2026 January Transfer Window: Top Nigerian Stars Making Big Moves

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

Leicester City acted swiftly to strengthen their midfield by securing Joe Aribo on loan from Southampton until the end of the season. The 29-year-old midfielder joins the Foxes at a critical time, with Jordan James and Aaron Ramsey sidelined until March, and Hamza Choudhury awaiting assessment for a potential knee injury. Leicester parted ways with Boubakary Soumare in January, who completed a move to Qatar.

Aribo has seen limited opportunities at Southampton this season, making just seven Championship appearances, all from the bench. With his contract expiring in the summer, a strong performance at King Power Stadium could pave the way for a permanent move. He is expected to compete with Louis Page for the number eight role, while his versatility allows him to operate across central midfield.

Blackburn Rovers also added a Nigerian player to their squad, signing Oladapo Afolayan from German side St. Pauli on deadline day. The 28-year-old returns to English football three years after leaving Bolton Wanderers, signing a contract until June 2027 for an undisclosed fee. The Championship club confirmed the deal, noting that Afolayan is their third January signing.

In France, Olympique Marseille finalized a €6 million deal for Tochukwu Nnadi from Belgian club Zulte Waregem. The 22-year-old midfielder impressed in Belgium this season, attracting interest from the Ligue 1 side. Reports described the transfer as a surprise, with Nnadi arriving in Marseille earlier in the week to complete the move and express excitement about joining the nine-time French champions.

One of the most notable deals saw Atlético de Madrid secure the services of Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta. The 28-year-old signed a four-year contract running until June 30, 2030. Atlético Madrid confirmed the transfer, noting that Lookman passed his medical before signing his contract at the club offices. Lookman arrives in Spain after a standout period in Italy, re-establishing himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers.

In Germany, Uchenna Ogundu completed a permanent move to Augsburg from Turkish side Alanyaspor. The 19-year-old signed a long-term contract until June 30, 2031, and will wear the number 39 shirt. Ogundu enjoyed a breakthrough season in Turkey, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 20 appearances after joining Alanyaspor from Sanliurfaspor last summer.

Meanwhile, Hamburg secured winger Philip Otele on loan from Swiss club FC Basel, with an option to make the deal permanent. HSV paid a €1.5 million loan fee, with an additional €4.5 million due if the transfer is completed at the end of the season. The 26-year-old leaves Basel after less than a year, having scored 18 goals and provided eight assists in 53 matches. Otele, 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.

According to reports, these moves highlight a growing trend of Nigerian talent making significant impacts in top European leagues.