Nigerians in Bundesliga: Five players to watch out for in the 2026-27 season

The 2026-27 Bundesliga season is set to commence on Friday night, with several Nigerian players ready to light up the German top flight as they look to make their mark in another exciting campaign, Afrik-Foot reports.

Bayern Munich are the defending champions after winning the 2025-26 Bundesliga title ahead of the likes of Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, VfB Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen.

The Bavarian giants have already opened the new season in style, beating Dortmund 2-1 in the German Super Cup final last weekend to claim the first trophy of the campaign.

Several Nigerians have lit up the Bundesliga over the years, and the latest generation will be hoping to continue that tradition in the 2026-27 season.

Some of the players on this list also made the move to the Bundesliga during the summer and will be aiming to make an immediate impact while helping their respective clubs achieve their targets.

2026-27 Bundesliga season: Five Nigerian players to watch

5. Terem Moffi, Hamburger SV

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi is set to play his first Bundesliga season after completing a move from French side Nice for a fee worth around €2.5 million, including add-ons, this summer.

Moffi last played for Nice in November 2025 before joining Portuguese side Porto on loan in January. However, he was unable to rediscover his best form or make the kind of impact expected during his time with the club.

The Nigerian striker will now be hoping to take his goalscoring ability to Germany and rediscover the form that once made him one of the most exciting strikers in Europe.

His Bundesliga journey could begin against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, with Moffi looking to make an instant impression for Hamburger SV and revive his career.

4. Francis Onyeka — Elversberg

Nigerian-eligible youngster Francis Onyeka is another player who will be hoping to make an impression in the Bundesliga during the 2026-27 season.

The teenage midfielder shone for Bochum in the 2. Bundesliga last season and has already been tipped to make a strong impression in the German top flight.

Onyeka joined newly promoted Elversberg on loan from Bayer Leverkusen this summer and will be looking to continue his development while helping the club compete at the highest level.

His close control and composure on the ball could prove useful for Elversberg as they look to establish themselves in the Bundesliga.

3. Nathan Tella — Bayer Leverkusen

Nathan Tella is entering his fourth season with Bayer Leverkusen and could be handed an important role as the club look to challenge for the Bundesliga title once again.

Leverkusen are hoping to return to the top after their historic triumph during the 2023-24 season, which was Tella’s debut campaign with the club.

The Nigerian winger has already shown that he can perform on the big stage and has also opened his account for the new season.

Tella scored in Leverkusen’s 4-0 win over Wehen Wiesbaden in the first round of the DFB-Pokal last weekend, and he will be hoping that goal is the start of a productive campaign.

The 27-year-old will also have one eye on a return to the Super Eagles setup as he looks to establish himself as an important player for Leverkusen this season.

2. Victor Boniface — Bayer Leverkusen

Victor Boniface was one of the Bundesliga’s standout players during Leverkusen’s title-winning campaign in the 2023-24 season.

However, the Nigerian striker has endured a difficult period in recent times, with injuries and inconsistency hampering his progress.

Boniface also struggled during his loan spell at Werder Bremen last season and will now be hoping to revive his career and rediscover the form that made him such an important player for Leverkusen.

The Super Eagles forward has been linked with a move to Hannover, although his future remains uncertain.

For now, Boniface is expected to begin the season at Leverkusen, where he will be hoping to earn regular minutes and make an impact whenever he gets the opportunity.

1. Raphael Onyedika, Eintracht Frankfurt

Raphael Onyedika will also be looking to make his mark in the Bundesliga after joining Eintracht Frankfurt from Belgian side Club Brugge earlier this summer.

The Nigerian midfielder is expected to make his Bundesliga debut against Union Berlin on Saturday.

Onyedika has already given Frankfurt fans a glimpse of what he can offer, delivering an impressive midfield performance in their 11-0 victory over Tons 1911/20 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal.

His energy, strength and ability in midfield could be important for Frankfurt as they look to secure a higher finish in the Bundesliga this season.

After making a strong start to life at the club, Onyedika will be hoping to carry that form into the Bundesliga and establish himself as a key player for Frankfurt.