If you're searching for Nigeria players transfer news, speculations and rumours, look no further, we've got you covered.
From the days of Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and John Obi Mikel to present-day Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface, many talented Nigerians have proven themselves all over the world's best leagues.
Some of these players were highly sought-after, with some of the biggest clubs in the world competing for their services.
Nigeria players transfer news
In this article, we will provide all the info you need, which will be updated regularly as the transfer news breaks.
21/01 – Genoa loan Ankeye to Romania
Nigerian forward, David Ankeye has joined Romanian club Rapid Bucharest on loan from Serie A side Genoa.
The 22-year-old will spend the remainder of the season at the SuperLiga club after struggling for playing time in Italy.
Ankeye has made just five substitute appearances for Genoa this season, totaling 52 minutes across matches against top-tier sides like Juventus, Atalanta, and Lazio.
The move comes after Rapid Bucharest decided to part ways with striker Aaron Boupendza, and Ankeye is seen as a direct replacement.
Last season, Ankeye showed his potential in European competition, scoring three goals for Genoa against Servette Geneva and BATE Borisov.
Currently sitting in sixth place in the Romanian league with 32 points, Rapid will hope that Ankeye's goal-scoring ability will help propel them up the table as they push for European football next season.
21/01 – Favour Emmanuel the latest NWSL acquisition
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side San Diego Wave FC has signed Nigerian midfielder Favour Emmanuel on a two-year deal, with an option for a third year, pending her medicals and international clearance.
The 22-year-old joins compatriot Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, who signed earlier this year, as the club continues strengthening its roster. Emmanuel will occupy an international slot on San Diego's 2025 lineup.
Emmanuel arrives from Russian side Lokomotiv Moskva, where she made 20 appearances, scored one goal, and played a key role in winning the Russian Women’s Cup.
Before her stint in Russia, she spent two seasons with Bayelsa Queens in the Nigeria Women Football League Premiership, helping them win the 2022 league title and secure a third-place finish in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
18/01 – Livingston acquire Ubochioma on loan
Nigerian forward Meshack Ubochioma has joined Scottish Championship side Livingston on loan from Dundee United until the end of the season.
The 22-year-old moved to Dundee this season from Hungarian top-flight club Zalaegerszegi TE, signing a two-year deal with an option for an additional year. However, he made just two appearances for Dundee, scoring once.
Ubochioma, once highly rated as a teenager, had trials at Paris Saint-Germain, which didn’t materialize. He eventually signed for Zalaegerszegi TE in Hungary and later went on loan to Slovenian side NK Nafta. He returned to ZTE in 2021, impressing enough to secure a move to Dundee last summer.
Livingston, currently third in the Scottish Championship with 39 points from 21 matches, will hope Ubochioma can deliver goals and help push for promotion. The young forward will be eager to prove himself in Scottish football after limited opportunities at Dundee.
18/01 – Done deal: Orji Okonkwo joins Citadella
Former FIFA U-17 World Cup winner Orji Okonkwo has joined Italian Serie B side Cittadella on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 26-year-old winger has experienced a nomadic career since making his Serie A debut for Bologna in 2016. This move marks his second stint at Cittadella after leaving them for Reggiana last season.
It will be his fourth Italian club, following spells with Bologna, Brescia, Reggiana, and Cittadella. He also played in Major League Soccer, featuring for CF Montréal between 2019 and 2021.
Okonkwo's career hit a major setback during his initial loan at Cittadella, where he tested positive for the banned steroid clostebol. The offense led to a four-year ban by NADO Italia, which FIFA's disciplinary committee extended globally in September 2022. The suspension was later reduced to two years, set to end on 24 February 2024.
17/01 – Kayode signs for second-tier Turkish side
Former Nigeria U-20 star Olanrewaju Kayode has signed with Turkish second-division side Esenler Erokspor from Şanlıurfaspor, marking his fifth club stint in Turkey after spells with Gaziantepspor, Sivasspor, Ümraniyespor, and Gençlerbirliği.
