By Dorcas Francis Koji
Several Nigerian footballers are enjoying impressive career revivals after difficult spells at their previous clubs, with Tolu Arokodare, Kelechi Iheanacho, Gift Orban and Samuel Chukwueze among those making significant strides this season.
From Ajax to Turkey and Italy, the players have responded to setbacks with strong performances, goals and assists, providing fresh evidence of their ability to rediscover their best form when given the right opportunity.
Tolu Arokodare — Ajax
Arokodare has been one of the standout Nigerian performers in Europe since joining Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan.
The striker has made an impressive start in Amsterdam, registering six goals and three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions.
His move to Ajax has provided a major change of fortunes after a difficult period at Wolves.
Arokodare had made the switch to the Premier League from Belgium with high expectations but struggled to establish himself at Molineux, with his relationship with the club reportedly deteriorating towards the end of last season.
The Nigerian has looked like a different player since arriving in the Netherlands.
He scored in four of Ajax’s five matches before Tuesday and has gradually forced his way into the starting lineup.
Arokodare began his Ajax career by coming off the bench in his first four appearances but has now started the club’s last five matches, underlining his growing importance to the Dutch giants.
Kelechi Iheanacho — Bursaspor
Iheanacho has also enjoyed a remarkable transformation since moving to Turkish first-division club Bursaspor.
The experienced forward endured a frustrating spell last season, spending considerable time on the treatment table at Celtic before returning to fitness towards the latter stages of the campaign.
Despite his injury problems, Iheanacho scored five goals in 13 league appearances during the 2025/26 season and helped Celtic secure a domestic double.
His move to Bursaspor has brought a dramatic change.
The 29-year-old has scored nine goals and supplied two assists in seven consecutive matches, making him the league’s leading scorer and one of the most prolific Nigerian forwards in Europe this season.
His scoring streak has provided a timely reminder of the finishing ability that made him one of Nigeria’s most highly rated young forwards during his early career.
Gift Orban — Amedspor
Gift Orban has also found his scoring touch after a turbulent period involving several club moves.
Since joining Lyon from Gent in January 2024, the Nigerian striker has moved to Hoffenheim, Verona and now Amedspor in Turkey, as he searched for the consistency that first brought him international attention in Belgium.
The 24-year-old appears to have found greater stability in Turkey.
Orban has scored six goals and provided one assist in five league matches for Amedspor, putting him alongside Victor Osimhen as a joint leading scorer in the Turkish top flight.
His current tally is already close to his total for Verona last season, when he scored seven goals in 28 games.
He also scored seven league goals combined during his spells at Hoffenheim and Lyon across 29 appearances.
Samuel Chukwueze — AC Milan
Chukwueze is another Nigerian whose career appears to be moving in a positive direction after a challenging start at AC Milan.
The winger joined Milan from Villarreal in 2023 for a reported €21.1 million but struggled to establish himself during his first two seasons in Italy.
He scored only four league goals in 50 appearances before spending last season on loan at Fulham.
The 27-year-old has since returned to Milan with another opportunity to prove his value, and he has made an encouraging start.
Operating in a wing-back role under Ruben Amorim, Chukwueze has earned praise for his adaptation and has already contributed two important assists in four matches this season.
His improved performances have given him renewed confidence as he attempts to establish himself at Milan and secure a significant role in the club’s 2026/27 campaign.
For Arokodare, Iheanacho, Orban and Chukwueze, the current season represents more than a collection of impressive statistics.
Their performances show how a change of environment, increased playing time and renewed confidence can provide an opportunity for players to rebuild momentum after difficult periods.
With the season still in its early stages, the four Nigerians will be hoping their strong starts can develop into sustained performances and further strengthen their claims for international recognition.
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