Anthony Dennis’ Al Jazira move could affect Super Eagles future

Nigeria midfielder Anthony Dennis has completed a €5 million move from Göztepe to United Arab Emirates club Al Jazira, a transfer that could affect his Super Eagles prospects. The 22-year-old has signed an initial three-year contract and was registered as a resident player by his new club.

That status allows Al Jazira to include Dennis under UAE domestic registration rules without using one of its limited foreign-player places. Players must be over 18 and must not have represented another country’s senior team in an official international competition to qualify for the arrangement. Dennis has previously been invited by Nigeria but has not established himself as a Super Eagles international.

His move could therefore make a future change in international allegiance a possibility if Nigeria do not pursue him. UAE eligibility rules allow naturalised players to represent the country after they obtain citizenship, with five years of continuous residence required. If Dennis remains in the UAE beyond his current deal, he could potentially reach that threshold at 27.

The UAE has used naturalisation to add players who were born elsewhere to its national-team pool. Dennis could become part of that pathway if he performs well for Al Jazira, earns an extended stay and does not receive a serious opportunity from Nigeria. The transfer also brings a major financial improvement, with his new salary reported to be more than 40 times what he earned at Göztepe.

Dennis joined Göztepe from HB Academy Abuja in January 2023 and began with the Turkish club’s under-19 team. He made his professional debut in a 1-1 draw with Çorum in the TFF First League on January 27, 2024, before moving into the senior side.

He helped Göztepe secure promotion to the Turkish Süper Lig and later extended his contract until 2027. In total, he recorded five goals and two assists in 83 appearances across all competitions. Al Jazira now expects him to contribute as it targets the UAE top-flight title.