The 31-year-old striker, who made headlines in 2017 when Manchester City signed him, never played for the Premier League side and was loaned to Girona in Spain. Kayode’s career has taken him across Europe, featuring for Maccabi Netanya in Israel, Austria Wien in Austria, and Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine.
A standout for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia, Kayode never made an appearance for the Super Eagles in major tournaments.
Now, Kayode hopes his move to Erokspor will reignite his form after personal challenges, including marital issues, impacted his career trajectory. The experienced forward aims to make a strong impact in Turkish football once again.
15/01 – Leganes make enquiry for Dessers
Cyriel Dessers has reportedly attracted significant interest from Spain as Rangers refuse to be drawn on the future of the Super Eagles forward.
The 30-year-old has fallen out of favour at Rangers, with Moroccan forward Hamza Imgane and the return of Danilo from injury pushing him to third-choice striker, limiting him to mostly substitute appearances.
Dessers has started just once since late November, but despite his reduced role, transfer interest remains high.
Spanish outlet Revelo reports that Leganes have inquired about his availability this January, as they search for a striker. The club, currently 16th in La Liga, recently terminated a loan deal with Borussia Dortmund’s Sebastien Haller, who joined FC Utrecht for the remainder of the season.
Dessers has also been linked with Serie A clubs Cagliari and Empoli, as well as French side Saint-Étienne. He joined Rangers in the summer of 2023 for £4.5 million.
15/01 – Done deal: Otele signs for Basel
FC Basel have secured the signing of Philip Otele on loan from Al-Wahda FC, with an option to buy for €3 million.
The 25-year-old Nigerian winger, who will wear the number 7 shirt, joins the Swiss club for the remainder of the season after a challenging spell in the UAE Pro League.
Otele had previously impressed at CFR Cluj, scoring 18 goals and providing 8 assists in 45 appearances, which led to his move to Al-Wahda in the summer.
However, his time in the UAE has been less fruitful, as he struggled to maintain a regular starting spot and failed to score in 12 appearances this season.
Despite these setbacks, Otele’s strong performances in Romania with UTA Arad and in Lithuania with Kauno Zalgiris demonstrate his ability to make an impact.
Basel will hope the move provides the fresh start he needs to rediscover his best form.
15/01 – Lille front of the queue for defensive marshal Ogbu
Former Nigeria U-20 defender Igoh Ogbu is generating significant interest from top European clubs as the 2025 winter transfer window heats up.
The 24-year-old, who has impressed with his stellar performances for Slavia Prague, is being monitored by clubs in France and England, including Lille, RC Lens, and Coventry City.
Ogbu has established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe, thanks to his commanding displays in the Czech club’s backline, particularly in the Europa League. An undisputed starter for Slavia Prague, he has already made 21 appearances across all competitions this season.
Valued at €8 million and under contract until December 2026, Ogbu’s defensive prowess has made him a sought-after target. Reports suggest Lille and RC Lens are keen on bringing him to Ligue 1 while Coventry City is also keen to bolster their squad with the Nigerian talent.
15/01 – Ogbuehi joins La Liga club Osasuna
Nigerian striker Sixtus Ogbuehi has joined Spanish Segunda side Osasuna on loan until the end of the season, with an option for a permanent move. The 21-year-old will begin with Osasuna’s B team, aiming to earn a first-team spot if he performs well.
Ogbuehi has endured a challenging season since his summer move to Eldense, where he played just 26 minutes in six Liga B games and 84 minutes in the Copa del Rey.
The striker and his entourage felt a move away will help the striker hence the move away from Eldense.
Struggling for opportunities, the former Nigeria U-20 player is determined to reignite his career in this new environment.
Known for his physical presence and heading abilities, Ogbuehi will relish a chance to get more playing minutes elsewhere as he continues his development.
Osasuna, known for developing young talent, offers Ogbuehi a chance to showcase his potential.
