January 2026 proved to be a decisive moment for the Nigerian footballers as the majority of them made career-progressing deals during the January transfer window.
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta to Atlético Madrid)
- Frank Onyeka (Brentford to Coventry City on Loan)
- Leonard Ngenge (Remo Stars to Leeds United)
- Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad to Valencia)
- Victor Moses (free transfer to FC Kaysar)
- Joe Aribo (Southampton to Leicester City on Loan)
- Terem Moffi (OGC Nice to FC Porto)
- Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem to Marseille €6M)
- Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra to Viktoria Plzeň)
- Sani Suleiman (AS Trenčín to RB Leipzig)
- Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen to Pisa €9M)
From La Liga to Serie A and Bundesliga, Nigerian players have made headlines across Europe as most of the teams try to reinforce their squads before the deadline.
In this article, Sporting Tribune compiles the list of Nigerian players who have secured fresh deals in Europe.
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Ademola Lookman (Atalanta to Atlético Madrid)
On top of the list is Ademola Lookman who headline move of the window with a €40m transfer fee to Atlético Madrid where he signed a four-and-half year deal until 2030.
Lookman joined Atlético after his brilliant performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where his goals and assists helped Nigeria claim a bronze medal.
Frank Onyeka (Brentford to Coventry City on Loan)
Fresh from delivering Nigeria a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Frank Onyeka joined the championship side on loan in search of regular minutes.
Leonard Ngenge (Remo Stars to Leeds United)
The 18-year-old Leonard Ngenge joined one of the best clubs in England from the Nigeria Premier Football Leage (NPFL), with an agreement to join the club’s academy, where he will be closely monitored as he adapts to English football.
Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad to Valencia)
Sadiq Umar signed a deal with Spanish side Valencia after a difficult spell at Real Sociedad. The deal, which is expected to end in 2028, leaves the Nigerian forward with the aim to rediscover his prolific La Liga form.
Victor Moses (free transfer to FC Kaysar)
After seven months without a club, 35-year-old Moses finally landed in far-away Kazakhstan with FC Kaysar. The club hoped the former Chelsea player would use his one-year deal to turn the side from perennial strugglers to championship material.
Joe Aribo (Southampton to Leicester City on Loan)
Joe Aribo also changed clubs in January, joining Leicester City. The Super Eagles midfielder adds creativity and composure to Leicester’s squad as they push for their seasonal objectives.
Terem Moffi (OGC Nice to FC Porto)
Porto landed a major coup by signing the powerful Nigerian striker on loan, with an €8m option to buy. Moffi will look to translate his Ligue 1 form to the Primeira Liga and Champions League stage.
Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem to Marseille €6M)
In France, defender Tochukwu Nnadi completed a move to Olympique Marseille. The transfer represents a major step in his career, offering him the opportunity to compete at the highest level of Ligue 1 and in European competitions.
Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra to Viktoria Plzeň)
Former Flying Eagles forward Salim Fago Lawal joined Czech champions Viktoria Plzeň on a three-and-a-half-year contract. A move to Plzen will provide more competition for the 23-year-old and a chance to earn further call-ups to the Eagles camp.
Sani Suleiman (AS Trenčín to RB Leipzig)
The 19-year-old wonderkid joined Bundesliga talent factory RB Leipzig in a deal potentially worth €6m, signing a contract until 2031.
Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen to Pisa €9M)
The 23-year-old striker’s stock continues to rise, earning him his biggest transfer so far. He has taken to the Serie A like fish to water with a goal and an assist each in three matches since he moved in early January.
