Official: Super Eagles Invitee Buhari Completes Austria Wien Move
The 24 year old centre back has signed a three year deal after nearly four years in Swedish football, with an eye on forcing his way back into Nigeria’s senior squad.
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Ibrahim Buhari’s time in Swedish football has come to an end, with the Nigerian centre-back completing a free transfer to Austrian Bundesliga club Austria Wien from IF Elfsborg.
The 24 year old has signed a three-year contract that will keep him in Vienna until June 2029, and will wear the number three shirt as he joins straight into first team preparations for the new Austrian Bundesliga season.
Austria Wien moved for Buhari after losing Croatian defender Tin Plavotić, identifying the Nigerian as someone who could strengthen the backline while fitting the club’s broader strategy of recruiting younger players with room to grow. Sporting director Tomas Zorn pointed to his physical profile as a major factor, with the 1.90-metre defender known for his aerial presence, tackling, and ability to organise a back line.
Before his move to Europe, Buhari built his reputation with Plateau United, where he stood out for scoring six league goals from centre-back during the 2021/22 season as the club finished runners-up in the NPFL and qualified for continental competition. That form led to a call-up from then Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf for friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador in 2022, though he never fully broke into the senior setup before leaving Nigeria.
He went on to make 77 appearances for IF Elfsborg across nearly four seasons in Sweden, including six UEFA Europa League group stage matches, gaining experience that could now help his case for a Super Eagles recall as Nigeria prepares for 2027 AFCON and 2030 World Cup qualifying.
Did You Know?
- Ibrahim Buhari’s contract with Austria Wien runs until June 30, 2029.
- He stands at 1.90 metres, or 6 feet 3 inches tall.
- Buhari scored six league goals from centre back for Plateau United during the 2021/22 NPFL season.
- He was called into a Super Eagles squad by then coach Salisu Yusuf in May 2022 for friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador.
- He also featured for Nigeria’s Under-23 team during preparations for Olympic qualifying.
- Buhari made 77 appearances for IF Elfsborg in Sweden across nearly four seasons, including six UEFA Europa League group stage matches.
- He replaces Croatian defender Tin Plavotić in Austria Wien’s backline following his departure from the club.
