The South African transfer window is yet to open, but the tug-of-war for one of the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) hottest commodities is already intensifying. Orlando Pirates have officially entered the race to sign Etiosa Ighodaro, the Nigerian forward whose breakout performances last season have put him firmly on the radar of multiple clubs, both in South Africa and abroad.
Ighodaro, 24, is currently on the books of Mamelodi Sundowns, but it is his loan spell at AmaZulu FC that transformed him from a promising prospect into a headline-grabbing striker. Appearing in nearly all of Usuthu’s league fixtures last season, Ighodaro impressed with his intelligent movement, physical presence, and clinical finishing attributes that saw him notch vital goals and consistently influence games in the final third.
Now, with his future hanging in the balance, a fierce bidding war has erupted. Kaizer Chiefs, AmaZulu FC, and Sekhukhune United were the early frontrunners, but the late entry of Orlando Pirates has added a new layer of intrigue. The Buccaneers are determined to bolster their attacking options after a season that saw them fall short of their domestic ambitions. Sources close to the club suggest that coach Jose Riveiro views Ighodaro as a missing puzzle piece, a dynamic forward who can stretch defenses and offer both hold-up play and goal threat.
But it’s not just local clubs circling the Nigerian. Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, a regular fixture in the CAF Champions League, have also made inquiries, as has Russian Premier League side FC Baltika, who are said to be monitoring the striker closely with a view to a summer swoop.
For Ighodaro, the attention comes as no surprise. Since arriving in South Africa, the Nigerian has developed steadily, using loan spells to adapt to the PSL’s demands. Last season at AmaZulu was, by all accounts, a turning point. His ability to lead the line, hold up play, and convert chances under pressure proved invaluable in a squad that often relied on his sharp instincts to steal points.
“He’s one of the most complete forwards we’ve had in years,” a source inside AmaZulu noted. “What separates Etiosa is his maturity and ability to read the game. He’s got the frame of a traditional number nine, but the feet and awareness of a modern striker.”
With Mamelodi Sundowns currently stacked with attacking talent, Ighodaro’s pathway into their starting eleven remains uncertain, increasing the likelihood of a permanent move elsewhere.
For Pirates, the pursuit of Ighodaro signals a clear intent: close the gap between themselves and Sundowns, who have dominated South African football in recent years. The Buccaneers have been active in identifying domestic talent, and Ighodaro fits their evolving tactical blueprint, pacey, mobile, and lethal in the box.
Club insiders reveal that discussions have already begun, though Sundowns will reportedly demand a significant transfer fee, especially with international clubs involved.
This transfer saga is more than just about one player. It reflects a growing shift in the PSL’s ecosystem, where Nigerian players, particularly attackers, are increasingly valued for their athleticism and tactical versatility. Ighodaro’s rise mirrors that of fellow compatriots who have made lasting impacts in the league.
For now, the ball is in Sundowns’ court. Do they integrate Ighodaro into their plans, or cash in while his stock is at its peak? And can Pirates beat out stiff competition to bring him to Soweto?
One thing is certain: Etiosa Ighodaro is no longer a hidden gem he’s a prime target, and his next move could define not just his career, but the trajectory of several clubs chasing glory.
