The winter transfer window has been a busy period for Nigerian footballers, with several players making moves to new clubs in search of better opportunities.
While some sought fresh challenges abroad, others transferred due to limited playing time at their previous clubs.
Notably, young Nigerian talents have also secured moves from local clubs to Europe, further showcasing the country’s growing football potential.
As the January transfer window nears its close, here are the top five moves made by Nigerian players so far, in descending order from the very best.
Gift Orban – Lyon to Hoffenheim
Unsettled at French side Lyon and ostracized from the squad, Orban finally got his wish and signed for German outfit TSG Hoffenheim in a €9 million deal.
The 22-year-old forward penned a four-year contract with the Bundesliga club, bringing an end to his turbulent stint in France.
Despite scoring two goals in three games for Lyon, he was abruptly sidelined from the squad, prompting his move.
Orban has already hit the ground running, netting his first goal for Hoffenheim in a 2-2 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Bruno Onyemaechi – Boavista to Olympiakos
Super Eagles left-back Bruno Onyemaechi completed a high-profile switch to Greek giants Olympiakos from Portuguese side Boavista for €2.5 million.
Turkish club Trabzonspor had been leading the race for his signature, but Onyemaechi ultimately opted for a move to Greece.
The allure of European football may have played a key role in his decision, while Boavista was also eager to cash in on him before his contract expired in the summer.
Akor Adams – Montpellier to Sevilla
Former U20 international Akor Adams is set to begin a new chapter in his career after sealing a €5.5 million transfer to Spanish side Sevilla from Montpellier.
Adams made a remarkable impact in Ligue 1 after joining from Lillestrøm ahead of the 2023/24 season, scoring seven goals in his first 10 matches.
However, injuries and Montpellier’s dip in form saw his goal return decline, managing just three goals in 15 games.
Eager for a fresh challenge, Adams signed a four-year deal with Sevilla, where he will link up with Nigerian teammates Chidera Ejuke and Kelechi Iheanacho—though the latter is reportedly on his way out of the club.
Vince Osuji – Kalmar FF to Club Brugge
The young defender has enjoyed a meteoric rise, moving from Nigeria’s De Cardinal Football Academy to Swedish side Kalmar FF in early 2024.
Osuji’s impressive performances, which saw him start 15 games, quickly attracted interest from clubs like Genk, Chelsea, and Anderlecht.
However, it was Belgian giants Club Brugge who won the race for his signature, breaking Kalmar’s transfer record with a €3 million deal.
The 18-year-old former Nigerian U17 defender will now continue his development at Club Brugge, where he will link up with Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
Chiamaka Okwuchukwu – Rivers Angels to San Diego Wave
Among the new generation of talented Nigerian female footballers, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu has taken the next big step in her career by joining National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side San Diego Wave for an undisclosed fee.
The 19-year-old forward was a standout performer for Nigeria at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in 2024, where she scored twice.
Her rapid rise continues, and she is already being touted as a key player for the next generation of the Super Falcons.
