The January 2026 transfer window proved busy for Nigerian footballers, with several Super Eagles stars and rising talents securing moves across Europe. From blockbuster transfers to strategic loans and career-defining steps, Nigerian players were once again in demand.
Ademola Lookman – Atalanta to Atlético Madrid (€35m + €5m add-ons)
The 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year completed the biggest Nigerian transfer of the window, joining Atlético Madrid from Atalanta in a deal worth €35 million plus €5 million in add-ons. Lookman leaves Bergamo as a club legend after his Europa League heroics in 2024, though the fee reflects a dip in form over his final six months in Italy. Still, Diego Simeone finally got his man, and for what many consider a bargain price.
George Ilenikhena – AS Monaco to Al-Ittihad (€30-33m)
The 19-year-old striker became Nigeria’s most expensive teenager, surpassing Kelechi Iheanacho’s €28 million record from 2017. Monaco accepted a deal worth €30 million plus €3 million in add-ons for the young forward, who scored 10 goals in 51 appearances during his 18-month spell at the club. Ilenikhena joins Al-Ittihad on a contract until 2029, tasked with replacing Karim Benzema as the Saudi club’s main striker.
Terem Moffi – Nice to FC Porto (Loan with €8m option)
FC Porto secured Moffi on a season-long loan with a non-obligatory €8 million option to buy and up to €250,000 in performance-based add-ons. The Super Eagles striker gets a fresh start in Portugal after not featuring for Nice following a defeat to Lorient, during which Nice supporters physically attacked him.
Rafiu Durosinmi – Viktoria Plzeň to Pisa (€11m)
In what became Pisa’s record signing, the Czech club paid €11 million to bring Durosinmi to Serie B. A significant move for the Nigerian winger as he aims to help Pisa push for promotion to Serie A.
He has already hit the ground running with a goal and an assist in 3 appearances.
Tochukwu Nnadi – Zulte Waregem to Marseille (€6m)
The 22-year-old midfielder made a major step up, joining Ligue 1 side Marseille in a permanent deal worth €6 million. Marseille are banking on his potential to develop into a key player in France’s top flight.
Sani Suleiman – AS Trenčín to RB Leipzig (€5-6m)
One of the window’s most unexpected moves saw the 19-year-old defender join Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig from Slovakian side AS Trenčín for around €5-6 million, a club record sale for Trenčín. Though a knee injury means he won’t debut anytime soon, Leipzig view him as a long-term project.
Umar Sadiq – Real Sociedad to Valencia (€4.5-5m)
After a successful loan spell in the second half of last season, where he scored six goals in 19 appearances, Sadiq secured a permanent return to Valencia. The 28-year-old striker signed a contract until 2028, rejoining a club where he became a fan favourite during his brief stint.
Uchenna Ogundu – Alanyaspor to Augsburg (€4.5m)
Just 18 months after playing amateur football in Nigeria, Ogundu completed a remarkable rise to the Bundesliga. Augsburg paid €4.5 million to secure the forward’s services on a contract running until 2031.
Salim Fago Lawal – NK Istra to Viktoria Plzeň (€2.4m)
The Nigerian winger moved from Croatian club NK Istra to Czech giants Viktoria Plzeň for a reported €2.4 million.
Frank Onyeka – Brentford to Coventry City (Loan)
Fresh from Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Onyeka joined Championship leaders Coventry City on loan for the remainder of the season. The deal includes an obligation to buy should Coventry secure promotion to the Premier League. The 28-year-old snubbed interest from Valencia, Sheffield United and Birmingham to work under Frank Lampard.
Chibuike Nwaiwu – To Trabzonspor
Nwaiwu joined Turkish side Trabzonspor, adding to the growing Nigerian presence in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Philip Otele – FC Basel to Hamburg (Loan)
The talented Nigerian winger joined Hamburg on loan from FC Basel for the remainder of the season.
Victor Moses – Luton Town to Kaisar (Free)
After leaving Luton Town where he’d joined in September 2024, the 35-year-old former Super Eagles star moved to Kazakhstan Premier League side Kaisar Kyzylorda as a free agent. The European champion with Chelsea begins a new chapter in his storied career.
The window highlighted the continued rise and demand for Nigerian footballers, with Super Eagles players making impactful moves across multiple leagues and at various price points.
