From Osimhen to Oshoala: How Nigerian players fared in transfer window

The 2025 summer transfer window saw several Nigerian footballers complete moves across Europe and beyond.

From high-profile transfers in major leagues to quieter switches in smaller clubs, the deals reflected a mixture of career progression, fresh starts, and opportunities for young players to prove themselves.

The biggest headline was Victor Osimhen’s record-breaking switch to Galatasaray, which made him the most expensive signing in Turkish football history. Beyond him, several established Super Eagles stars such as Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze also changed clubs, either in search of a new challenge or to revive stuttering careers.

Younger talents also took bold steps into Europe, with some leaving the Nigerian league for the first time, while others secured moves from less glamorous European sides to more competitive environments.

In women’s football, Nigerian players continued to spread their wings, with a notable move to the United States.

THE PRIME NEWS recalls that the window equally produced drama on deadline day, as deals involving Kelechi Iheanacho, Emmanuel Dennis, and Samuel Chukwueze kept Nigerian fans on edge until the final hours.

Below are some of the major Nigerian transfers from the window:

Victor Osimhen

The Super Eagles striker made the biggest splash of the window, joining Galatasaray from Napoli for €75m. The deal is the most expensive in Turkish football history.

Victor Boniface

The 24-year-old striker secured a season-long loan move from Bayer Leverkusen to Werder Bremen, finalised on 1 September 2025 after completing his medical and formalities.

Wilfred Ndidi

After relegation with Leicester City, the midfielder opted for a new start in Turkey, signing for Beşiktaş in a €9.5m deal. He is expected to anchor their midfield as they push for the league title.

Moses Simon

The winger left Nantes for newly promoted Paris FC in a €7m transfer. His experience in Ligue 1 is seen as vital for the survival chances of the capital club.

Chidozie Awaziem

The defender returned to France from the MLS, leaving Colorado Rapids to rejoin Nantes on a three-year contract.

Toluwalase Arokodare

Wolves paid £24m to sign the 23-year-old striker from Genk, making him one of their biggest signings of the summer. He will compete for a starting spot in the Premier League.

Samuel Chukwueze

After falling out of favour at the Rossoneri, Samuel Chukwueze’s joined Fulham from AC Milan in an initial loan deal with a non-mandatory option to buy, potentially reaching €25 million.

Gift Orban

The 22-year-old striker swapped Lyon for Hoffenheim in a €9m deal with €3m add-ons. He has already opened his account in Germany, scoring on his debut in a 2–2 draw.

Emmanuel Dennis

The forward, out of favour at Nottingham Forest, secured a loan move to Blackburn Rovers to revive his career in the Championship.

Kelechi Iheanacho

Following the mutual termination of his Sevilla contract, he attracted interest from Celtic but remains a free agent.

Papa Daniel Mustapha

The former Plateau United forward signed a three-year contract with Slovenian side NK Celje. It marks his first move abroad and a chance to showcase NPFL talent in Europe.

Christian Nwachukwu

The 19-year-old winger completed a move to Sheffield United from Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv, continuing his rapid rise in European football.

Asisat Oshoala

Ended her glittering spell at Barcelona Femeni to sign for Bay FC in the NWSL. The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year joined for a reported €150,000 fee and a contract running through 2026, with an option for 2027.

Chiamaka Okwuchukwu

The Rivers Angels forward completed a move to San Diego Wave in the NWSL, continuing Nigeria’s strong representation in American women’s football.

Rasheedat Ajibade

Left Atlético Madrid at the end of the 2024–25 season and signed with Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, with a contract through June 2027.