Previously, Nigerian players who have featured for teams in Europe and Asia found it difficult to return to play in the Nigeria league, but that seems to be something in the past as a growing list of such players have retraced their feet back to where it all started for them.
Let's take a look at some of the players who have played for teams outside Nigeria andare now back playing in the domestic league.
In this current season, these ex-foreign-based stars are adding to the excitement of the local game.
Alex Nkume: The 25-year-old defender has joined Enugu Rangers after playing for VVV Venlo in Holland. The central defender played for Nigeria U20s in 2009. He played 35 games for VVV Venlo and his experience will be of great help for ‘The Flying Antelopes’ on his second coming.
Adebayo Adigun: The defender has joined Sunshine stars and has already made an immediate impact after he scored a last-gasp winner against Wikki Tourists on Sunday in a 3-2 win. The former 3SC player played in Japan for Kashiwa Reysol and Tokyo Verdy. He also played for Albanian side Bylis Ballsh and his last team outside Nigeria was Al-Tahadi FC in Libya. He has shown he is of good quality and will add glamour to the league.
Bassey Akpan: The goalkeeper has returned to Nigeria to man the post for Bayelsa United after he had featured for Vietnamese team, Hoàng Anh Gia Lai. He is an experienced goalkeeper who represented Nigeria at U17 level in 2001 where he was named goalkeeper of the tournament in Trinidad and Tobago. He was also Super Eagles number one goalkeeper in the 2010 WAFU Cup and won the gold medal.
Tony Okpotu: The enterprising forward has retraced his steps back to Lobi Stars after a stint with Al Ittihad in Libya. He was one of the top strikers in Nigeria league before he left Nigeria. His return will be a good omen for Lobi and add glamour to the league.
Raphael Ademola: The midfielder was part of the 2007 victorious Golden Eaglets that won the FIFA U17 World Cup. He played for Spanish team Atletico Baleares and has been at 3SC since last season.
Chibuzor Okonkwo: The right back established himself in the Super Eagles under coach Samson Siasia. He is a solid defender and good free kick specialist. He also has ability to score from distance. He is playing for Gabros after his time at Asswehly Sport Club in Libya.
Razak Adegbite: The striker posted a stint with Turkish division two side Kahramanmarasspor before he rejoined Rangers.
Usman Amodu: The former Golden Eaglets left back has returned to Nigeria after he played in Sudan for Al Hilal and Llaneros F.C of Colombia. He has joined Gabros.
Jamiu Alimi: One-time Nigeria youth international has featured in Belgium and Ukraine and the big defender has now retraced his steps to Sharks after his stint overseas was plagued by injuries.
Excerpts from AfricanFootball.com
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