By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
The 2026 winter transfer window, which closed on February 2 across major European leagues, proved to be a bustling period for Nigerian footballers plying their trade abroad. With several Super Eagles internationals and emerging talents securing new deals, the window highlighted the growing demand for Nigerian players in top competitions. From high-value permanent switches to strategic loans aimed at boosting playing time, here’s a roundup of the verified moves.
Permanent Transfers: Big-Money Moves and Club Upgrades
Several Nigerian players made permanent switches, involving significant fees and long-term contracts, underscoring their rising stock in global football.
Ademola Lookman, the Atalanta forward known for his pace and flair, completed a marquee transfer to Atletico Madrid in Spain for €35 million, with up to €5 million in performance-based add-ons with Lookman signing a contract running until June 2030. This move comes after his standout performances in Serie A where he helped Atalanta to their first major silverware in over 6 decades. Lookman will now link up with Diego Simeone’s unique setup in the Spanish capital.
Midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi departed Belgian side Zulte Waregem for Olympique Marseille in France, in a deal worth approximately €6 million. The 22-year-old’s arrival bolsters Marseille’s midfield options as they push for European spots.
Umar Sadiq, the tall striker from Real Sociedad, crossed La Liga to join Valencia for £4.3 million. This transfer offers Sadiq a fresh start after injury setbacks in San Sebastian.
In Germany, Uchenna Ogundu moved from Turkish club Alanyaspor to FC Augsburg for around €4.5 million, penning a deal until 2031. The versatile defender is expected to add depth to Augsburg’s backline.
Prosper Obah strengthened Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk by joining from LNZ Cherkasy for £3.9 million. Meanwhile, Chibuike Nwaiwu swapped Austria’s Wolfsberger AC for Trabzonspor in Turkey in a £4.8 million deal.
Rafiu Durosinmi’s move from Viktoria Plzen in the Czech Republic to Italy’s Pisa commanded a hefty £7.8 million fee. Young prospect Suleman Sani leaped from Slovakia’s AS Trencin to Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig for £4.3 million.
Veteran defender who recently retired from international duty William Troost-Ekong shifted within Saudi Arabia, from Al-Kholood to Al-Ahli SC, for an undisclosed fee. In England, Dapo Afolayan returned to Blackburn Rovers from Germany’s St. Pauli on an undisclosed permanent transfer.
Salim Fago Lawal, the midfielder from Croatia’s NK Istra, signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with FC Viktoria Plzeň in the Czech Republic. Youngster Yisa Alao made a notable step up from Sheffield Wednesday to Chelsea in the Premier League. Chinedu Geoffrey finalized his transfer to Russia’s Krylya Sovetov after overcoming visa hurdles.
Loan Deals: Seeking Game Time and Opportunities
Loans dominated for players aiming to regain form or secure regular minutes, with several involving options for permanence.
Terem Moffi, the prolific striker from OGC Nice in France, joined FC Porto in Portugal on loan until the season’s end, with an €8 million buy option plus variables. This could provide Moffi with a platform in the Primeira Liga.
Brentford’s Frank Onyeka moved to Championship side Coventry City on loan, with an option to buy if Coventry earns promotion.
Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo sought more opportunities by loaning from Southampton to Leicester City in the Championship. Defender Ajibola Alese joined Portsmouth from Sunderland on loan to aid their promotion push.
Free Agents Finding New Homes
Emmanuel Dennis, previously a free agent, signed with Denmark’s Brondby IF without a transfer fee, marking a new chapter for the versatile attacker.
Window Reflections and Future Outlook
This transfer period reflects the depth of Nigerian talent, with moves spanning Europe, Asia, and beyond. While some deals, like those for Afeez Aremu to Aberdeen, lacked full clarity, the confirmed transfers suggest a positive trajectory for Nigerian players post-AFCON. As clubs gear up for the second half of the season, these players will be ones to watch, potentially influencing national team selections for future international competitions.
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