Cardiff City Considering Early Contract Termination for Jamilu Collins

Cardiff City manager Omer Riza has confirmed that Nigerian international Jamilu Collins may leave the club before the end of the season. The left-back has struggled for form and playing time, making just three league appearances this season.

Collins was eager to secure a transfer during the January window in hopes of reviving his career, but no deal materialized before the deadline. While some transfer windows remain open in other countries, a move is yet to be agreed upon.

Riza hinted that if no transfer is secured, Cardiff City may opt for a mutual contract termination. “If every window closes around the world, he will either look to stay or some sort of agreement will be made,” he stated in an interview with WalesOnline.

With his future uncertain, Collins faces a race against time to find a new club and regain form ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda in March. The defender, who debuted for the Super Eagles in 2018, last played for Nigeria in March 2024.

Editorial

Jamilu Collins’ situation at Cardiff City highlights the brutal realities of professional football. Just a few years ago, he was a regular in Nigeria’s national team and a key player at club level. Now, he finds himself struggling for playing time and potentially facing an early contract termination.

His story is a reminder that form and injuries can quickly alter a player’s career trajectory. Cardiff’s decision to part ways with him would be a business move rather than a reflection of his ability. For Collins, the priority now should be securing a club where he can play regularly and prove he still has plenty to offer.

The bigger question is what this means for his Super Eagles future. With Nigeria set to resume World Cup qualifying, national team selectors prefer players in top form and playing consistently at club level. If Collins does not find a team soon, his chances of returning to the squad may diminish.

Time is running out, and his next move could define the remainder of his career. Whether he stays in Europe or explores opportunities in other leagues, he must act quickly to avoid further setbacks.

Did You Know?

1. Jamilu Collins played for Paderborn in Germany before joining Cardiff City in 2022.
2. He suffered a serious knee injury in August 2022, which kept him out for nearly a year.
3. He was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles finished third.
4. Cardiff City have played in the English Premier League only once in the last decade, during the 2018/19 season.
5. Nigeria’s left-back position has seen increased competition in recent years, with players like Zaidu Sanusi and Calvin Bassey emerging as key options.