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Several Nigerian footballers moved to teams in Europe and other places during the summer transfer window of 2025.
The agreements showed a mix of career advancement, new beginnings, and chances for young players to show what they can do, from big-name moves in major leagues to quieter moves in smaller clubs.
Victor Osimhen’s record-breaking move to Galatasaray was the greatest news item. It made him the most expensive signing in Turkish football history. In addition to him, a number of well-known Super Eagles players, such Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze, also switched teams, either to take on a new challenge or to get their careers back on track.
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Younger players also made big moves to Europe. Some left the Nigerian league for the first time, and others moved from less well-known European teams to more competitive ones.
Nigerian women’s football players kept getting better, and one big move was to the United States.
The window also brought drama on deadline day, as deals involving Kelechi Iheanacho, Emmanuel Dennis, and Samuel Chukwueze kept Nigerian fans on the edge of their seats until the last minute.
Here are some of the biggest transfers that happened in Nigeria during the window:
Victor Osimhen: The Super Eagles striker made the biggest splash of the summer by moving from Napoli to Galatasaray for €75 million. This is the most costly contract in the history of Turkish football.
Victor Boniface—The 24-year-old forward moved from Bayer Leverkusen to Werder Bremen on loan for the whole season. The move was confirmed on September 1, 2025, after he passed his medical and other requirements.
Wilfred Ndidi—After Leicester City was demoted, the midfielder chose to start over in Turkey by joining with Beşiktaş for €9.5 million. As they try to win the league title, he is expected to be the mainstay of their midfield.
Moses Simon: The winger moved from Nantes to Paris FC, which had just been promoted, for €7 million. People think that his time in Ligue 1 is very important for the capital club’s chances of staying in the league.
Samuel Chukwueze: After not being liked by the Rossoneri, Samuel Chukwueze joined Fulham from AC Milan on a loan deal with an option to buy that may be worth up to €25 million.
Gift Orban, a 22-year-old striker, moved from Lyon to Hoffenheim for €9 million, plus €3 million in bonuses. He has already scored in Germany, getting a goal in his first game, which ended in a 2–2 draw.
Emmanuel Dennis, a forward who wasn’t getting much playing time at Nottingham Forest, got a loan to Blackburn Rovers to get his career back on track in the Championship.
Kelechi Iheanacho—After his contract with Sevilla ended, Celtic showed interest in him, although he is still a free agent.
Papa Daniel Mustapha, a former attacker for Plateau United, signed a three-year deal with NK Celje in Slovenia. It’s his first time moving to another country, and it’s a chance for NPFL players to show off their skills in Europe.
Christian Nwachukwu, a 19-year-old winger, moved from Bulgarian club Botev Plovdiv to Sheffield United, where he will continue his rapid rise in European competition.
Asisat Oshoala left Barcelona Femeni, where she had a great career, to join Bay FC in the NWSL. The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year signed a deal that runs through 2026, with the option to extend it through 2027. The price was said to be €150,000.
Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, a forward with the Rivers Angels, moved to the San Diego Wave in the NWSL. This is another example of Nigeria’s strong presence in American women’s football.
Rasheedat Ajibade left Atlético Madrid at the end of the 2024–25 season and signed for Paris Saint-Germain. He will stay with the team until June 2027.