Kelechi Iheanacho’s decision to join Turkish second-tier side Bursaspor has reignited a familiar debate in Nigerian football: are Super Eagles players taking backward steps in their careers?
Once regarded as one of Africa’s brightest attacking talents after winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Premier League title and FA Cup, Iheanacho has now swapped the glamour of England and Scotland for Turkey’s second division in a move that many supporters see as symbolic of a worrying trend. The 29-year-old signed a three-year deal with Bursaspor after leaving Celtic, despite reported interest from clubs in higher-profile leagues.
Iheanacho’s switch to Bursaspor sparks nationwide reactions because it comes barely a few weeks after he guided Celtic to the Scottish Premier League and Cup titles.
His move is only the latest in a transfer window that has left many Nigerian football fans questioning whether the country’s top players are gradually slipping down the European ladder rather than climbing it.
For years, Nigerian footballers viewed Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Portugal and sometimes Spain as stepping stones to Europe’s elite leagues.
Players such as Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman all followed that route before earning moves to bigger clubs or establishing themselves among Europe’s best.
Today, however, the pattern appears different.
Rather than progressing into stronger competitions, a growing number of Nigerian internationals are moving sideways—or, in some cases, down the football pyramid.
To many observers, the move represents more than a career choice—it reflects the shrinking options available to several established Nigerian internationals.
Gift Orban is on the verge of completing a season-long loan move from Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim to newly-promoted Turkish Süper Lig club Amedspor, with an option to make the deal permanent.
Although Turkey remains a competitive destination, the move has been widely viewed as a step down. Just a few years ago, Orban was one of Europe’s most sought-after young strikers after his prolific exploits with Gent earned him a move to the Bundesliga. However, an inconsistent spell in Germany has seen his stock decline, and a switch to a newly promoted Turkish side has done little to convince critics that his career is moving in the right direction.
Akor Adams’ transfer from Sevilla to newly promoted Serie A side Venezia also caught many Nigerian football fans by surprise.
The striker impressed during the 2025/26 La Liga season, scoring 10 goals and registering three assists in 32 league appearances to help Sevilla avoid relegation. Given his performances, many expected the 26-year-old to either cement his place at the Spanish club or attract interest from a more established European side.
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Instead, Adams opted for Venezia, a club returning to the Italian top flight. While Serie A remains one of Europe’s elite leagues, joining a newly-promoted side after an encouraging campaign at Sevilla has been perceived by many as an underwhelming career move rather than the progression many anticipated.
Joe Aribo finds himself at another career crossroads after leaving Southampton as a free agent following the expiration of his contract.
The midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at Leicester City but struggled for regular playing time as the Foxes were relegated to League One. Now 30, Aribo has been strongly linked with a return to Rangers, where he enjoyed the best spell of his club career, winning the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup while becoming one of the club’s standout performers.
Ordinarily, a move from Scotland to England is regarded as a step up. However, making the reverse journey after several years south of the border inevitably raises questions about whether Aribo is returning to familiar territory to revive his career rather than progressing to a higher level. For many Nigerian fans, it would represent another example of a Super Eagles player settling for comfort instead of seeking a bigger challenge.
Content creator, Mikeaway Kicks said, “The level of signings Super Eagles players are making this summer is making me ashamed of being a Nigerian or supporting Super Eagles. I just have to be very raw because as a young player you cannot be very promising and drop yet again to a team that is also struggling.
“Look at what cost Tolu Akorodare last season; he went from Club Brugge to Wolves, a struggling team that went down to the Championship and now he is going to leave for Fiorentina.
“Iheanacho, a 29-year-old, is leaving Celtic who won the league last season for Turkey. He is not even going to Galatasaray or Fenerbahce, Besiktas or Trabsonzpor but going to the second division in Turkey. Akor Adams from Sevilla to Venezia.
“Is that an upgrade or a downgrade?”
Nathan Roland added, “Mikel still remains Nigeria’s greatest players.”
Qiblah Zaman said, “They are playing football to survive because they know what they went through before now.”
In pidgin, Maduka Austin said, “Na you dey rate them, even them no rate themselves.”
“He (Iheanacho) is playing for money at this point and it is a wise move for him. He’s past his best and even lucky that he still gets contract offers,” Gamo implied.
Derikis wrote on TikTok, “They are doing what works for them and it is ok. Only that the Super Eagles coach has to create a standard for inviting players.”
Bajela is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 12 years of experience specializing in sports reporting. He is known for in-depth investigations, sports analysis, and compelling storytelling that highlight key issues within the sports industry. Bajela’s work reflects integrity, passion, and a strong commitment to impactful and responsible journalism.
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Source: The Punch
