By Korede James
English Championship club Blackburn Rovers have announced the signing of Nigerian striker Emmanuel Dennis on loan from Nottingham Forest.
Rovers announced the signing in a statement on their website on transfer deadline Monday night.
Dennis, 27, was the third signing on Monday, following the arrivals of Yuri Ribeiro from Braga and Cauley Woodrow from Luton Town.
“A prolific goalscorer, Dennis started his senior career with Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk, netting the opener in a 3-0 win on his debut in July 2016,” Rovers stated.
“He gained Europa League experience in games against Feyenoord, Fenerbahce and Manchester United, before netting a further five league goals for Zorya, who finished the 2016-17 Ukrainian Premier League season third in the table.
“A move to Belgian side Club Brugge followed in the summer of 2017, with Dennis again finding the back of the net on his debut, the first of 19 league goals in 85 games for the club.
“Following a loan spell in Germany with FC Koln, Dennis made the move to England, with Watford securing his signature in June 2021.
“He bagged 10 Premier League goals in 30 starts, including another debut goal in a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa.
“His fine form at Vicarage Road prompted Nottingham Forest to spend a reported £20m on the striker in August 2022, where he continued to play regular Premier League football, scoring in games against Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
“Loan spells with Istanbul Basaksehir and former club Watford followed for the Nigeria international, who has eight caps for his country.
“Dennis will now hope to rediscover his goalscoring touch at Rovers after becoming our sixth signing of the January window.
“Welcome, Emmanuel!”
Another Nigerian player who moved on deadline day was Victor Udoh who joined English Premier League strugglers Southampton from Belgian club Royal Antwerp.
“Southampton Football Club is pleased to confirm it has completed the transfer of attacker Victor Udoh from Royal Antwerp, subject to international clearance,” the Saints announced.
“The 20-year-old Nigerian forward has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract and now arrives at St Mary’s to continue his development, initially joining the Under-21s squad.
“Udoh has made 28 senior appearances for Belgian top-flight side Antwerp since joining them in 2023 from the Hypebuzz FC academy in Abuja.
“He has also impressed for the youthful Royal Antwerp II side, scoring 12 times in 21 appearances last season.
“Udoh will link up with his new club once his international clearance is approved.”
Meanwhile, Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho moved to Championship club Middlesbrough on loan.
The former Manchester City and Leicester City star joined Boro after struggling to impress at Sevilla.
