Nigeria’s 2026 Free‑Agent Roster: Top 10 Players, Featuring Former Manchester United Star

The 2026 summer transfer window offers a new chance for several Nigeria Super Eagles stars to find new clubs, according to Afrik‑Foot.

Some players have already departed their clubs, while others are entering the final weeks of their contracts without renewal agreements. From seasoned veterans to players still performing at a high level in Europe, these Super Eagles are available without a transfer fee and could be valuable additions for clubs across various leagues.

Based on current market values, here are Nigeria’s top 10 free agents of 2026, ranked from the lowest-valued player to the highest.

Super Eagles free agents of summer 2026

10. Odion Ighalo (€400k)

Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo remains unattached after leaving Al‑Wehda in Saudi Arabia on 1 July 2025. The 36‑year‑old has spent the entire 2025/26 season without a club despite ongoing transfer speculation. Ighalo had successful spells with Al‑Hilal and Al‑Wehda, finishing as a league top scorer during his time with Al‑Hilal.

The veteran striker has previously expressed willingness to play in the NPFL under the right conditions, while reports have occasionally linked him with clubs such as champions Enugu Rangers. His extensive experience at the World Cup, AFCON and top European leagues still makes him an attractive short‑term option.

9. Kenneth Omeruo (€600k)

Kenneth Omeruo has been searching for a new club since his brief spell with Romanian giants CFR Cluj ended. The defender joined CFR Cluj in July 2025 after leaving Turkish side Kasimpasa but struggled to feature due to fitness concerns following recovery from a meniscus injury.

Now fully fit, the 2013 AFCON winner has been training individually ahead of the transfer window. Omeruo’s experience from La Liga, the Turkish Super Lig and multiple major tournaments with Nigeria could earn him interest from MLS and Gulf clubs.

8. Tyronne Ebuehi (€700k)

Tyronne Ebuehi’s contract with Empoli expires on 30 June 2026, leaving the Super Eagles right‑back on the verge of free agency.

The defender’s progress was heavily disrupted by an ACL injury suffered in March 2024. Although he returned to action, limited appearances during the 2025/26 season have created uncertainty over his future in Italy.

At 30, Ebuehi remains one of Nigeria’s most experienced full‑backs and could still attract interest from clubs looking for proven defensive quality.

7. Stanley Nwabali (€800k)

Super Eagles’ first‑choice goalkeeper became a free agent after mutually terminating his contract with Chippa United in February. The move followed Nwabali’s desire for a bigger challenge after impressive performances for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in Ivory Coast and Morocco.

The goalkeeper has continued private training under former Nigeria international Greg Etafia while weighing his options. Clubs including Simba SC, Kaizer Chiefs, Raja Casablanca, Al‑Ettifaq and Queens Park Rangers have all been linked with the shot‑stopper.

6. David Okereke (€1.4m)

David Okereke’s contract with Cremonese expires at the end of June after a difficult period in Italy. The forward returned from previous loan spells hoping to revive his career but found opportunities limited. He eventually made 10 Serie A appearances during the 2025/26 campaign and scored against Fiorentina and Pisa.

Turkish side Kocaelispor are among the clubs monitoring his situation, while interest from Spain and Belgium could also provide alternative routes for the former Club Brugge attacker.

5. Joe Aribo (€1.5m)

Joe Aribo officially leaves Southampton after four years at St Mary’s Stadium. The Super Eagles midfielder joined from Rangers in 2022 and made 95 league appearances, scoring nine goals. However, he struggled for regular football during his final campaign and spent part of the season on loan at Leicester City.

At 29, Aribo’s versatility across midfield and attack should make him one of the more attractive free agents available this summer.

4. Kevin Akpoguma (€1.5m)

Kevin Akpoguma’s 13‑year association with Hoffenheim will end when his contract expires on 30 June. The Super Eagles centre‑back joined the Bundesliga side in 2013 and developed into one of the club’s longest‑serving players.

However, reduced playing time during the 2025/26 season convinced both parties that a change was necessary. Despite making only eight appearances in his final campaign, Akpoguma’s Bundesliga experience could prove valuable for clubs seeking defensive leadership.

3. Peter Olayinka (€2.5m)

Peter Olayinka enters the market after completing a short‑term deal with APOEL Nicosia. The attacker left Red Star Belgrade in October 2025 before signing for APOEL four months later to regain match fitness. His impact in Cyprus included winning the club’s Goal of the Month award in April 2026.

Olayinka’s record of more than 100 career goals across spells in Belgium, the Czech Republic and Serbia makes him one of the most accomplished Nigerian attackers currently available.

2. Kelechi Iheanacho (€3m)

Kelechi Iheanacho faces an uncertain future at Celtic as his contract approaches its 30 June expiration date.

The former Leicester City star joined the Scottish champions in September 2025 after leaving Sevilla and quickly became a fan favourite, winning the league and cup double. Although injuries interrupted his season, he scored five crucial goals in Celtic’s final eight matches.

One of the biggest moments came when he converted a dramatic 99th‑minute penalty against Motherwell during the title run‑in. Celtic possess an extension option, but reports suggest the club would prefer negotiating a fresh agreement rather than activating the clause.

Josh Maja (€4.5m)

Josh Maja tops the list as Nigeria’s most valuable free agent heading into the 2026 summer window. The Super Eagles striker’s contract with West Bromwich Albion expires on 30 June after three seasons at The Hawthorns. Maja enjoyed an excellent goalscoring run before an ankle injury disrupted his progress, and he spent much of the 2025/26 season rebuilding his fitness.

West Brom are eager to retain the 27‑year‑old, with manager Ryan Mason reportedly keen on an extension. However, interest from Premier League side Southampton could complicate negotiations.

With his age, goalscoring record and market value, Maja currently stands as the biggest Nigerian free‑agent opportunity available this summer.