14/01 – Okwuchukwu makes exciting NWSL leap
Nigerian forward Chiamaka Okwuchukwu has completed a move to San Diego Wave FC ahead of the 2025 season.
The 19-year-old joins from Nigerian Women’s Premier League side Rivers Angels FC for an undisclosed fee.
Okwuchukwu, widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Nigerian football, has earned recognition on the continent after being shortlisted as a finalist for the 2024 CAF Young Women’s Player of the Year award.
Her performances for Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia further boosted her profile. The young striker featured in all four of Nigeria’s matches, scoring twice and providing an assist as the Falconets reached the quarterfinals.
Okwuchukwu joins a growing contingent of Nigerian stars thriving in the NWSL, following in the footsteps of players like Asisat Oshoala, Michelle Alozie, Uchenna Kanu and many others.
13/01 – Boavista knock back bid for Onyemaechi
Super Lig side Trabzonspor has reportedly launched a strong bid to sign Nigeria international Bruno Onyemaechi from Portuguese club Boavista.
According to reports from Portugal, Trabzonspor submitted a €2.5 million offer, which Boavista rejected, insisting on a €3 million fee for the left-back.
Trabzonspor are keen on securing Onyemaechi as a replacement for Evren Eren Elmali, who is set to join Galatasaray in January. The Turkish club is determined to finalize the deal quickly, as they view Onyemaechi as a key addition to their squad.
Onyemaechi, 24, has been a standout performer for Boavista this season, featuring in 17 matches and scoring two goals.
He has been on the radar of a few clubs in Germany, France and Turkey but Trabzonspor seem to be in pole position to sign him.
With his contract running until 2025, the Nigeria defender is reportedly open to the move.
12/01 – Atalanta and Torino battle for Tino Anjorin
Chelsea academy graduate, Tino Anjorin has sparked interest from Serie A sides Torino and Atalanta, with a potential transfer on the cards as the January window nears its close.
The 23-year-old midfielder, who joined Empoli on a free transfer last summer, has delivered three assists in 15 appearances this season, showing how he is a key figure for the Tuscan side.
Torino, eager to reinforce their midfield, are expected to make a formal approach in the coming days. However, Atalanta, with their promise of European football and stronger financial muscle, may hold the upper hand in luring the Nigerian-born playmaker.
Despite the interest, Empoli remains hesitant to part with the midfielder mid-season, given his impact since arriving. Anjorin, who endured a challenging spell with Chelsea’s first team and various loan moves, has found stability in Italy, reviving his career with consistent performances.
Eligible for both England and Nigeria, Anjorin’s future on the international stage remains as intriguing as his club prospects.
10/01 – Premier League return beckons for Iheanacho
Relegation-threatened Premier League clubs Wolves and Ipswich Town have initiated talks with Sevilla over a potential loan move for striker Kelechi Iheanacho.
The Spanish club have reportedly given the green light for the 28-year-old Nigerian to leave this month, despite only joining Sevilla from Leicester City in the summer of 2024.
According to Football Insider, Iheanacho, who has made 11 appearances and scored three goals in all competitions this season, has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs and top European sides.
Seven of his outings have been as a starter for the Andalusian side, who are mid-table in La Liga after 18 games.
The Super Eagles forward signed a contract with Sevilla until 2026, with an additional year’s option. His potential return to the Premier League would be a quick reversal after leaving Leicester, with both Wolves and Ipswich eager to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the second half of the season.
10/01 – Osuji turns down Reims as Kalmar hold out for record sale
Kalmar FF’s Nigerian defender Vince Osuji has reportedly rejected a lucrative move to French side Stade Reims despite the Ligue 1 club submitting a SEK 45 million (€3.9m) bid earlier this week.
The offer would have set a new transfer record for Kalmar and ranked among the top ten most expensive transfers in Swedish football history.
