FA Šiauliai are expected to part ways with Nigerian striker Chidera Nwoga during the summer transfer window according to Baltic Football News information, with reports suggesting the forward today played his final match for the club.
According to reports, club director Deividas Kančelskis has been dissatisfied with the 25-year-old Nwoga’s performances this season, and the player is expected to be formally informed about the termination of his contract in the coming days. The 25-year-old striker is reportedly among the club’s highest-paid players.
Nwoga featured in 19 matches for Šiauliai this season and scored two goals. His contract was originally due to run until November. Expectations were considerably higher following his outstanding 2025 campaign with TransINVEST in the Lithuanian Pirma Lyga, when he scored 29 goals in 31 appearances.
The striker’s expected departure comes as Šiauliai continue to struggle near the bottom of the Toplyga standings. After 17 rounds, the club sit ninth with 13 points.
Meanwhile, Šiauliai recently strengthened their squad with the signing of experienced Lithuanian international Arvydas Novikovas. The 35-year-old winger joined from Riteriai and remains one of the most recognisable names in Lithuanian football, having earned 97 caps for the national team.
The club’s broader direction has also come under scrutiny. Former Latvia international and UEFA Pro Licence holder Jurģis Pučinsks was dismissed earlier this season despite Šiauliai impressing many observers with their football during the opening stages of the campaign. He was replaced by Mantas Kuklys, who had no previous experience as a head coach at senior level.
Kuklys currently combines his duties at Šiauliai with his role as an assistant analyst for the Lithuania Under-21 national team and holds a UEFA A Licence.
Questions have also been raised regarding coaching licence requirements. Under Lithuanian Football Federation regulations, which follow UEFA guidelines, a head coach without a UEFA Pro Licence may only serve in an interim capacity for a limited period before a suitably qualified replacement must be appointed.
Reports indicate that only one Lithuanian coach, Gintautas Vaičiūnas, is currently participating in UEFA Pro Licence courses being organised in Latvia, with the programme expected to concludqe in two years.
As Šiauliai prepare for the second half of the season, the departure of Nwoga appears set to be only the latest development in what has been a challenging campaign both on and off the pitch.
If you are enjoying Mantas’s interviews and analysis, please consider supporting his other projects here and here, as well as follow him on TikTok
