As the 2024/25 European football season progresses, several Super Eagles players are struggling to make a significant impact at their respective clubs. While some players have delivered outstanding performances, others have yet to find their footing just days ahead of the second international break of the season. Notable underperformers include Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar, Nathan Tella, Paul Onuachu, and Joe Aribo, each facing their challenges in their respective teams, which could jeopardize their positions within the squad.
Kelechi Iheanacho, who transferred to Sevilla on a free transfer after leaving Leicester City, has found himself on the sidelines for most of the pre-season. Despite starting three out of five league matches, his performance has been underwhelming, managing just one shot on target. Coach Garcia Pimienta remains invested in Iheanacho, giving him openings despite his lack of form. With the pressure mounting, it’s crucial for him to capitalize on these chances to secure his place in the squad and begin contributing positively to the team’s efforts.
Taiwo Awoniyi is another player battling for relevance this season. Once a regular starter for Nottingham Forest, the 27-year-old striker has seen his position diminished, now lagging behind teammates such as Chris Wood and Anthony Elanga in the offensive hierarchy. Awoniyi has only managed to start once and has not scored a goal yet this term, an unfortunate departure from his previous season, where he was instrumental in the squad’s performance. As competition increases, he faces a pivotal moment to regain his goal-scoring touch and reintegrate himself into the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze’s transition from Villarreal to AC Milan has been much less seamless than anticipated. The 25-year-old was a standout performer at his former club but has struggled to replicate that form since joining Milan for a hefty fee. In his first season with the Rossoneri, he recorded only six goal contributions and is yet to make an impact this season across seven appearances. The situation has become increasingly concerning for Chukwueze, with rumors circulating that he may be allowed to leave in the January transfer window, emphasizing the urgent need for him to step up his performance.
Sadiq Umar faces similar trials at Real Sociedad, where he is on the fringes after an injury-plagued tenure since joining the club. Although he showed promise early in his spell, his struggles to remain consistent post-injury have left him in a precarious position. Despite a substantial investment by the club to acquire him, Sadiq has yet to score in his five La Liga appearances this term, and expectations are mounting for him to turn around his form if he hopes to remain a valuable asset for Sociedad.
At Bayer Leverkusen, Nathan Tella also finds himself in a challenging situation. Although he contributed to the team’s success in the previous season, he has yet to make his mark this year, earning minimal playing time across competitions. His limited involvement, particularly in high-stakes matches like the UEFA Champions League, raises questions about his reliability within the squad. With only a handful of minutes logged, Tella must quickly seize opportunities to reaffirm his role in the team.
Finally, both Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo of Southampton are navigating their respective challenges. Onuachu is yet to make an appearance this season, and his failed attempts to secure a transfer away from the club illustrate his frustration. In contrast, Aribo has had some playing time but finds himself struggling to create meaningful impact, highlighted by an unfortunate deflection that denied his team a victory. As the season continues, both players must enhance their contributions to bring about desired changes within Southampton’s performance dynamics, which are proving unsettling thus far.
