The winter transfer window offered Nigerian footballers a sharp reversal of fortunes after a turbulent summer marked by stalled negotiations, aborted loans and public disputes with clubs.
Unlike the off-season, January delivered clarity, movement and stability, as several Super Eagles regulars, fringe internationals and emerging prospects secured deals aimed at regular football, career resets or long-term growth.
From Europe’s top five leagues to emerging markets in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Nigerian players were among the most active movers as clubs sought mid-season reinforcements.
Below is a structured breakdown of notable winter transactions involving Nigerian footballers.
Ademola Lookman — Atalanta To Atletico Madrid (€35m)
After months of uncertainty in Italy, Ademola Lookman completed a high-profile transfer to Atletico Madrid following sustained interest from the Spanish side.
The 28-year-old winger joined for a reported €35 million, with performance-related add-ons, becoming one of the most expensive Nigerian players in history and the club’s first Super Eagles signing.
Frank Onyeka — Brentford To Coventry City (Loan)
Frank Onyeka made a surprise drop to the English Championship with a loan switch to Coventry City in search of regular minutes.
The move places the midfielder in a promotion-chasing side, offering a platform to regain form and competitive sharpness.
Victor Moses — Free Agent To FC Kaysar
Former Super Eagles winger Victor Moses returned to club football after seven months without a team by signing for Kazakhstan’s FC Kaysar.
The 35-year-old agreed to a one-year deal as the club targets stability after several seasons near the bottom of the table.
William Troost-ekong — Al-khoolid To Al-ahli (undisclosed)
William Troost-Ekong completed a January move within the Middle East, joining Al-Ahli and quickly adding silverware.
The defender featured in the club’s UAE–Qatar Super Cup triumph, extending his late-career resurgence outside Europe.
Joe aribo — Southampton To Leicester City (loan)
Joe Aribo left Southampton on loan in search of consistent game time after limited opportunities at St Mary’s.
The midfielder joined Leicester City in the Championship, where regular football could restore his international relevance.
Sadiq Umar — Real Sociedad To Valencia (€5m)
Sadiq Umar ended a difficult spell at Real Sociedad with a permanent return to Valencia, where he previously impressed on loan.
The €5 million move offers the striker a familiar environment to rebuild confidence and scoring form.
Terem Moffi — OGC nice to Fc Porto (loan)
Terem Moffi secured a January loan to FC Porto following a strained relationship with supporters at Nice.
The move places the forward in a title-chasing squad and reunites him with international teammate Zaidu Sanusi.
Rafiu Durosinmi — Viktoria Plzen To Pisa (€9m)
Rafiu Durosinmi earned his biggest career move with a €9 million transfer to Italian side Pisa.
The 23-year-old striker made an immediate impact with goals and assists in his opening matches.
Tochukwu Nnadi — Zulte Waregem To Marseille (€6m)
Tochukwu Nnadi joined Marseille after a steady rise through Belgian football.
The defensive midfielder’s move to Ligue 1 reflects growing interest in Nigeria’s emerging talent pool.
Salim Fago Lawal — Nk Istra To Viktoria Plzen (€2.4m)
Salim Lawal earned a step up after standout performances in Croatia, completing a transfer to Viktoria Plzen.
The winger’s productivity in goals and assists attracted interest ahead of the European run-in.
Leonard Ngenge — Remo Stars To Leeds United (undisclosed)
Teenage forward Leonard Ngenge moved from the Nigeria Professional Football League to Leeds United.
The 18-year-old joined the club’s development setup with a pathway to senior involvement.
Chibuike nwaiwu — wolfberger to trabzonspor (€5.5m)
Chibuike Nwaiwu continued his upward trajectory with a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor.
The centre-back has already recorded league appearances following his January arrival.
Prosper Obah — Lnz Cherkasy To Shakhtar Donetsk (€4.5m)
Prosper Obah completed a domestic transfer in Ukraine after an impressive first half of the season.
The forward joined Shakhtar Donetsk following consistent goal contributions against top opposition.
Other notable moves
Uchenna Ogundu joined Augsburg from Alanyaspor, Suleman Sani signed for RB Leipzig from Trencin, and Emmanuel Dennis resumed club football with Brøndby.
Ehije Ukaki moved on loan to Atromitos, while Ejike Opara completed a permanent switch to Vitória Guimarães.
As the window closed, Nigerian footballers emerged as active participants in a mid-season market defined by recalibration rather than stagnation.
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