Full list of Nigerian footballers who moved during winter transfer window

2026-02-03 - 11:48

For Nigerian footballers, the winter transfer window has increasingly become a season of opportunity rather than caution; and January 2026 proved exactly that. Across Europe and beyond, Nigerian players were at the centre of decisive mid-season moves, with clubs investing heavily in proven Super Eagles stars, emerging internationals, and high-upside prospects. From marquee transfers in La Liga and Ligue 1 to strategic loans in England and Portugal, the window reflected a growing confidence in Nigerian talent across multiple tiers of the global game. Some players secured long-awaited big-money switches, others chased regular minutes to revive stalling campaigns, while younger names took bold steps into elite environments. Even veterans and retired Super Eagles figures remained relevant as clubs sought experience to stabilise their squads. As the transfer window closed worldwide, Nigerian footballers emerged as clear beneficiaries — reshaping careers, elevating profiles, and reinforcing the country’s influence in the international transfer market. Below is a breakdown of the key deals involving Nigerian players during the just-concluded winter transfer window. ADEMOLA LOOKMAN (Atalanta to Atletico Madrid – €35m) A turbulent spell in Italy ended positively for Lookman, who further boosted his profile with another standout showing at AFCON 2025. Atletico Madrid paid a fixed €35 million, with an additional €5 million in add-ons, for the 28-year-old. Lookman becomes only the second Nigerian to play for the Rojiblancos and the first Super Eagles player to wear the club’s colours. FRANK ONYEKA (Loan to Coventry City from Brentford) This surprise Championship move raised eyebrows among fans and pundits, but Onyeka has a chance to play a pivotal role in Coventry City’s push for promotion. The Sky Blues are chasing a return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years. VICTOR MOSES (Free transfer to FC Kaysar) After seven months without a club, the 35-year-old winger has restarted his career in Kazakhstan with FC Kaysar. The former Chelsea star has signed a one-year deal, with hopes he can help transform the struggling side into title contenders. WILLIAM TROOST-EKONG (Al-Kholood to Al-Ahli – Undisclosed fee) The former Super Eagles captain made a surprise January switch and enjoyed instant success, lifting the UAE-Qatar Super Cup after victory over Al Jazira. Troost-Ekong continues to thrive in the latter stages of his career in the Middle East. JOE ARIBO (Loan from Southampton to Leicester City) Struggling for game time at Southampton this season, the 27-year-old midfielder opted for a move north. The Championship switch offers Aribo an opportunity to rediscover his best form. SADIQ UMAR (Real Sociedad to Valencia – €5m) Sadiq finally brought an end to his difficult spell at Real Sociedad with a permanent move to Valencia, a club where he previously impressed on loan. The striker now has a fresh chance to revive his career and regain favour with national team selectors. TEREM MOFFI (Loan to FC Porto from OGC Nice) Moffi’s strained relationship with Nice supporters ended with a timely loan move to Porto. The Nigerian forward will chase silverware in Portugal while linking up with international teammate Zaidu Sanusi. RAFIU DUROSINMI (Viktoria Plzen to Pisa – €9m) The 23-year-old striker completed the biggest transfer of his career and has adapted seamlessly to life in Serie A. Since joining in early January, Durosinmi has recorded a goal and an assist in three matches. TOCHUKWU NNADI (Zulte Waregem to Marseille – €6m) Part of Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 squad, the 22-year-old defensive midfielder continues his rapid rise. Viewed as a natural understudy to Wilfred Ndidi, Nnadi’s move to Ligue 1 giants Marseille marks a major step forward. SALIM FAGO LAWAL (NK Istra to Viktoria Plzen – €2.4m) A surprise inclusion in the AFCON 2025 squad, Lawal’s impressive club form saw Istra exceed expectations in Croatia. His seven goals and two assists powered the club to third place, earning him a move to Plzen and a chance for further Super Eagles call-ups. LEONARD NGENGE (Remo Stars to Leeds United – Undisclosed fee) The 18-year-old made a meteoric rise from the Nigeria Premier Football League to one of England’s historic clubs. Although he joined Leeds United’s academy, a clear pathway to the first team exists with strong performances. CHIBUIKE NWAIWU (Wolfsberger to Trabzonspor – €5.5m) The 22-year-old centre-back has settled quickly in Turkey, making three league appearances since his January move. A former Enyimba player and Austrian Cup winner, Nwaiwu appears poised for further success. PROSPER OBAH (LNZ Cherkasy to Shakhtar Donetsk – €4.5m) Eight goals and four assists in 17 matches prompted Shakhtar Donetsk to act swiftly. Known for his pace and clinical finishing, the 22-year-old forward is expected to attract attention from Europe’s elite in the near future. UCHENNA OGUNDU (Alanyaspor to Augsburg – €4.5m) Ogundu completed a move to the German Bundesliga, joining Augsburg as he continues to build his profile at top-flight level. SULEMAN SANI (Trencin to RB Leipzig – €5m) The highly rated youngster secured a big move to Bundesliga heavyweights RB Leipzig after impressing in Slovakia. EMMANUEL DENNIS (Free transfer to FC Brondby) After months without a club, Dennis has revived his career with Danish Superliga side FC Brondby. EHIJE UKAKI (Loan to Atromitos from Sheffield United) The young forward has been loaned out to Greek Super League side Atromitos to gain valuable first-team experience. EJIKE OPARA (Novi Pazar to Viktoria Guimaraes) Opara completed a permanent switch from Serbia to Portugal, joining Vitória Guimarães as he steps up to a more competitive league. Vanguard News