It has generally been a very good transfer window for Nigerian footballers across Europe, with many of them sealing moves to some of the continent’s decent clubs.
Others also survived the axe at their clubs and will, therefore, be lacing their boots to try to build on whatever they achieved last season. The biggest transfer story involving a Nigeria footballer, however, centred on Victor Osimhen, who captured the attention of the world ahead of deadline day.
The Napoli forward has been angling for a move away from Italy for months and was being courted by Chelsea and Al Ahli. However, neither club managed to agree terms with Osimhen, which has left his future shrouded in confusion.
Osimhen’s transfer may have fallen through but many other Nigerian footballers secured moves to clubs in Europe’s top five leagues. Below are the best Nigerian transfers of the window.
Chidera Ejuke seals transfer to Sevilla
In June, Chidera Ejuke joined La Liga side Sevilla on a free transfer after parting ways with CSKA Moscow.
The skilful winger spent the last two seasons on loan at Hertha Berlin and Royal Antwerp and decided not to extend his contract with his parent club upon its expiration.
Ejuke’s time in Russia yielded 10 goals and eight assists in 55 league matches and while he failed to find the back of the net during his loan stint with Hertha, he was involved in five goals and six assists for Royal Antwerp last season, which he will be hoping to replicate at Sevilla this term.
Frank Onyeka joins Augsburg on loan
After struggling to find enough game time at Brentford, Frank Onyeka secured a deadline-day move to Augsburg.
The midfielder’s time in the Premier League brought mixed feelings, as he was a key player for the Bees in his first two seasons but later dropped down the pecking order.
Onyeka lost his place in the starting line-up after the 2023 AFCON, where he helped Nigeria to finish as runners-up to hosts Ivory Coast. Having played only 23 minutes from Brentford’s opening two Premier League matches, Onyeka pushed for a loan move to Augsburg, where he is more likely to get some game time.
Kelechi Iheanacho finds new home in Sevilla
Kelechi Iheanacho was linked to so many clubs after he left Leicester City after helping the Foxes to secure promotion to the Premier League.
While there were several English clubs interested in his signature, he opted to continue his career abroad by joining Sevilla on a free transfer.
Iheanacho is expected to team up with compatriot Chidera Ejuke at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, where manager Javier Garcia Pimienta has hinted at playing both together.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru swaps Hatayspor for Lazio
Another very good deal involving a Nigerian footballer was Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s transfer from Hatayspor to Lazio.
The 23-year-old had a very good campaign in Turkey, where he scored nine goals and provided six assists in all competitions last season.
Although some Premier League clubs were reportedly interested in signing Dele-Bashiru, Lazio ultimately won the race for his signature, signing him on loan in €2 million loan deal with a €4 million buy option.
Lille sign Adeshina Ayodele
Adeshina Ayodele’s transfer to Lille came out of the blue. The teenager moved directly from Beyond Limits Academy, the sister club of Nigerian top-flight side Remo Stars, to the French team.
Although Ayodele is set to play for Lille’s youth side, it’s still a huge deal that the forward moved straight from Nigeria to a club in Europe’s top leagues.
George Ilenikhena moves to Monaco
George Ilenikhena followed in the footsteps of Victor Ikpeba, Lukman Haruna, Sani Kaita, Rabiu Afolabi, Elderson Echiejile and Henry Onyekuru, becoming the latest Nigerian footballer to play for Monaco after joining the Principality club.
Although he’s still only 18, the Ligue 1 side paid €20 million to prise him away from Royal Antwerp, making him one of the most expensive teenagers from Africa.
Christantus Uche
Nigerian midfielder Christantus Uche made one of the best moves in all of Europe after joining La Liga outfit Getafe from Spanish third-tier side AD Ceuta.
Two years ago, the 21- year-old was playing amateur football in Nigeria and his rise to the Spanish too-flight is the stuff of dreams.
