The January 2026 transfer window proved to be a significant one for Nigerian footballers, as several Super Eagles stars secured moves across Europe and beyond.
Overall, the standout transfer belonged to Ademola Lookman, who completed the biggest move involving a Nigerian player.
The 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year joined Atlético Madrid from Atalanta in a deal valued at €35 million as a fixed fee, with a further €5 million in add-ons.
Lookman leaves Atalanta after a historic spell in Bergamo, where he became a club legend and one of the most decisive players in Europe.
In France, Olympique de Marseille strengthened their midfield with the signing of Tochukwu Nnadi from Belgian side Zulte Waregem.
The 22-year-old Nigerian midfielder completed a permanent move to Ligue 1 for a reported €6 million transfer fee and has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until June 2028.
In England, Frank Onyeka secured a loan move to Coventry City, where he will remain until the end of the season.
The deal includes a condition that will see the move become permanent should Coventry City achieve promotion.
Another Super Eagles midfielder, Joe Aribo, also made a temporary switch within England.
Aribo joined Leicester City on loan from Southampton, with the agreement set to run until the end of the season.
One of the most expensive transfers involving a Nigerian youngster saw George Ilenikhena move to Al-Ittihad in a deal worth €33 million.
The forward has signed a long-term contract with the Saudi club that runs until 2029, marking a major step in his career.
Meanwhile, FC Porto completed the signing of Terem Moffi on a season-long loan deal.
The agreement includes a non-mandatory option to make the transfer permanent for €8 million, along with up to €250,000 in performance-based add-ons.
In Central Europe, Czech giants Viktoria Plzeň added Nigerian winger Salim Fago Lawal to their squad, signing him from Croatian club NK Istra.
It is rumoured that Viktoria Plzeň paid €2.4 million to secure his services.
Overall, the January 2026 transfer window highlighted the continued rise and demand for Nigerian footballers, with Super Eagles players making impactful moves across multiple leagues.
