The 2026 summer transfer window brought several major changes for Nigerian footballers, with a number of Super Eagles players moving to new clubs across England, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Hungary and Libya.
For some, the moves represent a step up to bigger European leagues. Others are looking for regular playing time, a fresh challenge or an opportunity to revive their careers.
Here are 12 Nigerian internationals who changed clubs during the 2026 summer transfer window.
Taiwo Awoniyi remained in the Premier League after completing a permanent move from Nottingham Forest to newly promoted Coventry City.
The Nigerian striker reportedly joined Coventry for around £9 million after four seasons at Forest. The transfer gives him another opportunity to establish himself as a regular starter after competition for places limited his opportunities towards the end of his Forest spell.
Awoniyi will also link up with fellow Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka at Coventry.
Frank Onyeka also made the move to Coventry City, giving the Premier League newcomers two Nigerian internationals in their squad.
The midfielder left Brentford after several seasons in the Premier League and will now look to play an important role in Coventry’s return to the top flight.
His arrival alongside Awoniyi gives Coventry additional Nigerian experience as the club adjusts to life in the Premier League.
Kelechi Iheanacho began another chapter of his career by leaving Scottish club Celtic for Turkish side Bursaspor.
The former Manchester City and Leicester City forward will hope the move provides the platform to rediscover his best form and regain consistent playing time.
Turkey has become a familiar destination for Nigerian players, and Iheanacho will be expected to bring his experience and goalscoring ability to his new club.
Akor Adams completed one of the more significant moves involving a Nigerian striker during the summer.
The forward left Spanish side Sevilla for Italian club Venezia in a reported €16 million deal, with additional bonuses potentially increasing the value.
Adams signed a contract running until June 2030 as he begins a new chapter in Italian football.
The move gives the striker another opportunity to establish himself in one of Europe’s major leagues.
Raphael Onyedika made a high-profile switch from Belgian champions Club Brugge to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Nigerian midfielder reportedly joined the German club for around €9 million and signed a contract until June 2031.
Onyedika arrives in Germany after several successful seasons in Belgium, where he won domestic trophies and gained valuable Champions League experience.
Experienced defender Chidozie Awaziem returned to Turkey after completing a move from French club Nantes to Konyaspor.
The centre-back has considerable experience across European football and will provide defensive experience to his new side.
His move also adds another Nigerian presence to the Turkish league, which attracted several Super Eagles players during the summer window.
Gift Orban moved from German side Hoffenheim to Turkish club Amedspor on loan.
The forward will spend the season in Turkey as he looks to secure regular football and rediscover the goalscoring form that previously made him one of the most highly rated young Nigerian forwards in Europe.
Orban will also have Nigerian company at Amedspor following the arrival of Yira Sor.
Veteran defender Leon Balogun continued his long European career by leaving Cypriot club Aris Limassol for Hungarian side ETO Győr.
The experienced centre-back has played in several European leagues during his career and will bring international and club-level experience to his new team.
Balogun’s move represents another new chapter for the former Super Eagles defender.
Yira Sor left Belgian club Genk for Turkish side Amedspor, the Nigeria international will join forces with Gift Orban at the Turkish club, creating a potentially interesting Nigerian partnership in attack.
The move gives Sor an opportunity to secure more consistent playing time and continue his development in a new league.
Terem Moffi completed a permanent transfer from French Ligue 1 side Nice to German Bundesliga club Hamburg, the move was reportedly worth an initial €2 million, with a further €500,000 potentially available in bonuses.
Moffi will be hoping for a fresh start in Germany after a difficult period with Nice and will look to rediscover the form that previously made him one of Nigeria’s leading strikers.
Femi Azeez secured a Premier League move after leaving Millwall for Brighton & Hove Albion.
The winger attracted significant attention following an impressive 2025/26 Championship campaign and completed the move around the transfer deadline.
Brighton later officially confirmed his arrival on a four-year contract, with reports putting the initial fee at £12.5 million and the potential total above £15 million with add-ons.
Azeez now has the opportunity to test himself at the highest level of English football.
Super Eagles defender Olisa Ndah left South Africa for Libyan club Al Shomooa, Ndah had joined Stellenbosch in January 2026 after leaving Orlando Pirates but spent only a short period with the club before moving on.
His switch to Al Shomooa gives the 28-year-old another opportunity to establish himself abroad after several years in South African football. Reports indicate that he joined the Libyan club as a free agent.
The 2026 summer transfer window highlighted the growing presence of Nigerian players across European and African football.
Coventry City added both Awoniyi and Onyeka as they prepared for their return to the Premier League, while Onyedika and Moffi moved to Germany.
Turkey was another major destination, with Iheanacho, Awaziem, Orban and Sor all making moves. Meanwhile, Azeez earned a Premier League opportunity at Brighton and Ndah began a new chapter in Libya.
For the Super Eagles, these transfers could have a major impact on squad selection in the coming months. New clubs mean new opportunities for regular football, improved form and competition for places in Nigeria’s national team.
With several players now facing fresh challenges, the 2026/27 season could be an important one for Nigeria’s international stars.
