Nigerian-born Daniel Shittu played for the Under 19s against
Derby in a 3-2 FA Premier Academy League defeat. On November 13th
1999, he returned to Carrow Road as part of the Charlton Under
19 side that defeated the young Canaries 2-0.
The former Carshalton Athletic player joined Third Division Blackpool
on loan on 16th February 2001 so he could gain match experience
including a goal on his debut. On 23rd March 2001, Danny received
a surprise international call-up for Nigeria for their April 7th
friendly against Libya. However Danny rejected the invite preferring
to gain further experience in Division 3 against the likes of
Shrewsbury. Blackpool manager Steve McMahon stated in June 2001
that he would be keen to sign Danny permanently to aid the Tangerines
in their 2001/02 Division Two campaign.
Danny joined QPR on loan towards the end of October 2001 but was
sent-off on his debut. Despite a second sending off. Danny joined
QPR permanently in January 2002 for a fee of approximately £250,000.
He made his international debut for Nigeria at Loftus Road in
their April 2002 clash with Paraguay, and hopes to attend the
World Cup in Japan/Korea.
According to speculation recorded on the Football Transfers website,
Aston Villa have allegedly been watching Danny during November/December
2002 and are preparing a swoop for him and colleague Clarke Carlisle.
Football
Rumours have claimed that Southampton have been watching the
young Nigerian defender.
QPR won promotion into Division One at the end of the 2003/4
season. After a strong season in 2004/5, Danny was linked with
£1.5million moves to Man City or Southampton, and a £2.5million
switch to Celtic. He was later linked with a return to the Valley.
In December 2005, he was linked with a move to Goodison Park to
resolve Everton's defensve frailities. The League Paper
speculated on 1st January 2006 that Sheffield United had scouted
Shittu and were seeking to sign him to strengthen their push for
promotion to the Premiership. On 29th January, The League Paper
linked him with moves to Norwich and Birmingham whilst The
People speculated that he was to join Charlton for £700,000.
The former report suggested that QPR wanted £3million for
him.
In March 2006, football magazine Four Four Two listed
Shittu as their 20th best player performing in the Football League.
Despite interest from West Bromwich Albion and a £1.5million
bid from Baggies manager Bryan Robson, Danny signed for Ade
Boothroyd's Watford on 6th August 2006 in a £1.6million
deal that could rise to £3m. In November 2006, the Scottish
Sun suggested that Shittu was a target for Gordon Strachan's
Celtic. Rumours circulated in February 2007 that if Sheffield
United avoided relegation from the Premiership, Blades' boss Neil
Warnock would make a £3.5m swoop for Shittu.
Shittu was called up for Nigeria's team for the 2008 African
Cup of Nations. Whilst away, media speculation linked him with
a move to Newcastle United. Danny played in all 4 of Nigeria's
games in the African Cup of Nations althoiugh generaly it is thought
that the Nigerian side were disappointing.
On 6th August 2008, Danny signed for Gary Megson's Bolton Wanderers
for an undisclosed sum even though there had been speculation
linking him with a move to Rangers for £1.5m which broke
down over personal terms. Shittu signed an initial three-year
deal and becomes Megson's fourth signing of the summer
Danny was included in Nigeria's World Cup squad for the finals
in South Africa in June/July 2010 and played in all three disappoiing
games for the Super Eagles
Danny was released from his Bolton contract on 2nd September
2010 after failing to make it into Bolton's 25 man Premier League
squad for the 2010/11 season
He signed for Millwall on 20th October 2010 on a three month
contract. Whilst Millwall sought to extend the contract in January,
QPR manager Neil Warnock was keen to sign him for his promotion
chasing Rangers. Cardiff were also linked. He finally signed for
QPR on 27th January 2011
He was released by QPR at the end of the 2011/12 season, having
made just one appearance in that campaign.
Shittu rejoined Millwall on 13th August 2012, signing a one year
deal.
Shittu was one of eighteen players released by Millwall on 7th
May 2015 following their relegation to League One.