Nigerian women footballers this season have had an extraordinary surge in transfers for, marking a significant shift compared to previous seasons.
While player movement is not a new phenomenon, this transfer window has broken records, with Nigerian talent heading to clubs across Europe and North America in unprecedented numbers.
Beyond the usual transfers, this wave also includes moves from Nigerian clubs to international teams, where emerging players are being snapped up.
Super Falcons performance the catalyst for transfers
It seems the world is now taking Nigerian talent more seriously, a shift likely influenced by the Super Falcons' impressive performance at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The Super Falcons made global headlines, going unbeaten in the group stage with a draw against Canada, a thrilling 3-2 victory over hosts Australia, and a stalemate with the Republic of Ireland.
It took a nail-biting penalty shootout for England to eliminate Nigeria in the Round of 16, but the Falcons left with their heads held high, earning global admiration.
Though the team’s bid for the Paris Olympics fell short, this hasn’t deterred clubs from scouting Nigerian players.
The Super Falcons’ World Cup display acted as a springboard for several players, with many securing significant moves during the summer transfer window.
A glimpse into history
Looking back, the transformation in how international clubs perceive Nigerian players began after the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
That tournament saw Nigeria’s Super Falcons reach the quarter-finals, falling 4-3 to Brazil after trailing 3-0, a remarkable comeback that made the world take notice.
The 1999 team, filled with domestic-based players like Mercy Akide and Florence Omagbemi, opened the doors for Nigerian women to pursue international careers, particularly in the United States.
Fast forward to 2023, and the Super Falcons squad featured only one player, Onome Ebi, still based in Nigeria (even though she also played abroad), a testament to how far Nigerian women’s football has come in terms of international recognition.
Summer 2024: The mass movement for Nigerian women footballers
The 2024/25 season has seen a flurry of transfers for Nigerian women footballers, with many players leaving the Nigeria Women’s Premier League to pursue careers abroad.
Some notable transfers include Nicole Payne’s move from Sevilla to Everton in England’s Women's Super League and Ifeoma Onumonu’s switch from Utah Royals in the U.S. to Montpellier in France.
Below is a comprehensive list of Nigerian women footballers who made notable moves this summer:
- Oluwatosin Demehin: Stade Reims (France) to Galatasaray (Turkey)
- Nicole Payne: Sevilla (Spain) to Everton (England)
- Ifeoma Onumonu: Utah Royals (USA) to Montpellier (France)
- Jennifer Echegini: Juventus (Italy) to Paris St-Germain (France)
- Chinaza Uchendu: Galatasaray (Turkey) to Nantes (France)
- Olamide Adugbe: Naija Ratels (Nigeria) to Napoli (Italy)
- Blessing Okpe: Rivers United (Nigeria) to Amed Sportif Faaliyetler (Turkey)
- Chidinma Okeke: Mazatlán (Mexico) to Club America (Mexico)
- Onyinyechi Zogg: FC Zurich (Switzerland) to Perth Glory (Australia)
- Regina Otu: Saint Etienne (France) to Fenerbahce (Turkey)
- Vivian Ikechukwu: Besiktas (Turkey) to Cruz Azul (Mexico)
- Etim Edidiong: Bayelsa United (Nigeria) to University of Central Florida (USA)
- Omamuzo Edafe: Rivers Angels (Nigeria) to Arkansas State University (USA)
- Peace Efih: Braga (Portugal) to OFI Crete (Greece)
- Esther Onyenezide: Madrid CFF (Spain) to Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem (Israel)
- Juliet Sunday: Gintra (Lithuania) to Hapoel Beersheva (Isreal)
- Barakat Olaiya: Simba (Tanzania) to Hapoel Tel Aviv (Isreal)
- Zainab Balogun: Saint Etienne (France) to ZFK Spartak (Serbia)
- Comfort Erhabor: Brighton and Hove Albion (England) to Plymouth (England) on loan
- Amanda Mbadi: Saint Etienne (France) to RCD Espanyol (Spain)
As Nigerian women footballers continue to make waves on the global stage, these transfers reflect both the growing recognition of their talent and the increased belief in the potential of Nigerian football on the world stage.
