From Iheanacho To Toni Payne: Top 10 Summer Transfer Moves That Got Nigeria Fans Talking

 

 

As the summer transfer window edged toward deadline day, clubs across Europe continued to reinforce their squads by signing new players and releasing those who are surplus to requirements.

 

In this report, Positive NG Vibes takes a look at ten switches made by Nigerian players in the ongoing 2026 summer transfer window. 

 

While some were celebrated by fans, others divided opinion among soccer-loving Super Eagles and Super Falcons supporters.

 

Without further ado, let's begin the countdown from number 10 to number 1.

 

10. Kelechi Iheanacho — From Celtic to Bursasport

 

Kelechi Iheanacho surprised many football fans when he completed a free transfer to newly promoted Turkish Süper Lig side Bursaspor despite a reported fresh offer from Celtic.

 

For a player of his age and quality, a move to a club that had spent recent seasons in Turkey's second tier didn't sit well with Nigerians who believe the former Manchester City and Leicester City striker still has what it takes to perform in one of Europe's bigger leagues. 

Nonetheless, Iheanacho has settled in seamlessly having scored in each of his first two league appearances. 

 

9. Taiwo Awoniyi — From Nottingham Forest to Coventry City

 

Having lost his starting spot at the City Ground the previous season, many Nigerians expected the former Liverpool and Union Berlin striker to leave Nottingham Forest this summer.

 

Hence, few were surprised when he completed a permanent switch to newly promoted Coventry City in a deal worth £17 million. He is expected to lead the line for Frank Lampard's side as they aim to retain their Premier League status beyond this season. 

 

8. Akor Adams — From Sevilla to Venezia

 

Many football-loving Nigerians didn't foresee this transfer move, considering Akor Adams's impressive record for Sevilla the previous season. 

 

They thought Ten goals and three assists in 32 La Liga appearances were good enough to attract offers from bigger clubs, but that wasn't the case.

 

Instead, Adams completed a club-record move to newly promoted Italian side Venezia in a deal worth around €22 million.

 

He is tipped to be the club's first-choice striker and to help them establish themselves in Serie A. Akor already has two goals and one assist from two appearances so far this season. 

 

7. Rafiu Durosinmi — From Pisa to Genk

 

Despite reports linking him to clubs in the Premier League and Serie A, Rafiu Durosinmi signed a club-record four-year contract with Belgian side KRC Genk in a deal reported at €10.5 million. 

 

The recently capped Super Eagles striker is expected to break into the starting XI and boost Genk's attacking force with his physical presence and goal-scoring instincts.

 

Though many pundits and Super Eagles supporters would have loved to see him at a bigger club, Durosinmi's move has largely been celebrated by pundits.

 

Durosinmi has scored in each of his first three Belgian Pro League games. The recent one was in a wild 4-4 draw with Royal Antwerp.

 

He will hope to follow in the footsteps of Paul Onuachu and Tolu Arokodare, who both did well while wearing the Genk shirt.

 

6. Tosin Demehin — From Galatasaray to Benfica

 

The Portuguese women's champions announced the signing of Oluwatosin Demehin on a free transfer following her departure from Galatasaray, to the joy and excitement of many Super Falcons supporters. 

 

The 24-year-old centre-back has signed a three-year deal that will keep her at the Estádio da Luz until 2029.

 

The Super Falcons defender links up with her compatriots, Flourish Sabastine and Janet Akekoromowei, who both joined the club during the same transfer window. 

 

Demehin is tipped to bring more strength, discipline and quality to the defensive unit as the club chases more silverware, both domestically and in the UEFA Women's Champions League.

 

5. Flourish Sabastine — From Fenerbahçe to Benfica

 

Like Demehin, Flourish Sabastine also completed a free-transfer move to Benfica this summer from Turkish champions Fenerbahçe.

 

The Super Falcons winger, who first burst into the limelight at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, has continued her development ever since. 

 

Before her move, she scored 12 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions as Fenerbahçe won the Turkish Women's Super League.

 

Sabastine has signed a three-year deal running to 2029, with Benfica holding the option of a further year. The move to Lisbon is a good one, as it gives her the opportunity to showcase her skills in the UEFA Women's Champions League.

 

4. Janet Akekoromowei — From Bayelsa Queens to Benfica

 

When Janet Akekoromowei suffered an injury while on international duty for Nigeria's Under-20 side against Senegal in February, many feared it would affect her career development.

 

The teenager was reportedly closing in on a move to Barcelona Femení, but the Spanish giants withdrew their interest once the injury ruled her out of the trials that would have sealed the deal.

 

Despite the setback, Janet kept working hard until she returned to full fitness. The Asisat Oshoala Academy product has now completed a celebrated move to Benfica from Bayelsa Queens on a contract until 2028. 

 

She will continue her growth and development in Europe while adding more firepower to Benfica's attacking threat. 

 

3. Toni Payne — From Everton to Inter Milan

 

Toni Payne's summer move gladdened the hearts of many Nigerians, who believe Inter Milan will help the versatile Super Falcons midfielder take her game to the next level. 

 

Payne joined the Nerazzurre on a free transfer after her Everton contract expired, signing a two-year deal until June 2028.

 

Considering her wealth of experience (including six seasons and 168 appearances at Sevilla), Payne is expected to bring leadership to Inter, while her versatility in midfield should help the club push for Champions League qualification this season.

 

2. Tolu Arokodare — Loan Move from Wolves to Ajax

 

This is one of the most talked-about loan moves involving a Nigerian player this summer, due to the circumstances surrounding the striker's departure from Molineux.

Tolu Arokodare made no secret of his desire for a move away from the relegated side, but the club were initially reluctant to let him go. 

 

Tensions grew more during pre-season, when Arokodare was denied entry to a first-team session and extra security brought in as a precaution.

 

Luckily for the Nigerian striker, Ajax stepped in and secured his services on a season-long loan, which includes an option to make the move permanent for a reported £17 million next summer.

 

Nigerians were relieved the striker found a fresh atmosphere and a healthier environment to continue his development after finishing as the Belgian Pro League's top scorer during his time at former club Genk.

 

1. Zadok Yohanna — To Brighton & Hove Albion

 

This is arguably the most talked-about transfer involving a Nigerian player this summer. Nigerian journalists, pundits and fans were overjoyed when the teenager chose Brighton & Hove Albion despite interest from from Chelsea, Newcastle United, and several other European clubs.

 

The 18-year-old winger completed his move from Swedish side AIK Stockholm in a deal reported at around £21.5 million, signing a five-year contract that runs until 2031. 

 

Yohanna has since made his first-team debut for Brighton in the UEFA Conference League play-offs and earned his first Premier League appearance in a 4-0 win over Aston Villa. 

 

His performances will likely play a pivotal role in convincing other young Nigerians that the European pathway is within reach.

 

That's our summer transfer review for now, Positive NG Vibes will keep monitoring Nigeria players and their movements before the end of the window. 

 

Which transfer move impressed you the most? Drop it in the comments.