Retained list: Derby County make decisions on five Nigerians including Crystal Palace loanee

Championship club Derby County have announced their retained list following the conclusion of the 2025–2026 season, with decisions made on five players of Nigerian descent, headlined by Super Eagles hopeful David Ozoh.

Shortly after the Championship season ended, Ozoh appeared to confirm on social media that his time with the Rams had come to an end following back-to-back loan spells at the club.

Derby County have now confirmed that the Valencia native has returned to parent club Crystal Palace following the end of his loan spell.

Ozoh registered 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice in the recently concluded season.

The former England U18 international, who has made thirteen first team appearances for Crystal Palace, has a contract with the London club until June 30, 2026.

At U21 level, the Nigerian quartet of Charles Agbawodikiezu, Raymond Offor, Justin Oguntolu, Adisa Osayande are all set to return for pre-season training after being retained by the club.

Agbawodikiezu has yet to make his first team debut, though he was named in the matchday squad for four Championship games in 2024-2025.

Dublin-born centre-back Offor joined the Rams from League of Ireland Premier Division side Shelbourne at the start of February 2026.

Oguntolu shone in the Premier League Cup, where he scored five goals and produced two assists in six games, while U21s captain Osayande spent a portion of the season at Northern Premier League West side Stafford Rangers on a youth loan.