Top Nigerian Footballers Involved In 2026 January Transfer Deadline Moves

The 2026 January transfer window closed on Monday, February 2, with several Nigerian footballers sealing high-profile moves across Europe.

Leicester City moved swiftly to reinforce their midfield by securing Joe Aribo on loan from Southampton until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old Nigerian footballer joins the Foxes at a crucial moment, with Jordan James and Aaron Ramsey sidelined until March and Hamza Choudhury awaiting assessment on a possible serious knee injury. Leicester have also parted ways with Boubakary Soumare, who completed a move to Qatar in January.

Aribo has found opportunities limited at Southampton this season, making only seven Championship appearances, all from the bench. With his contract set to expire in the summer, a strong showing at the King Power Stadium could open the door to a permanent switch on a free transfer.

He is expected to compete with Louis Page for the number eight role, although his versatility allows him to operate across central midfield.

Blackburn Rovers also turned to Nigerian footballer as they completed the signing of Oladapo Afolayan from German side St. Pauli on deadline day.

The Championship club confirmed the deal on their official website, with the 28-year-old returning to English football three years after leaving Bolton Wanderers. Afolayan has signed a contract running until June 2027 for an undisclosed fee.

In their announcement, Blackburn said, “We are delighted to announce the signing of Oladapo Afolayan on a permanent deal from St. Pauli for an undisclosed fee. The 28-year-old, who becomes our third January signing, joins on a deal through to June 2027.”

In France, Olympique Marseille completed a deadline day move for Tochukwu Nnadi from Belgian side Zulte Waregem in a deal worth €6m. The 22-year-old midfielder impressed in Belgium this season, attracting the attention of the Ligue 1 giants.

Footmercato described the transfer as a surprise, stating, “Marseille have completed a completely unexpected signing from Belgium. A full agreement has been reached between Olympique Marseille and Zulte Waregem for the transfer of Tochukwu Nnadi.”

Nnadi arrived in Marseille earlier this week to finalise the move and expressed excitement about starting a new chapter with the nine-time French champions.

Naija News reports that one of the most eye-catching deals of the window saw Atlético de Madrid complete the signing of Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta. The 28-year-old has agreed to a four-year contract that will keep him at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano until 30 June 2030.

Confirming the transfer, Atlético Madrid said, “Atlético de Madrid and Atalanta have agreed on the transfer of Ademola Lookman, who has signed for us until 30 June 2030.

“Our new signing passed his medical at the Vithas-Invictum High-Performance Sports Medicine Centre at Arturo Soria University Hospital in Madrid, before heading to the club offices at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. There, he was greeted by our Chief Executive Officer, Miguel Ángel Gil, with whom he signed his contract with our club. Welcome, Lookman!”

Lookman arrives in Spain after a standout spell in Italy, where he re-established himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers.

In Germany, young striker Uchenna Ogundu completed a permanent move to Augsburg from Turkish side Alanyaspor. The 19-year-old has signed a long-term deal that runs until 30 June 2031 and will wear the number 39 shirt.

Ogundu enjoyed a rapid rise in Turkey, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 20 appearances across all competitions after joining Alanyaspor from Sanliurfaspor last summer.

Meanwhile, Hamburg secured the services of winger Philip Otele on loan from Swiss club FC Basel, with an option to make the transfer permanent. HSV paid a €1.5m loan fee and could pay an additional €4.5m at the end of the season to complete the deal.

The 26-year-old leaves Basel after less than a year, having recorded 18 goals and eight assists in 53 matches. Otele, who has been named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, will wear the number 27 shirt at Hamburg, who currently sit 13th in the Bundesliga with 29 points.