Nigeria stars aim to shine in 'new home' Turkey
Omeruo will hope for more game time at Kasimpasa
There are a handful of them in the Turkish top-flight league, the Super League, while a good number will feature in the second division called League 1.
AfricanFootball.com looks at the prospects of the Nigerians in the new home of Turkey as the new season kicks off.
Kenneth Omeruo (Defender/Kasimpasa)
The Nigeria international has joined Kasimpasa on a season-long loan from Chelsea. The central defender is one of the shining lights of the Eagles and will be looking forward to doing greater things in the heart of defence for Kasimpasa.
He told AfricanFootball.com his main target is to get regular playing time at the club.
"I am really excited about my deal to Kasimpasa. I am looking forward to play a lot of game and also help the team achieve success," he said.
Raheem Lawal (Midfielder/ Eskisheirspor
The midfielder is one of the most underrated Nigeria players as he can play as a defensive and attacking midfielder.
The 25-year-old Lawal has been an important part of Eskisheirspor since joining them and has been linked to a move away to the likes of Besiktas and Roma.
If he remained at Eskishirspor beyond this summer, he will be one of the players the coach will be relying on for great performance.
He was the most consistent Nigeria in Turkey Super league last season, playing 28 league games and scoring two goals.
Godfrey Oboabona (Defender/Rizespor)
The former Sunshine Stars captain will be looking forward to have a better season than last term by getting more playing time.
He is a solid central defender and will want his team do better than last season when they battle for survival in the top flight.
He played 19 league games with a goal for Rizespor last season.
Michael Eneramo (Striker/Sivasspor)
The striker will lead the Sivasspor attack when the new season begins this weekend. He was there last season, but injury was his bane – he managed just three league games last season - and will be looking forward to be fit for the season so has to bang in goals as expected for the team.
He is well known in Sivasspor and they are trusting him to get the goals to keep them afloat this season.
Aminu Umar (Striker/Osmanlispor)
The U23 striker was part of the squad who helped Osmanlispor to the Super League and he is one of the players they will be counting on for goals when the league kicks off.
The former Wikki Tourists striker, 20, will be tested at the top flight and must prove himself.
But his potentials are not in doubt after he scored four goals in 17 games last season.
John Chibuike (Striker/Gaziantepspor)
The Gaziantepspor forward had a good season last term with his team in the top flight, scoring six goals in 27 games and will be hoping for a better performance this season. He is a strong forward with great skills too.
Gbenga Arokoyo (Defender/Gaziantepspor)
The defender will be looking forward to get more playing time after featuring for Gaziantepspor 20 times last season. He is a strong defender who will want to go step further this season after settling down in Turkey after his time in Sweden.
Musa Mohammed (Defender/Basaksehir)
The Flying Eagles skipper enjoyed a superb pre-season with his new Istanbul club and he is expected to soon to get his chance in the first team.
He is disciplined and ready to fight for his place at a club who finished fourth last season in the Super League.
There are also a good number of Nigerians in the Turkish second division, who will hope to lift their teams to the Super League by the end of the season.
Sunday Mba, Okechukwu Azubuike and George Akpabio will feature for Yeni Matalyaspor,
Nnamdi Oduamadi is on a season-long loan to Sanliurfaspor from AC Milan, while Samsunspor will rely on goals from Nigeria strikers Chikeluba Ofoedu and Ekigho Ehiosun.
Simon Zenke will feature for Karabukspor and David Abwo will star for Giresunspor.
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