Transfers: Three Nigerian Footballers Secure Overseas Moves

Three Nigerian footballers have completed high-profile moves abroad ahead of the 2026-2027 season.

Midfielder Popoola Ridwan has completed a permanent transfer to United Arab Emirates Pro League side Al Wasl from Hungarian club Kisvárda.

The 19-year-old earned his move to Europe after impressing for Lagos-based Seamoriow FC before signing for Kisvárda in February 2025. His performances in Hungary quickly established him as one of Nigeria’s promising young midfielders, with his composure, work rate and ball-winning ability attracting interest from clubs outside Europe.

Eight-time UAE champions Al Wasl will now look to harness those qualities as they strengthen their squad for the new campaign.

Ridwan’s former club celebrated the transfer on social media. He said, “From Seamoriow FC and @olukismetfc to @kisvardamastergood, and now to @alwaslsc. Popoola Ridwan continues to climb.

“A proud moment for grassroots football and for everyone who made this transfer possible. Big shoutout to @franci.bode for pulling this through.”

Elsewhere, Kenyan Premier League side Tusker FC have signed Nigerian striker Victor Mbaoma on a one-year contract from relegated-NPFL side Remo Stars.

The 29-year-old scored 14 goals and provided four assists last season, becoming Tusker’s first signing ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Mbaoma is no stranger to East African football after a productive spell with Rwandan giants APR, where he finished as the league’s top scorer with 15 goals and helped the club win domestic honours.

The experienced forward said the club’s ambitions convinced him to make the move.

“I am really delighted to be joining Tusker FC. The coach and the management presented the club’s project to me and I was attracted to it,” he said.

“I have also gone back to look at the history of the team and this is a winning side. The team has an ambition to not only do well locally but also in Continental football and that was a big attraction for me.”

Tusker head coach Julien Mette welcomed the signing. He said, “I am glad to welcome Victor to the team as our first signing. He is an experienced player who I know very well and I am sure we will make great success together.”

Meanwhile, Flying Eagles winger Tahir Maigana has sealed a permanent move to Hungarian club Zalaegerszegi TE from Abuja-based FC Wireless.

The 18-year-old signed a three-year contract, with the option of a further year.

Maigana arrives after strong performances for Nigeria’s U-20 side, featuring in every match as the Flying Eagles claimed bronze at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations before representing the country at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Speaking after completing the move, the winger said he was immediately impressed by his new surroundings.

“The first thing that stood out to me was the kindness of the people living here and the people working at the club. I can already see that this is a very calm, peaceful city where a player can focus exclusively on football,” he said.

“I would like to show on the pitch all the qualities that the club management has given me confidence in. I want to prove it. I have only heard good things about the team and the conditions, and since my arrival I can confirm that all this is true.”

Club chairman Andrés Jornet believes Maigana has the talent to flourish in Hungary. He said: “Tahir Maigana is an exceptional talent who was one of the youngest players to feature for his country at the recent U20 World Cup.

“Several clubs were interested in him, but he chose the ZTE project because he felt it was the best next step for him at this stage of his career, something we are really proud of. We are convinced that he can continue his impressive development in this environment.”