Top-tier football club selects former Lions player, who was previously rejected by Eintracht Braunschweig.
Jannis Nikolaou Joins SC St. Tönis in Niederrhein Oberliga
Jannis Nikolaou, a seasoned footballer with an impressive five-year stint at Eintracht Braunschweig, has made a move to SC St. Tönis in North Rhine-Westphalia's Tönisvorst. The 33-year-old defender-cum-midfielder is expected to bolster the squad of the Niederrhein Oberliga club.
Nikolaou, a native of Bonn, spent his formative years at Eintracht Braunschweig, where he rose through the ranks to become a regular starter and later the captain. His departure from the club has left a void, but Eintracht Braunschweig has already reacted, with new signings Louis Breunig and Lukas Frenkert joining the team. Both Breunig and Frenkert can play on the central defender position.
Holger Krebs, sporting director of SC St. Tönis, is thrilled about Nikolaou's transfer. "Jannis brings a wealth of experience and quality to our squad," Krebs said. "His defensive prowess and midfield skills will be invaluable as we aim for success in the Niederrhein Oberliga."
After securing their place in the league, Nikolaou remained club-less for a while. However, the allure of a new challenge and the prospect of ending his career on a high note seems to have drawn him to SC St. Tönis. His new training place is a short bike ride away from Krefeld-Forstwald.
Nikolaou has been in top shape, and although this move might mark the end of his professional football career, he is eager to contribute to SC St. Tönis' success.
As for Eintracht Braunschweig, they are yet to officially name Jannis Nikolaou's replacement. The lineups from a recent match on August 1, 2025, show Nikolaou playing, but no clear substitute or direct replacement is indicated. Potential candidates could be other defenders who have been substituted around the same time or in similar defensive roles.
Despite the uncertainty, both clubs are poised for an exciting season ahead, with Nikolaou's experience set to benefit SC St. Tönis and Eintracht Braunschweig looking to fill the void left by their former captain.
Jannis Nikolaou's new challenge sees him joining the European leagues, specifically SC St. Tönis in the Niederrhein Oberliga. With his rich experience in football, particularly from playing five seasons with Eintracht Braunschweig, his skills as both a defender and midfielder could prove crucial as SC St. Tönis aims for success.
