The 2025/26 European football season has been one of relative success for Nigerian footballers in Europe, especially those who made transfers either in the summer or during the winter transfer window.
Stars like Victor Osimhen were in the news regarding his career path, but the talisman returned to Istanbul to continue with Galatasaray, where he had spent the previous season.
Others like Semi Ajayi made moves from West Brom to Hull City, while Bright Osayi-Samuel left Fenerbahçe for Championship side Birmingham City.
There were also less publicised transfers such as Suleiman Sani’s move to RB Leipzig from AS Trenčín, Joe Aribo’s loan switch to Leicester City from Southampton, and Tolu Arokodare, who left Genk for Wolves in the Premier League.
In this feature, Footy-Africa takes a look at transfers made in the summer and winter of the 2025/26 season and rates the top five most successful moves.
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Paul Onuachu
Arguably the biggest transfer success for any Nigerian player this season after making his way back to Turkey following an unsuccessful spell with Southampton in England.
The 31-year-old signed a reported three-year contract worth €5.6 million and has lit up the Turkish Super League with goals.
Paul Onuachu has taken the league by storm and is currently the top scorer in Turkey with 22 goals from 25 matches, earning widespread praise.
His performances and goals have capped an outstanding season.
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Gift Orban
Prior to this season, Gift Orban bounced between Lyon in France and Hoffenheim in Germany with little or no success.
An opportunity came from Italian side Chievo Verona, and he grabbed it with both hands as he sought to revive his career.
Seven goals and two assists in 28 games is a respectable return for a striker who was low on confidence before his loan move to Verona.
Despite the club being deep in relegation trouble, the striker has been one of the shining lights in a difficult season.
Gift Orban at Hellas Verona: salary, career, market value and more
Victor Osimhen
Much was said about Victor Osimhen‘s career trajectory after a stellar 2024/25 season, where he was top scorer in Turkey and led Galatasaray to the title.
The forward then made the bold decision to return to the Istanbul club and has remained consistent in front of goal despite a season disrupted by injuries and his absence at the Africa Cup of Nations.
With 12 goals in 19 Super League matches, seven goals in 10 games, and three assists in the Champions League, he has proven to be a success and one of the best transfers of the season.
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Ademola Lookman
A winter transfer to Atletico Madrid in January saw the talented winger leave Atalanta after a turbulent 15 months at the club.
Diego Simeone took a chance on him, and Ademola Lookman has delivered on the pitch for the Spanish side in both the Champions League and La Liga.
His goal against Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final helped send his club into the semi-finals. He also scored in the Copa del Rey final, although the team lost to Real Sociedad.
He has two goals in eight league appearances and three goals with two assists in four Copa del Rey matches. Despite joining recently, his performances have placed him among the most successful Nigerian transfers this season.
Okoye hails Lookman’s Champions League heroics for Atletico Madrid
Frank Onyeka
When Frank Onyeka dropped to the Championship in January to join Coventry City from Premier League side Brentford, it initially appeared to be a step backwards.
However, with Coventry City securing promotion to the top flight, Onyeka has been vindicated and now joins the team on a permanent deal, earning another shot at the Premier League.
The 28-year-old played 12 matches and scored once, but it was his overall influence in midfield – his work rate, discipline, and contribution to Coventry’s promotion push – that made him an outstanding transfer.
