Seven Super Eagles Stars Secure New Clubs in January Transfer Window
The 2025/26 winter transfer window has officially closed across European football markets, marking another period of intense activity as clubs scrambled to finalize deals before the deadline. This year's transfer season proved particularly significant for Nigerian football, with seven Super Eagles players securing moves to new clubs during the January window.
Ademola Lookman's High-Profile Move to Atletico Madrid
Ademola Lookman's transfer to Atletico Madrid stands out as the most prominent Nigerian move of the winter window. After three-and-a-half years at Atalanta, where he had attempted to leave during three previous transfer windows, the 2024 African Footballer of the Year finally secured his departure from the Bergamo-based club. Lookman signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Spanish La Liga giants and will wear the number 22 jersey, aiming to remain competitive in one of Europe's top-five leagues.
Other Super Eagles Players Who Changed Clubs
Sadiq Umar completed a permanent transfer to Valencia on January 8, following a successful loan spell from Real Sociedad last season. Both clubs finally reached an agreement after previous negotiations had stalled.
Frank Onyeka, affectionately known as "The Tank," made a surprising move to EFL Championship side Coventry City, joining Chelsea legend Frank Lampard's squad. This transfer came after Onyeka became a fringe player at Premier League club Brentford. The midfielder expressed his enthusiasm about the move, stating his commitment to being a strong, winning player who fights for his teammates.
Joe Aribo moved across EFL Championship clubs, leaving Southampton to join Leicester City on loan after featuring in only seven matches during the first half of the season at St Mary's Stadium.
Tochukwu Nnadi, a Super Eagles newcomer who was surprisingly named in Eric Chelle's AFCON 2025 squad, capitalized on his exposure by transferring from Belgian club Zulte Waregem to French giants Olympique Marseille.
Terem Moffi left OGC Nice to join FC Porto on loan with an option to buy, teaming up with fellow Nigerian Zaidu Sanusi in Portugal. Moffi's departure followed a training ground incident where Nice fans assaulted him, resulting in an injury that cost him his place at AFCON 2025.
Salim Fago, another debutant in Eric Chelle's AFCON 2025 squad, secured a significant move from Istra 1961 to Czech Republic giants Viktoria Plzen after the tournament in Morocco. The Lagos-born forward's transfer represents a major step up in his career.
Lookman's Farewell Message to Atalanta Fans
Following his permanent transfer to Atletico Madrid, Ademola Lookman sent a heartfelt message to Atalanta fans, acknowledging their support during his time in Bergamo despite the various challenges and successes experienced throughout his tenure at the club.
The January transfer window has demonstrated the continued mobility and market value of Nigerian football talent across European leagues, with these seven Super Eagles stars positioning themselves for new challenges and opportunities in their professional careers.
