With the January transfer window approaching, several Nigerian players could benefit from temporary moves in search of regular football.
From youngsters needing experience to established forwards struggling for opportunities, these five players have reasons to consider their options.
5. Benjamin Fredrick — Brentford
Benjamin Fredrick has been promoted to Brentford’s senior squad but is yet to make his first-team debut. Although his development was interrupted by a knee injury that kept him out for almost six months.
He has since returned from injury and now available for selection. He hasn’t been selected for a senior game this season.
At 21, the Nigerian defender needs regular senior football to improve his game and gain valuable experience. If Brentford cannot offer him first-team opportunities in the second half of the season, a January loan could help him continue his development.
4. Zadok Yohanna — Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton signed Zadok Yohanna from AIK during the summer, investing in a young winger who is still at the beginning of his professional career.
The teenager is learning Brighton’s playing style and adapting to the demands of English football. Although the club has kept him within its first-team environment, his competitive minutes have been limited.
This season, he has played just 12 in the Premier League and 27 in European qualifying
A January loan could provide regular playing time and help Yohanna develop through experience. At this stage of his career, consistent football may be more valuable than remaining on the fringes of Brighton’s senior squad.
3. Tochukwu Nnadi — Marseille
Since arriving from Zulte Waregem, Tochukwu Nnadi has struggled to establish himself at Marseille. The midfielder has largely been restricted to brief substitute appearances, making it difficult to build momentum or secure a regular role.
With just 51 minutes of Ligue 1 football recorded this season, Nnadi needs more opportunities to demonstrate his ability.
A January loan to a club where he can compete for a starting position could help him improve his match sharpness, gain experience and continue his development. Marseille may still see him as a long-term prospect, but regular football is essential to his progress.
2. Emmanuel Dennis — Brøndby IF
Emmanuel Dennis has endured a difficult period marked by injuries, inconsistent form and uncertainty over his future. The forward, who has played for Nottingham Forest, Watford, Blackburn Rovers and Anderlecht, was reportedly placed on Brøndby’s transfer list last summer, but a move failed to materialise.
Dennis has returned to training but has yet to make a competitive appearance this season. Questions about his form and attitude have added to his difficulties, leaving his long-term future at the Danish club uncertain.
A January exit could give the 28-year-old a fresh start. Whether through a loan or permanent transfer, his priority should be finding a stable environment where he can stay fit and earn regular playing time.
1. Victor Boniface — Bayer Leverkusen
Victor Boniface rounds off the list as its biggest name. After an injury-disrupted loan at Werder Bremen last season, the striker returned to Bayer Leverkusen and underwent surgery before recovering in time to feature regularly during pre-season.
However, his opportunities have dried up since the competitive campaign began. Boniface has managed just six Bundesliga minutes as a substitute and is behind Patrick Schick and Fofana in the attacking pecking order.
His frustration at being overlooked has also been reported, including an incident in which he reportedly left the substitutes’ bench in annoyance after being overlooked again.
At 25, Boniface needs regular football to rebuild his confidence and rediscover his best form. If his position does not improve, a January loan could offer a route back to consistent action, provided his fitness allows him to sustain a regular workload.
