January Transfer: Lookman, Onyeka, Sadiq other Nigerian stars secure career-boosting moves

The last summer transfer window across Europe proved frustrating for several Nigerian footballers, marked by stalled deals and missed opportunities.

Ademola Lookman was forced into a training boycott following Atalanta’s refusal to sanction his proposed move to Inter Milan, while Victor Boniface’s anticipated loan switch to AC Milan collapsed after medical complications.

However, the recently concluded winter transfer window told a completely different story.

From Europe’s elite leagues to emerging football markets, Nigerian players secured career-progressing moves, with Super Eagles stars landing lucrative transfers or strategic loans aimed at regular playing time.

Young prospects took decisive steps up the ladder, while even retired or veteran internationals remained in demand as clubs raced to beat the deadline.

Below is a breakdown of key transfers involving Nigerian players during the January window:

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta → Atlético Madrid, €35m)

A turbulent spell in Italy finally came to an end for Lookman, who capped an impressive year with another standout showing at AFCON 2025.

Atlético Madrid paid a reported €35 million, with an additional €5 million in add-ons, for the 28-year-old forward.

Lookman becomes only the second Nigerian to join the Rojiblancos and the first Super Eagles player to represent the club, underlining his rising profile in European football.

Frank Onyeka (Brentford → Coventry City, Loan)

The midfielder’s loan move to Championship leaders Coventry City raised eyebrows, but Onyeka now has a chance to play a pivotal role in the club’s push for Premier League promotion for the first time in 25 years.

Victor Moses (Free Transfer → FC Kaysar)

After seven months without a club, 35-year-old Moses resurfaced in Kazakhstan, signing a one-year deal with FC Kaysar. The former Chelsea winger is expected to inject experience into a side battling to escape perennial struggles.

William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood → Al-Ahli, Undisclosed Fee)

Troost-Ekong made a surprise mid-season switch in January and quickly tasted success, helping Al-Ahli win the UAE-Qatar Super Cup with victory over Al Jazira.

The former Super Eagles captain continues to enjoy a strong twilight phase of his career in the Middle East.

Joe Aribo (Southampton → Leicester City, Loan)

After struggling for consistent minutes at Southampton, the 27-year-old midfielder opted for a Championship move to Leicester City, a switch expected to help him rediscover form and confidence.

Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad → Valencia, €5m)

Sadiq finally ended a difficult spell at Real Sociedad with a permanent return to Valencia, where he previously impressed on loan. The move offers the striker a fresh platform to revive his career and re-enter national team reckoning.

Terem Moffi (OGC Nice → FC Porto, Loan)

Moffi’s strained relationship with Nice supporters prompted a January exit, with Porto offering a timely escape. The forward now has the opportunity to challenge for the Portuguese league title alongside fellow Nigerian Zaidu Sanusi.

Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen → Pisa, €9m)

The 23-year-old striker secured the biggest move of his career so far, joining Pisa in Serie A. Durosinmi has settled quickly, recording a goal and an assist in three matches since his arrival.

Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem → Marseille, €6m)

A member of Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 squad, Nnadi continues his upward trajectory with a move to Ligue 1 giants Marseille. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder is viewed as a long-term alternative to Wilfred Ndidi.

Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra → Viktoria Plzen, €2.4m)

Lawal’s standout performances in Croatia — seven goals and two assists — propelled Istra into the league’s top three and earned him another AFCON call-up. His move to Plzen presents tougher competition and further international exposure.

Leonard Ngenge (Remo Stars → Leeds United, Undisclosed)

The 18-year-old defender made a meteoric rise from the Nigeria Premier Football League to Leeds United. Although initially joining the academy, Ngenge has a clear pathway to first-team football.

Chibuike Nwaiwu (Wolfsberger → Trabzonspor, €5.5m)

The former Enyimba centre-back has settled quickly at Trabzonspor, already making three league appearances. His steady rise suggests further silverware could follow in Turkey.

Prosper Obah (LNZ Cherkasy → Shakhtar Donetsk, €4.5m)

Eight goals and four assists in 17 matches prompted Shakhtar to move swiftly for the 22-year-old forward. Known for his pace and precision, Obah is tipped for a future move to a top-five European league.

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