The January 2026 winter transfer window proved to be a productive period for several Nigerian footballers, with key moves across Europe offering fresh challenges and opportunities.
From high-profile deals in Spain and Portugal to strategic loans and big-club signings, Nigerian talents made their mark midway through the season.
Footy-Africa highlights the top five transfers involving Nigerian players and their potential impact.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta to Atletico Madrid)
Arguably the standout deal linked with a Nigerian star this window was Ademola Lookman’s move from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid.
The 28-year-old forward completed his transfer to the Spanish capital in a reported €35 million deal, making him one of the most expensive moves of the winter window.
Lookman enjoyed an impressive spell at Atalanta, scoring 55 goals and delivering a historic hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final.
His switch to Atletico Madrid reunites him with elite competition in La Liga and brings his electric pace and attacking threat to Diego Simeone’s side.
Former PSG star Godwin Okpara reacts to Super Eagles’ January transfer moves
Terem Moffi (OGC Nice to FC Porto, loan)
Another high-profile Nigerian movement saw Terem Moffi leave French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice on loan to Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto.
Despite being linked with several clubs this January, Moffi’s loan included an option to buy and reunites him with compatriot Zaidu Sanusi at the Dragão.
This move offers the powerful striker a chance to compete for titles in the Primeira Liga and potentially feature in the UEFA Champions League, critical stages for his development and exposure.
Frank Onyeka (Brentford to Coventry City, loan)
Midfielder Frank Onyeka secured a loan switch from Premier League side Brentford to Championship promotion chasers Coventry City.
With limited game time in the English top flight this season, Onyeka’s move provides regular minutes in a competitive division.
Coventry’s push for promotion makes Onyeka’s energy, defensive midfield acumen, and AFCON experience invaluable as they chase a return to the Premier League.
‘Coventry City is a bigger club than Brentford’: Sodje backs Onyeka move
Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem to Olympique Marseille)
One of the more intriguing deals of the window involved young defensive midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, who left Belgian club Zulte Waregem for French giants Olympique Marseille in Ligue 1.
Nnadi, known for his physicality and tactical discipline, caught attention with his performances in youth competitions and at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Marseille’s acquisition signals faith in his potential and adds depth to their midfield structure with the Nigerian eager to show what he can do.
Sani Suleiman (AS Trencin to RB Leipzig)
The January window also witnessed the rise of teenage sensation Sani Suleiman, who completed a move from AS Trencin to Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.
At just 19, Suleiman’s progress from the Nigerian domestic scene to European football underscores his rapid development.
While he suffered an injury soon after joining, Leipzig’s investment points to a long-term project for the winger, one that could see him emerge as a future star for both club and country.
Sani Suleiman to RB Leipzig: €6.5m fee + wages – Full transfer breakdown
Honourable mentions
Other Nigerian movements included Umar Sadiq’s switch to Valencia, Uchenna Ogundu’s move to Augsburg from Alanyaspor and Rafiu Durosinmi’s transfer to Pisa, both offering players fresh environments to rejuvenate their careers.
