Football agent Alanas Gulbinas has revealed that clubs in Lithuania are increasingly reluctant to sign Nigerian players due to persistent visa-processing challenges, describing the situation as a growing concern that is limiting opportunities for talented footballers.
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Gulbinas explained that while Nigerian players remain highly rated for their athleticism and technical ability, administrative hurdles have made clubs more cautious about committing to transfers. According to him, what used to be a straightforward process has now become unpredictable and time-consuming.
“Nigerian players have quality, no doubt about that,” Gulbinas said. “But the major issue right now is uncertainty with visa processing. Clubs cannot plan properly when they don’t know if a player will be cleared in time.”
He noted that in previous years, Lithuanian clubs could track visa applications more effectively and receive clear timelines, making it easier to integrate foreign players into their squads. However, recent delays and lack of clarity have forced teams to reconsider their recruitment strategies.
“Before, you could follow up and get answers,” he added. “Now, everything feels out of control. It takes much longer, and clubs don’t want to take risks that could affect their season.”
Despite the challenges, Gulbinas stressed that interest in Nigerian footballers has not completely disappeared. He said some clubs are still willing to sign Nigerians, but only in limited numbers, often preferring players who already have European residency or passports to avoid complications.
“Teams still try to squeeze in one or two Nigerian players,” he explained. “But they are very careful now. They prefer players with fewer documentation issues.”
The agent warned that if the situation persists, it could significantly reduce the presence of Nigerian players in the Lithuanian league, which has historically served as a stepping stone for many African footballers into bigger European competitions.
“This is not good for the players or the clubs,” Gulbinas said. “Nigeria has huge talent, but without smoother processes, those talents may lose valuable chances to showcase themselves.”
He called for better coordination and clearer procedures to restore confidence among European clubs, stressing that resolving visa bottlenecks would benefit both Nigerian players and the leagues eager to tap into Africa’s rich football potential.
