The winter transfer deadline day has officially closed, and it was a historic 24 hours for Nigerian footballers across the globe. From blockbuster multi-million Euro moves to strategic loan switches in the English Championship, the “Green and White” flag was flying high in every major league.
Here is an in-depth breakdown of every major deal involving Nigerian stars and eligible talents.
The biggest story of the day comes from Spain. After months of speculation, Ademola Lookman has officially traded Atalanta’s blue and black for the red and white of Atlético de Madrid. The Super Eagles talisman, fresh off his historic Europa League exploits, has signed a long-term contract keeping him at the Metropolitano until June 30, 2030. This move places Lookman under the tutelage of Diego Simeone, marking a massive step up for the forward into the elite tier of European football.
In a move that sent shockwaves through the financial landscape of Nigerian football, 19-year-old George Ilenikhena has departed Monaco for the Saudi Pro League. Joining Al Ittihad in a deal worth a staggering €33 million, the Lagos-born striker has officially become the most expensive teenage footballer in Nigeria’s history. The move highlights the growing influence of the Saudi league in attracting top-tier young talent from Europe.
The French and German top flights were equally busy securing Nigerian reinforcements:
Olympique de Marseille has bolstered its midfield with the signing of 22-year-old international Tochukwu Nnadi from Belgian side SV Zulte Waregem, while FC Augsburg played the long game, securing 19-year-old forward Uchenna Ogundu from Alanyaspor on a massive deal running until 2031.
In Bundesliga 2, Philip Otele joins Hamburg on loan from FC Basel. He will wear the number 27 shirt as the German giants push for a return to the top flight.
AS Nancy Lorraine (Ligue 2) secured the services of 20-year-old OGC Nice forward Victor Orakpo on loan to lead their frontline for the remainder of the campaign.
England and Scotland saw a flurry of activity as established Super Eagles and rising prospects moved for more game time:
Frank Onyeka: The “Tank” moves from Brentford to Coventry City on loan. Crucially, the deal includes an obligation to buy if the Sky Blues secure promotion to the Premier League.
Joe Aribo: The versatile midfielder has joined Leicester City on loan from Southampton. At 29, Aribo brings vital experience to the Foxes’ midfield through 2026.
Junior Adamu: The Kano-born striker has signed for Celtic on loan from SC Freiburg. While Adamu is now cap-tied to Austria, his Nigerian roots remain a point of pride for fans following the Scottish Premiership.
Tayo Adaramola & Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba: Two of the brightest “Nigeria-eligible” prospects landed loan moves to the Championship, joining Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion respectively.
In the Eredivisie, FC Utrecht pulled off a coup by signing highly-rated left-back Emeka Adiele from West Ham United on a four-year contract. Over in the Spanish ecosystem, Sydney Osazuwa has moved from Real Sociedad’s B team to Jong AZ Alkmaar on loan with an option to buy.
The English lower leagues also saw significant movement:
Jid Okeke returned to Walsall on loan after a brief recall to parent club Stockport County.
Romeo Akachukwu (Colchester United) and Prince Ehibhatiomhan (Salford City) both left Southampton on loan to gain senior experience.
Leyton Orient snagged former Celtic keeper Tobi Oluwayemi and Stoke winger Favour Fawunmi.
The vital question now is Which of these moves do you think will be the most successful? Drop your answer in the comment section.
