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| Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen celebrate against Cameroon in an AFCON 2023 match |
Firstsitenews-The 2025 summer transfer window brought mixed fortunes for Nigerian footballers — while some sealed blockbuster moves that elevated their global standing, others endured collapsed deals, last-minute scrambles, or uncertainty over their next steps. OLAMIDE ABE reviews the biggest winners and their landmark moves.
WINNERS
Victor Osimhen
Osimhen headlined the window with a record-breaking €75m permanent switch from Napoli to Galatasaray, setting a new Turkish transfer record. The move confirmed the Istanbul club’s massive belief in his ability after a sensational loan spell where he netted 37 goals in 41 matches, became a fan idol, and spearheaded their first league and cup double since 1998/99. The fee cements his status as one of the world’s premier strikers.
Chrisantus Uche
Uche’s meteoric rise continued with a season-long loan to Crystal Palace from Getafe, including a €20m obligation to buy. Just three years ago, he was playing in Spain’s sixth tier. Now, he is on the Premier League stage, a remarkable leap that instantly elevates his career and global profile.
Wilfred Ndidi
After nearly a decade and over 300 appearances for Leicester City, Ndidi departed for Beşiktaş in a €9.5m deal. The move spared him the drop into the Championship and offered him a leadership role at one of Turkey’s most historic clubs. Though Besiktas exited European qualifiers early, the transfer presents Ndidi with a fresh start and renewed importance.
Tolu Arokodare
Arokodare finally realised his dream of playing in England, sealing a move to Wolves from Belgian side Genk after finishing as top scorer in Belgium. The 24-year-old signed a four-year contract, calling the switch a dream fulfilled:
> “Obviously, it’s a dream of mine to play in the Premier League… My eyes are definitely on that.”
Now, he has the stage to prove himself in the world’s most competitive league.
Rasheedat Ajibade
Ajibade pulled off one of the shocks of the summer, leaving Atlético Madrid on a free transfer before leading Nigeria to a 10th WAFCON crown, where she was named Player of the Tournament. She then signed for Lyon, taking the iconic No. 10 shirt and joining forces with fellow Nigerian Jennifer Echegini. The move elevates her career at one of the best women’s clubs in the world.
Samuel Chukwueze
Chukwueze opted for a career reboot, joining Fulham on loan from AC Milan with a €25m option to buy, potentially rising to €30m. After excelling at Villarreal with double-figure goals and assists in 2022/23, his two seasons at Milan underwhelmed, yielding just eight goals and six assists. Fulham offers him the visibility of the Premier League and a chance to reignite his career.
Asisat Oshoala
Oshoala’s move to Saudi giants Al Hilal is both a personal triumph and a landmark for Nigerian women’s football. Following her successful stints at Barcelona and Bay FC, she now becomes one of the most high-profile players in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, one of the fastest-growing competitions globally. The move makes her one of the highest-paid female footballers and a trailblazing figure in the region.
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