FotbollDirekt.se revealed that Osuji personally declined the move, forcing Reims to pivot their attention to Sirius defender Malcolm Jeng, valued at SEK 30 million (€2.6m). Despite this setback, Kalmar remains optimistic, with Bayer Leverkusen, Strasbourg, and Anderlecht expressing interest in the 22-year-old.
Kalmar’s current transfer record dates back to 2007, when they sold Brazilian forward Ari Ferreira to AZ Alkmaar. Osuji’s decision could lead to an even bigger payday, as clubs prepare offers matching Reims’ valuation.
The rejection underscores Osuhi’s ambition to secure the right move as he continues to develop his burgeoning career in European football.
10/01 – Napoli loan out Nigeria teenage attacking maverick
Italian Serie A Women’s side Napoli have sent Nigerian forward Adugbe Olamide on loan to Serie B Femminile outfit Freedom FC Women, a strategic step to help Olamide gain valuable playing experience in Europe.
Olamide, who joined Napoli from Nigerian giants Rivers Angels in September 2024, made six Serie A appearances for the team but struggled to secure consistent minutes. Napoli have now opted to loan her out for the rest of the season, with the young attacker set to wear the number 88 jersey for Freedom FC.
Freedom FC, currently eighth in the Serie B standings with 19 points from 13 matches, will be looking to Olamide's pace and creativity to rejuvenate their attacking play as they aim to climb the table.
At Napoli, Olamide was handed the number 17 jersey and spoke of her excitement at joining the Serie A club, but her brief stint coincided with Napoli’s struggles, as the team sits ninth in the league with just one win all season.
Olamide’s temporary move offers a fresh opportunity for the 22-year-old to make an impact and build her career in Italy’s competitive second tier.
09/01 – Hoffenheim beat out UCL campaigners to signing of Nigerian wonderkid duo
German Bundesliga side Hoffenheim has secured the signatures of two exciting Nigerian prospects, central defender Emmanuel Chukwu and striker Precious Benjamin.
The teenagers, both 18, will join the club from Grassrunners FC, a Nationwide League side in Nigeria’s third tier, marking the start of their European football journeys.
Chukwu and Benjamin caught Hoffenheim's attention during an U-19 tournament held in Nigeria. The event, which featured scouts from prominent European clubs such as Hoffenheim, Club Brugge, Parma Calcio, Sturm Graz, LASK, and Rapid Vienna, provided the platform for the duo to shine.
Austrian club Sturm Graz initially led the race to sign the young stars, but Hoffenheim acted swiftly to secure their signatures, beating their competitors to the deal.
The addition of Chukwu and Benjamin reinforces Hoffenheim’s growing connection with Nigerian talent. This window, the club also brought in Super Eagles forward Gift Orban from French side Lyon.
09/01 – Nigeria international Esiti joins modest Hungarian side
Nigeria midfielder Anderson Esiti has completed a move to Hungarian club Zalaegerszegi Torna Egylet. The 30-year-old joins from league rivals Ferencvaros, where he spent nearly two years.
Esiti reunites with fellow Nigerian Jack Ipabilo at his new club. His arrival is expected to strengthen Zalaegerszegi’s midfield options.
The midfield sentinel joined Ferencvaros in February 2022 from Greek side PAOK Salonika. He made 60 appearances and scored two goals during his time at the Hungarian champions.
Known for his physicality and defensive qualities, Esiti has had a nomadic career. He has played in Portugal with Leixoes and Estoril Praia, Belgium with KAA Gent, Turkey with Goztepe, and Greece with PAOK.
09/01 – Cagliari courting match-starved Dessers
Out-of-favour Cyriel Dessers has reportedly been presented with an opportunity to exit Rangers after slipping down the pecking order.
The 30-year-old striker began the season as Philippe Clement's preferred frontman but has swiftly found himself out of the Belgian manager's plans. His position as the leading striker has been overtaken by the rise of Hamza Igamane, while Danilo's return from injury has further intensified competition for the starting role.
