Predicting the fortunes of Nigerian Pleyers

Kelechi  Iheanacho

A number of Nigerian players have already moved clubs during this transfer window. Some, like Sunday Mba, have ended long transfer odysseys by finally making a move, others, like Kenneth Omeruo, have sealed a short-term move in a bid to earn more game time ahead of the World Cup

Kelechi Iheanacho has been rewarded for his sublime displays with a switch to elite English club Manchester City and Elderson Echiejile is also enjoying life in new surroundings having transferred from Braga to Monaco.

Others may still move,Ogenyi Onazi has been linked with a move to the EPL and to Merseyside giants Liverpool and Everton, Bright Dike could be heading to Celtic, while Joseph Yobo has also been linked with a move back to England.

This feature predicts the fortunes of five Super Eagles to have moved clubs already during the window

                                                                         Elderson

Over the last 18 months, Elderson has convinced almost all Nigeria fans that he is a fine left-back and the rightful holder of that position within Stephen Keshi’s first team.

Taye Taiwo looks to be a figure of the past.

His fine form, both for Nigeria and Braga, has earned him a move to Ligue 1 moneybags Monaco. The French club are ambitious; they are backed by Russian businessman and philanthropist Dmitry Rybolovlev, and have already forged a squad packed with outstanding talent.

Monaco are a terrific vehicle for Elderson to ride as a means of reaching the pinnacle of the sport. On the Riviera he can play alongside players of the calibre of Radamel Falcao, Ricardo Carvalho and Joao Moutinho, not to mention legendary defender Eric Abidal.

The one key issue for Elderson at Monaco is whether he can unseat incumbent left-back Layvin Kurzawa.

The youngster has been one of the division’s top performers so far this season; from 20 appearances, he has been Man of the Match on five occasions. It should not be taken for granted that Elderson will immediately (or even on a long-term basis) usurp Kurzawa.

Has Elderson moved at the expense of first-team football? Claudio Ranieri certainly seems to have given such an indication.