January Transfer Window: 12 Standout Moves by Nigerian Players

Nigerian players are still in high demand across Europe and other leagues. This January window saw big-name moves and smart steps by young talents as clubs adjusted their squads for the rest of the season.

The biggest spotlight fell on Ademola Lookman and Terem Moffi, but they were only the front page of a broader movement. 

From La Liga to the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A, clubs adjusted for the business end of the season, chasing titles, pushing for Europe, or fighting for stability, while Nigerian talent featured heavily in those plans.

Below are 12 of the most notable moves and what each one signals.

1) Ademola Lookman: Atalanta → Atlético Madrid

This was the marquee deal. Lookman’s move, reported at around €35 million lands him at one of Europe’s most demanding tactical environments. After becoming a decisive attacker in Italy, he now steps into a system built on structure, intensity and ruthless efficiency. For Atlético, it’s a ready-made upgrade: speed, directness and end product. For Lookman, it’s a legacy test performing under pressure where every decision is judged.

2) Terem Moffi: OGC Nice → FC Porto (loan)

Moffi’s loan move reads like a reset with purpose. After a difficult stretch in France, he gets a fresh dressing room, a more aggressive win-now culture, and a clear pathway to silverware. With an option to buy, the message is simple: deliver goals, rebuild momentum, and earn a permanent deal on merit.

3) Sadiq Umar: Real Sociedad → Valencia

Still in Spain, but a new stage. For Sadiq, this is about rhythm and trust after an injury-disrupted period. For Valencia, it’s a practical signing: a striker who can stretch defences, bring physical presence, and offer a direct route to goal when matches tighten.

4) Victor Moses: Free agent → FC Kaysar

One of the window’s most unexpected journeys. At 35, Moses isn’t chasing hype, he’s chasing impact. His value now is experience, leadership and professionalism. For Kaysar, that influence can be transformational in a league where composure and know-how often separate stable teams from struggling ones.

5) William Troost-Ekong: Al-Khoolid → Al-Ahli

A move within the region, but not a small one. Troost-Ekong continues to build a late-career portfolio around reliability and leadership. The quick impact helping his new side pick up a trophy early fits the pattern: wherever he goes, organisation improves.

6) Joe Aribo: Southampton → Leicester City (loan)

This is a minutes-driven decision. Aribo needed consistent football, and a high-pressure promotion race is a strong environment to sharpen form and confidence. Leicester gain energy, versatility and a midfielder who can operate across multiple roles without drama.

7) Tochukwu Nnadi: Zulte Waregem → Olympique de Marseille

A real leap. Marseille’s reported €6 million investment signals long-term belief, not just short-term cover. This is the type of transfer that can change a career: bigger stadiums, higher expectations, stronger opponents and the resources to develop properly if he adapts quickly.

8) Rafiu Durosinmi: Viktoria Plzeň → Pisa

A reported €9 million move that comes with immediate responsibility. Early contributions suggest he’s settling fast. Italy is a tactical examination for any forward; if Durosinmi continues to perform there, his market value and profile will rise quickly.

9) Sani Suleiman: AS Trenčín → RB Leipzig

For a highly rated 19-year-old, Leipzig is a development destination with a clear identity: recruit talent, refine it, and push it toward elite performance standards. This move is less about instant stardom and more about structured growth. If he handles the step-up, the ceiling is high.

10) Uchenna Ogundu: Alanyaspor → FC Augsburg

Another Bundesliga landing. A long contract reported to run until 2031 shows commitment from Augsburg and signals that they see him as more than depth. The challenge is clear: consistency in one of Europe’s most demanding leagues and translating potential into weekly output.

11) Chibuike Nwaiwu: Trabzonspor

Turkey’s top flight continues to value defenders who are disciplined, aggressive and tactically alert. Nwaiwu’s move adds to the growing Nigerian footprint in the league, and it’s a platform where defenders can build reputations fast especially under the pressure of passionate fanbases.

12) Leonard Ngenge: Remo Stars → Leeds United (youth team)

Symbolic and significant. Moving directly from the NPFL into an English academy system is a reminder that Nigerian domestic football still produces raw talent that global scouts are willing to bet on. It’s not first-team football yet, but it’s a real pathway if performances match the promise.