikel has incredible 224 EPL matches under his belt but he has to produce some extra-ordinary performance in his 10th season in Chelsea to win over his critics. He is an anchor man with grit but he has since lost his place to Nemanja Matic who restricted him to just 18 matches last term most of them as second half substitute.
Odion Ighalo, Watford
He was one of the brightest stars in the Championship last season as his 20 goals helped Watford gained promotion into the English Premier League. However, the former Granada of Spain striker must learn quickly that EPL is a different proposition. He has to make an instant impression in the elite division and if the Hornets are to avoid immediate return to the lower cadre somebody like Ighalo must be on top of his game.
Osaze Odenwingie,Stoke
He spent most part of last season on the treatment table but a fit Osaze can cause problems for any opposing defence but his chances of regular appearances have become slimmer with the arrival of Ibrahim Afellay from Barcelona.
Alex Iwobi, Chuba Akpom, Arsenal
It remains to be seen if Arsene Wenger will allow his two Nigerian prodigies go on loan to other clubs so they can garner experience because it is going to be extremely difficult for them to get games in the starstudded Arsenal. The two players had incredible pre-season and many are already seeing them as the future of the club but the most appealing option for the duo is to seek experience elsewhere to prepare for future at the Emirates. Nevertheless, they may get some action especially in the FA Cup and Capital One Cup.
Kelechi Iheanacho, Man City
He has proved to have what it takes to rub shoulders with the big stars with his display of confidence, skills and determination. Those may not be enough to guarantee him a place in the star-packed Manchester City; just like the Arsenal prodigies he has to go out on loan for his development.
Victor Anichebe, West Brom
The Beast gave flashes of his brilliance when he returned from a long injury layoff towards the end of last season. He still managed to score three goals and he is expected to contribute more if he avoids sustaining injury.
FRANCE
Vincent Enyeama, Lille
Enyeama will enter his third season as Lille first choice goalkeeper and the Super Eagles skipper will be keen to make an improvement on the previous terms.His second season as Lille undisputable number one was not as successful as his first after conceding 68 goals in 38 matches and the former Maccabi Haifa safest hands will be keen to banish the experience of underwhelming 2014/2015 season to make the former Ligue 1 champions challenge for the title. They will begin their campaign on a strongest possible note as they come up against the defending champions, Paris Saint Germaine and all eyes will be on the Nigerian to stop Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his mates.
Elderson Echiejile, Monaco
Echiejile’s future at Monaco looks increasingly bleak after he was not registered for the 2015/2016 Champions League action but the former Porto defender can reclaim his status with impressive performance for the club in the domestic league whenever given the opportunity. French youngster, Layvin Kurzawa, who is the first choice for the club in the left flank of the defence, limited the Nigerian to just 13 appearances last term and he looks ready to consolidate but Echiejile must grab the opportunity when given the chance in the Principality Club
ITALY
Ogen yi Onazi, Lazio
Onazi is most likely going to remain at the capital club for another season but he will be desperate to relaunch himself into the main stream of the team in the new season. He started just six of 15 matches he played for the club last term which was far cry from the 29 matches he racked up in his first season as senior player at the club. Onazi will relish the chance of featuring more regularly in Stefano Pioli team as they take part in three competitions including the UEFA Champions League.
TURKEY
Godfrey Oboabona, Rizespor
The 22-year-old defender was involved in just half the number of league matches his club played last season and he will look to feature more than the 18 times he managed
Kenneth Omeruo, Kasimpasa
Omeruo will start a fresh challenge in Turkey with Kasimpasa after failing to force his way into the plans of Mourinho in Chelsea. This is the third time the Eagles defender will go on loan since he joined Chelsea in 2012, he has had spells at ADO Den Haag and Middlesbrough and his stay in Turkey could ignite a new experience for the defender.
Musa Muhammed, Basaksehir
The Flying Eagles captain completed a €300,000 deal to the Turkish side and he can start his development at the modest club.
SCOT LAND
Efe Ambrose, Juwon Oshaniwa, Celtic
Ambrose lost his indispensability in Celtic squad last season but he can regain that status this term with commanding performances. He will enjoy the company of his national teammate, Juwon Oshaniwa, who moved to Celtic this summer. It will be interesting to see the two Nigerians in the four-man Celtic backline.
GERMANY
Anthony Uja h, Weder Bremen
The lanky striker has already bagged a reward for his outstanding performance for Cologne last season with a move to a ‘bigger’ club, Werden Bremen. He scored 11 Bundesliga goals to help his former side stay in the top side and he is already proving he can even go a step further for his new club by scoring eight goals in the pre-season. Bremen faithful will expect their new man continue the spree when the season gets underway.
Leon Balogun, Mainz
Balogun is a defender with excellent eye for goal. He scored four times to help Darmstadt gain promotion into the Bundesliga but he will not be doing business for that club this term after moving to Mainz at the end of last season. He is expected to light up the division.
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