- by Sampson Adedeji ,
- Jul 31, 2025
Ex-Super Eagles Star Blames Italian Clubs Over Osimhen, Lookman Transfer Sagas
By Niyi Busari
Former Super Eagles striker Benedict Akwuegbu has advised Nigerian footballers to secure competent agents who understand the dynamics of modern football and can effectively protect their interests in contract negotiations.
Akwuegbu, who featured for Nigeria at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, shared his thoughts against the backdrop of recent high-profile transfer sagas involving Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface.
“First and foremost, every player wants to play in the best leagues in the world. But it’s unfair how some Nigerian players have been treated by Italian clubs,” Akwuegbu said.
He pointed to Napoli’s handling of Osimhen’s situation as an example: “Osimhen deserves to play for the biggest clubs, but Napoli placed an unrealistic price tag on him deliberately, making a move difficult.”
On Ademola Lookman, Akwuegbu acknowledged that while contractual obligations must be respected, clubs should also consider the player’s ambitions. “Lookman wants to move, and while he is under contract, he should also have the right to play where he is wanted,” he added.
Nigerian players have faced several setbacks in Italy in recent months. Osimhen’s reported move to Galatasaray collapsed amid Napoli’s demands, Lookman’s desired switch to Inter Milan stalled, and Boniface’s anticipated transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to AC Milan fell through after a failed medical.
Akwuegbu stressed that with proper guidance from capable agents, Nigerian players would be better positioned to navigate such challenges and secure moves that align with their careers and aspirations.
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