Having spent five years competing in Germany’s top two tiers, the Super Eagles defender is well-acquainted with German football.
Nigerian international Jamilu Collins has returned to German football by signing with Erzgebirge Aue, a club competing in the 3. Liga, bringing valuable top-flight experience to a team seeking defensive reinforcement, according to Soccernet.ng.
The Saxony-based club officially announced on their website that Collins will join once the contract formalities are finalized on Monday.
The 31-year-old nigeria-target-stands-out-chelseathis-keeps-the-key-terms-for-seo-adarabioyo-nigeria-chelsea-stands-out-while-being-con/” title=”Meet Adarabioyo: The … Target Who Commands Respect at Chelsea Both On and Off the Pitch-"In Training, He's the Referee”>left-back, capped 25 times for Nigeria, became a free agent after his contract with Cardiff City expired at the conclusion of last season.
Previously a consistent presence in the Bundesliga with SC Paderborn, Collins now stands out as one of the most seasoned players in Aue’s squad, boasting over 270 professional appearances across leagues in Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, and England.
Erzgebirge Aue sought Collins’ services following a long-term injury to their primary left-back, Moritz Seiffert, whose absence has left a gap in the team’s defensive line.
Once the contract is signed, Collins is expected to immediately join the starting lineup, donning the number 29 jersey.
Collins’ professional journey has spanned multiple countries. He initially made his mark at Rijeka in Croatia, then competed in Slovenia and Croatia’s lower divisions before establishing himself in Germany with SC Paderborn. Known for his tenacity and stamina, one of his career highlights was a spectacular 35-yard goal against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga in 2019.
In 2022, Collins transferred to Cardiff City, quickly becoming a fan favourite before a severe knee injury curtailed his first season. After recovering and returning to play in 2024, he earned a contract extension that expired this summer.
On the international stage, Collins made his debut for Nigeria in 2018 and played a pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. He was also selected for the squad in the 2021 tournament.
Meanwhile, Erzgebirge Aue revealed that midfielder Can Özkan faces another knee surgery, ruling him out for the entire 2025/26 season.
For Collins, this transfer marks a fresh opportunity. Once regarded as Nigeria’s future at left-back, the Kaduna-born defender now aims to revive his career in a familiar league where his extensive experience could be a vital asset.
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