5-time German champions eye Nigerian star forgotten by Eric Chelle

VfB Stuttgart are preparing for an aggressive January transfer window, and one of the standout names on their expanding striker shortlist is Nigerian forward Rafiu Durosinmi, a player who has been overlooked by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle despite his rising form.

With Stuttgart flush with transfer funds and eager to reinforce their attack, the Bundesliga side are now monitoring several forwards, including the in-form Nigerian.

According to reports from Sport Bild and Stuttgarter Nachrichten, Stuttgart have drawn up a detailed list of seven potential striker targets as they look to fill the void left by the late summer departure of Nick Woltemade.

Having already been linked with Jeremy Arévalo, William Osula, and Arnaud Kalimuendo, the club has now added four more forwards to its radar: Bologna’s Thijs Dallings, Union Saint-Gilloise star Promise David, Club Brugge’s Romeo Vermant, and Viktoria Plzen’s Rafiu Durosinmi.

Durosinmi, in particular, stands out as one of the most intriguing names on the list. His near-move to Eintracht Frankfurt last year collapsed due to medical complications, but the Nigerian has responded impressively on the pitch this season.

With 11 goals in 24 matches, including four in eight matches in European competition, the 22-year-old has emerged as one of Plzen’s most important players. Stuttgart, armed with a heavy transfer surplus of over €65m, are now expected to make a serious push.

Despite his breakout form in the Czech Republic, Durosinmi continues to be overlooked by Nigeria’s national team setup.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has consistently opted for more established names such as Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, Cyriel Dessers, Paul Onuachu, and Umar Sadiq, leaving the prolific youngster waiting for his first senior call-up.

Stuttgart’s interest may now elevate his profile further, potentially forcing a rethink within Nigeria’s coaching staff. The German giants, five-time Bundesliga champions, are known for developing young attacking talents and offering them a platform to explode in Europe’s top leagues.

If Stuttgart make a January move and Durosinmi continues his upward trajectory, the Super Eagles may soon find it difficult to ignore him.