The January 2025 transfer window is entering its final days, with several Nigerian footballers already securing new clubs while others remain the subject of negotiations, interest and uncertainty following their outings at the Africa Cup of Nations.
With the winter window traditionally offering limited opportunities, clubs and players are weighing short-term needs against long-term plans as deadlines approach across Europe and beyond.
Below is a breakdown of Nigerian players whose futures have taken shape, as well as those whose next moves remain unresolved.
Emmanuel Dennis: fresh start in Denmark
Nigerian forward Emmanuel Dennis has completed a permanent transfer to Danish Superliga side Brøndby, signing a contract that runs until the summer of 2028.
The 28-year-old had been without a club since his release by Premier League side Nottingham Forest last summer, following an inconsistent spell marked by limited game time.
Dennis impressed during a trial period with Brøndby, prompting the club to offer him a long-term deal as they seek attacking reinforcement for the second half of the season.
Victor Moses: veteran move to Kazakhstan
Former Super Eagles winger Victor Moses has joined Kazakhstan Premier League outfit FC Kaysar Kyzylorda on a one-year contract.
The 35-year-old last featured for English League One side Luton Town before opting for a move to Central Asia.
Moses brings extensive experience to the club, having previously played for teams including Chelsea, Liverpool, Inter Milan, West Ham United and Crystal Palace.
Precious Benjamin: development loan to Austria
Teenage striker Precious Benjamin has joined Austrian Bundesliga side Altach on loan until the end of the season from German club TSG Hoffenheim.
The 19-year-old Flying Eagles forward was Altach’s first signing of the winter window.
Benjamin had been part of Hoffenheim’s first-team squad this season, and the loan move is intended to provide him with consistent senior-level playing time.
Muhammad Tijani: continued loan spell in Hungary
Forward Muhammad Tijani has moved to Hungarian club Nyíregyháza Spartacus FC on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
The 25-year-old, who is contracted to Slavia Prague, has spent the last three seasons on loan away from the Czech side.
Tijani, a former Flying Eagles striker, previously featured for Plymouth Argyle and Sigma Olomouc during earlier loan spells.
William Troost-Ekong: long-term deal in Qatar
Experienced defender William Troost-Ekong has joined Qatar Stars League side Al Ahli SC from Saudi club Al Kholood.
The former Super Eagles captain signed a contract that will keep him at Al Ahli until June 2028.
Troost-Ekong has already claimed silverware with his new club, winning the UAE-Qatar Super Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Al Jazira.
Raphael Onyedika: Galatasaray interest unresolved
Midfielder Raphael Onyedika remains keen on leaving Belgian side Club Brugge before the transfer window closes.
Turkish champions Galatasaray have shown strong interest and are reported to have agreed personal terms with the player.
However, Club Brugge have rejected an initial bid for the 24-year-old, leaving his future uncertain despite encouragement from Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru: weighing Turkish offer
Trabzonspor have submitted an official offer to sign Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru from Italian club Lazio.
The 24-year-old has yet to decide on the proposal, despite its reported attractiveness.
Dele-Bashiru is also on the radar of Nottingham Forest, although the Premier League side have not made a formal approach.
Terem Moffi: seeking exit from France
Nigerian striker Terem Moffi is attracting interest from FC Porto and Beşiktaş as he seeks to leave Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.
The 26-year-old has not featured for Nice since November following an incident in which he and teammate Jeremie Boga were assaulted by fans.
Moffi has requested a contract termination, which would allow him to join a new club before the window shuts.
Frank Onyeka: Championship and LaLiga links
Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka is being monitored by Sheffield United, who have made a formal enquiry to Brentford.
The 28-year-old has struggled for regular minutes this season, prompting consideration of a move.
Brentford are open to a loan deal with an option to buy, while Spanish side Valencia have also been linked.
Salim Fago Lawal: Azerbaijan move close
Salim Fago Lawal is close to completing a transfer from Croatian club NK Istra 1961 to Azerbaijani champions Qarabağ FK.
The 23-year-old’s move is expected to be finalised within days, with Istra set to receive a reported €2m transfer fee.
Lawal featured for the Super Eagles at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and joined Istra less than two years ago.
Ademola Lookman: Napoli join pursuit
Ademola Lookman has emerged as a transfer target for Serie A champions Napoli ahead of the deadline.
The Nigerian forward is also being tracked by Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.
Napoli are expected to intensify efforts as competition for his signature increases.
Speaking on the window dynamics, media consultant and football development expert, Ibrahim Lawal, said players often pursue January moves in search of playing time.
“Well, one of the reasons players seek to leave their clubs for another one in the January transfer window is to get more playing game-time elsewhere,” Lawal said.
“Because the January period is like halfway to the season, and players who failed to get more playing time are eager to leave in the January transfer window,” he added.
Lawal also noted that AFCON performances have increased market visibility for Nigerian players.
“So the AFCON was like a means of advertising these players, and Onyedika, Lookman and Onyeka attracting interest is a good one,” he said.
“I just hope that when these Nigerian players switch clubs, they will end up getting regular game-time.”
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