For Nigerian footballers, the January 2026 transfer window reinforced a clear reality: Nigerian talent remains a priority across Europe and emerging markets. Clubs acted decisively, spending, loaning, and planning long-term around Super Eagles regulars, AFCON standouts, and fast-rising prospects.
From high-value La Liga transfers to strategic Championship loans and youth-focused Bundesliga investments, Nigerian players were involved at every level of the market. The moves reflected form, demand, and confidence.
Below is a detailed breakdown of Nigerian footballers who completed transfers during the winter window.
High-Profile Permanent Transfers
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta to Atlético Madrid – €35m + add-ons)
Atlético Madrid completed one of the window’s biggest African signings, paying €35 million upfront for Lookman, with bonuses pushing the deal close to €40 million. The 28-year-old joins Diego Simeone’s squad after consistent performances in Serie A and another strong AFCON outing. He becomes the first Super Eagles player to represent Atlético Madrid.
Read: Lookman Heads to Atlético Madrid, Moffi Joins Porto on Loan
Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad to Valencia – €5m)
After struggling for continuity at Real Sociedad, Sadiq secured a permanent return to Valencia, where he previously impressed. The striker signed a deal running until 2028, offering him stability and a chance to re-establish himself in La Liga.
Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzeň to Pisa – €9m)
Pisa invested heavily in the 23-year-old striker, completing a club-record deal. Durosinmi adapted quickly, registering a goal and an assist within his first three Serie A appearances.
Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem to Marseille – €6m)
Marseille secured the AFCON 2025 midfielder as part of a long-term squad rebuild. At 22, Nnadi is viewed internally as a high-upside defensive midfielder with the profile to develop into a regular Ligue 1 starter.
Loans and Short-Term Moves
Frank Onyeka (Brentford to Coventry City – Loan)
Onyeka dropped into the Championship to secure regular football. Coventry City see him as central to their promotion push, with the move offering the midfielder consistent minutes after limited opportunities at Brentford.
Joe Aribo (Southampton to Leicester City – Loan)
Aribo opted for a mid-season reset after limited game time at Southampton. Leicester City provides a competitive environment and a realistic pathway back to form.
Terem Moffi (OGC Nice to FC Porto – Loan)
Following tensions with supporters in France, Moffi joined Porto on loan. The move places him in a title-chasing side and gives him exposure to continental football.
Ehije Ukaki (Sheffield United to Atromitos – Loan)
The young forward moved to Greece to gain first-team experience, with Sheffield United monitoring his development closely.
Veteran Experience and Career Revivals
After seven months without a club, Moses returned to professional football with a one-year deal in Kazakhstan. The 35-year-old brings experience and leadership to FC Kaysar as they attempt to stabilise their league position. Meanwhile, former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong,
continued his Middle East journey, lifting the UAE–Qatar Super Cup shortly after joining Al-Ahli.
Emmanuel Dennis also restarted his career in Denmark after months on the sidelines, signing with FC Brøndby in a move focused on rebuilding form and visibility.
Young Prospects Securing Big Steps
Leonard Ngenge completed one of the window’s most eye-catching youth moves, joining Leeds United directly from Nigeria Premier Football League side Remo Stars. The 18-year-old initially links up with the club’s academy, but Leeds have outlined a structured pathway that could see him progress to the senior team with strong performances.
Suleman Sani secured a major step in his development after RB Leipzig completed a €5 million deal to sign him from Trenčín. The Bundesliga club, known for developing young talent, moved quickly after the teenager impressed in Slovakia.
Read: From NPFL to Bundesliga: Sani Suleman Joins RB Leipzig
Salim Fago Lawal’s rise continued with a €2.4 million transfer from NK Istra to Czech champions Viktoria Plzeň. His consistent league form, combined with exposure at AFCON 2025, positioned him as a player on the Super Eagles’ radar.
Chibuike Nwaiwu took the next step in his career by joining Trabzonspor from Wolfsberger in a €5.5 million deal. The centre-back has settled quickly in Turkey, making regular league appearances and adapting smoothly to the demands of the Super Lig.
Prosper Obah earned a €4.5 million move to Shakhtar Donetsk after an impressive spell in Ukraine, where he recorded eight goals and four assists in 17 matches. The forward’s pace and output prompted swift action from Shakhtar, with expectations that he could attract further interest from top European clubs.
Uchenna Ogundu continued his rise with a transfer from Alanyaspor to Bundesliga side Augsburg for €4.5 million. The move places the young striker in one of Europe’s top leagues, offering him a platform to build consistency at the highest level.
Ejike Opara also completed a permanent switch from Novi Pazar to Vitória Guimarães. The move to Portugal represents a step up in competition as he seeks broader exposure and continued development.
What the Window Revealed
January 2026 showed Nigerian players being trusted with responsibility, development plans, and investment. Clubs across Europe and beyond acted intentionally, whether targeting proven internationals or preparing future stars.
For Nigeria, the influence was visible across leagues, price brackets, and age groups.
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