5 Nigeria-Eligible Players Shipped Out of Top Premier League Club As New Season Commences
- Crystal Palace have loaned out five Nigeria-eligible players, including striker Jemiah Umolu, for the 2025/26 season
- Umolu joins Bromley after a prolific Under-21 campaign and a previous promotion-winning spell with Port Vale
- David Ozoh, Owen Goodman, Victor Akinwale, and Tayo Adaramola are the other Nigerians loaned out by the Eagles
Crystal Palace have confirmed the loan departure of promising Nigerian-eligible striker Jemiah Umolu to League Two side Bromley for the 2025/26 season.
The move marks the latest in a series of loan exits involving players of Nigerian descent as the London club reshapes its squad for the new campaign.
Source: Twitter
According to All Nigeria Soccer, Umolu’s loan move makes him the fifth Nigeria-eligible player to leave Selhurst Park this summer, following the earlier exits of David Ozoh, Owen Goodman, Victor Akinwale, and Tayo Adaramola.
These departures are aside from the permanent switch of Eberechi Eze, a player of Nigerian descent, who has finalised a mega deal to join Arsenal this summer, Football London reports.
Jemiah Umolu’s rising profile
Umolu, who joined Crystal Palace in July 2024, has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young forwards in South London and one of many Nigeria-eligible players in top Premier League teams.
Source: Twitter
The 19-year-old centre-forward made an instant impact at academy level, scoring eight goals in his first 10 Under-21 appearances, including a memorable hat-trick against then-Premier League 2 champions Tottenham Hotspur.
His prolific form earned him a Premier League 2 Player of the Month nomination in November 2024, highlighting his potential as a future star.
This latest loan to Bromley will be Umolu’s second spell in League Two, after previously impressing during a promotion-winning campaign with Port Vale last season.
Umolu will wear the number 19 jersey at Bromley, where fans will be eager to see if he can replicate his goal-scoring exploits.
Four more Nigerian youngsters loaned out
Umolu’s departure is part of a wider strategy by Crystal Palace to provide valuable first-team experience for their promising Nigerian-eligible youngsters.
David Ozoh, a powerful midfielder, has joined Derby County on loan to gain experience in the Championship.
Owen Goodman, a highly-rated goalkeeper, has been sent to Huddersfield Town.
Victor Akinwale, another emerging attacking talent, has moved to Leyton Orient.
Tayo Adaramola, a left-back with international youth experience, has been loaned to Eastbourne Borough.
The four players represent some of the most exciting Nigerian-eligible prospects in English football.
Palace’s long-term development plan
Crystal Palace’s decision to loan out five Nigerian-eligible players highlights their commitment to youth development and structured player growth.
Rather than keeping them on the bench in the Premier League, the club is ensuring they gain consistent match experience in competitive environments.
This approach has already proven effective for several Palace graduates, and the hope is that Umolu and his fellow Nigerians will return stronger, sharper, and ready to challenge for senior roles at Selhurst Park.
Nigeria-eligible star wants Super Eagles
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the signal of intent from former Nigeria under-20 invitee Hamdi Akujobi could be a spark for the Super Eagles ahead of international friendlies next month.
The Almere City defender believes he can fit into the current squad despite strong competition from the likes of Ola Aina.
Source: Legit.ng
