The January 2025/26 transfer window saw a flurry of activity involving Nigerian footballers across Europe and beyond, with established Super Eagles stars, emerging talents, and young prospects securing new club deals during the winter market.
From high-profile moves in La Liga to strategic loans in England and bold steps into developmental environments, Nigerian players made significant transfers that could shape the remainder of their seasons and careers.
1. Ademola Lookman sealed a major move from Atalanta to Atlético Madrid in La Liga for around €35 million, becoming one of the most expensive Nigerian transfers of the window.
2. Frank Onyeka moved on loan from Brentford to English Championship side Coventry City in pursuit of more regular playing time.
3. Victor Moses restarted his club career after months without a contract by signing with Kazakhstan’s FC Kaysar.
4. Joe Aribo joined Leicester City on loan from Southampton as he seeks consistent minutes in the EFL Championship.
5. Sadiq Umar completed a permanent switch from Real Sociedad to Valencia for around €5 million, returning to a familiar Spanish club.
6. Rafiu Durosinmi made a big move from Viktoria Plzeň to Italian side Pisa for a fee reported at €9 million.
7. Tochukwu Nnadi joined Olympique Marseille from Zulte Waregem, stepping into France’s Ligue 1.
8. Salim Fago Lawal earned a transfer from NK Istra to Viktoria Plzeň after an impressive spell in Croatia.
9. Leonard Ngenge moved from Nigeria’s Remo Stars to join English Premier League club Leeds United’s academy setup.
10. Chibuike Nwaiwu secured a switch from Wolfsberger AC to Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor, continuing his rise in European football.
Editorial
This January window highlighted the growing influence of Nigerian talent across global football. The headline move of Ademola Lookman to Atlético Madrid underscores how Super Eagles stars are attracting significant interest at the highest level of European competition.
Strategic loan moves, such as Frank Onyeka’s switch to Coventry City and Joe Aribo’s transition to Leicester City, show a focus on securing regular playing time a vital factor for players aiming to maintain form for both club and country.
The emergence of young prospects like Leonard Ngenge moving to Leeds United and Rafiu Durosinmi’s transfer to Pisa signals that the next generation of Nigerian footballers are making bold progressions in their careers. These moves across diverse leagues from Spain and England to Turkey and beyond demonstrate the breadth and depth of Nigerian talent in the current football landscape.
Did You Know?
- Ademola Lookman’s move to Atlético Madrid made him one of the most expensive Nigerian signings in January 2026.
- Frank Onyeka’s loan to Coventry City places him in a club chasing promotion to the English Premier League.
- Leonard Ngenge signed for Leeds United’s academy after leaving Remo Stars in the NPFL.
- Tochukwu Nnadi’s switch to Olympique Marseille marked his first move into one of Europe’s top five leagues.
- Sadiq Umar returned to a familiar club environment in Spain with Valencia after his spell at Real Sociedad.
