As the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) has finally resumed, over nine key players have departed the league for greener pastures during the mid-season transfer window.
These departures highlight the growing appeal of Nigerian footballers on the international stage, Footballrover reports.
Leading the exodus is Isah Ali, who moved from Remo Stars to CD Feirense in Portugal.
Benjamin Tanimu (Bendel Insurance) linked up with former Rivers United star Morice Chukwu at Ihefu SC in Tanzania, while Tamara Ezekiel (Insurance) headed to Al Naft in Iraq.
As I embark on the next chapter of my career, bidding farewell to our league proves difficult, considering it has been my home for years.
The league provided me with the chance to evolve both as a player and as a person.
Venturing beyond Nigeria's shores to play has always pic.twitter.com/F2fQWV859r
— Ezekiel_Tamara26 (@TamaraEzekiel) February 1, 2024
Striker Robert Mizo left Bayelsa United for Al Hilal in Libya despite leading the league scoring chart, while Andy Okpe, in a shocking move, departed Rivers United for Supersport United in South Africa.
Ghanaian midfielder Paul Acquah also followed suit, leaving Rivers United for Anwar in Libya.
Defenders Chris Nwaeze (Plateau United) and Bello Lukman (Katsina United) have secured moves to Zorya Luhansk in Ukraine and Club Athletique in Tunisia, respectively.
Completing the list is Kareem Ayinde, who left Shooting Stars for Cleopatra in Egypt.
These transfers show the increasing recognition of Nigerian players abroad and offer exciting opportunities for the departing players.
The NPFL, however, will need to find ways to replace these lost stars and maintain the league’s competitiveness.
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