Italian outlet Centotrentuno report that Serie A side Cagliari are pursuing a deal for Dessers. The striker previously featured in Italy’s top flight with Cremonese before their relegation in 2023.
While earlier reports linked French club Saint-Etienne with interest in the forward, their pursuit was halted by Rangers' £4 million asking price. Cagliari, however, are said to be seeking a loan arrangement with an “economically sustainable solution” to secure Dessers' services.
09/01 – Former Enyimba man Cooper completes move to Gibraltar
Lincoln Red Imps FC, Gibraltar’s most successful football club, has announced the signing of Nigerian midfielder Ikenna Cooper.
The 22-year-old joins the club on a free transfer after his contract with Enyimba expired.
Cooper, who has also featured for Sunshine Stars, Heartland, and the defunct FC IfeanyiUbah in Nigeria, had been linked with a potential move to North Africa and Asia, but the deal failed to materialize.
Instead, he now brings his talents to Gibraltar, signing for arguably the biggest club in the country.
Last season, the Red Imps reached the third qualifying round of the Europa League, and this season, they advanced to the playoff round of the UEFA Conference League.
The club announced Cooper’s arrival via their social media platforms, describing the combative midfielder as a promising addition to their squad as they aim to strengthen their midfield and continue their domestic dominance.
08/01 – PSG interested in Leverkusen favourite Boniface
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly targeting Nigerian striker Victor Boniface as they look to strengthen their attack in the winter transfer window.
The 24-year-old has impressed at Bayer Leverkusen since joining in the 2023/24 season, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 appearances to help the team clinch the league title.
This season, Boniface has continued his fine form with eight goals in 15 matches.
However, his position has been threatened by Czech striker Patrick Schick, who has excelled during Boniface’s injury absence since November 2025.
Despite Boniface being under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2028, PSG’s interest could see the Ligue 1 champions table an offer to bring the Nigeria international to Paris.
With Boniface’s proven track record and PSG’s ambition to bolster their attack, the potential transfer could be a significant move for both player and club even though he is still under contract with Leverkusen until 2028.
07/01 – Will Monaco look to Arokodare for winter solace?
NigeriaN forward Tolu Arokodare, is attracting widespread attention in the winter transfer window due to his prolific form for Genk in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.
The 6’5 forward has scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 20 matches which has caught the eyes of Monaco.
Sources from France suggest the Ligue 1 side are reportedly interested in him as a replacement for injured American forward Folarin Balogun.
The club want to fill that void by bringing another forward to shore up their attack.
Despite being valued at €9 million and fitting Monaco’s profile, Genk have insisted that Arokodare will not leave in January
The forward, who has played in France with Amiens, has expressed a desire to play for Nigeria's Super Eagles, and a move to a high-profile club could enhance his international ambitions.
However, Genk will demand a significant offer to consider his departure, given his importance to the team this season.
06/01 – Kinsley Madu joins MFK Zemplín Michalovce
Slovak First Football League club MFK Zemplín Michalovce have confirmed the signing of Nigeria international Kingsley Madu.
Following his departure from AS Trenčín at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 season, the left-back remained without a club for 18 months.
The experienced defender has now agreed to a contract with MFK Zemplín Michalovce, extending until the summer of 2026, with the option for the 2026-2027 season.
Madu becomes the third Nigerian player at MFK Zemplín Michalovce, joining Abdul Zubair and Issa Adekunle in the squad.
He began his professional career at AS Trenčín in the winter of 2014, before moving on to Belgian clubs SV Zulte Waregem and KSV Roeselare. The 29-year-old also had a stint with Danish side Odense BK, before returning to Trenčín four years ago.
Madu achieved a domestic double with AS Trenčín in consecutive seasons, 2014–15 and 2015–16, a feat that earned him a call-up to the Nigeria squad for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where he secured a bronze medal.
He has not featured for the Super Eagles since earning his third cap in a friendly against Mali in May 2016.
