Super Eagles Stars On The Move: Full List of Nigerians Who Changed Clubs This Summer

Super Eagles Stars On The Move: Full List of Nigerians Who Changed Clubs This Summer

By BSN Sports 

The 2026 summer transfer window has witnessed significant movement among Nigeria’s Super Eagles players, with several established internationals embarking on new chapters across Europe, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

From England and Germany to Turkey, Italy and Hungary, a number of Nigerian players have switched clubs in search of greater playing opportunities, fresh challenges and improved career prospects.

Taiwo Awoniyi’s move to Coventry City is among the latest high-profile transfers involving a Super Eagles player, while other internationals, including Kelechi Iheanacho, Akor Adams and Raphael Onyedika, have also changed clubs.

Here is a look at some of the Super Eagles players who have joined new clubs this summer:

Taiwo Awoniyi – Coventry City

Taiwo Awoniyi has ended his four-year association with Nottingham Forest after completing a permanent move to newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City in a deal reportedly worth £17 million.

The Nigerian striker endured an inconsistent spell at the City Ground, particularly after a serious injury disrupted his progress, but remained a respected member of the squad.

His switch to Coventry represents an opportunity to secure more regular first-team football as the club prepares for life in the Premier League under manager Frank Lampard.

Awoniyi will be hoping for a strong campaign as he seeks to regain his best form and strengthen his position in the Super Eagles setup.

Kelechi Iheanacho – Bursaspor

Kelechi Iheanacho has left Scottish champions Celtic and moved to Turkey, where he has joined Bursaspor.

The experienced forward was part of Celtic’s squad during a successful spell that included domestic honours, but his stay in Scotland was cut short after the club opted against extending his contract beyond the agreed period.

The move to Bursaspor gives the former Manchester City and Leicester City striker another opportunity to revive his career and establish himself as a key player.

Akor Adams – Venezia

Akor Adams has made a permanent move to Italy after leaving Sevilla for Serie A club Venezia.

The Nigerian striker signed a contract running until June 2030, with Venezia confirming his arrival on July 22.

Adams joined Sevilla in January 2025 and made 37 appearances for the Spanish club, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists.

His move to Italy represents another opportunity for the striker to establish himself in one of Europe’s major leagues.

Raphael Onyedika – Eintracht Frankfurt

Raphael Onyedika has brought his successful spell at Belgian side Club Brugge to an end after attracting interest from several clubs across Europe.

The Super Eagles midfielder ultimately opted for a move to Germany, joining Eintracht Frankfurt and taking the next step in his career in the Bundesliga.

Onyedika established himself as an important figure at Club Brugge and will now be expected to compete for a regular role in Frankfurt’s midfield.

His move also gives him an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Nigerian football great Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, who previously played for the German club.

Gift Orban – Amedspor

Gift Orban has left Hoffenheim for a loan spell at newly promoted Turkish Super League side Amedspor.

The Nigerian forward endured a difficult period at Hellas Verona, where he spent time on loan, and struggled to reproduce the form that previously made him one of the most sought-after young forwards in European football.

His move to Turkey provides an opportunity to regain his confidence, play regularly and rediscover his goalscoring touch.

Frank Onyeka – Coventry City

Frank Onyeka has made his stay at Coventry City permanent after initially joining the club on loan from Brentford.

The Nigerian midfielder played an important role during Coventry’s promotion campaign and became a key figure in the club’s push for Premier League football.

His performances helped convince the club to secure his services on a permanent basis following their promotion.

Onyeka will now face the challenge of competing at Premier League level with Coventry as he looks to build on his successful loan spell.

Chidozie Awaziem – Konyaspor

Experienced Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has also moved clubs this summer, joining Turkish side Konyaspor from French Ligue 1 club Nantes.

The transfer sees the centre-back return to Turkey, a country he knows from his previous experience with Çaykur Rizespor, where he spent time on loan in 2019.

Awaziem brings considerable international and European experience to Konyaspor and will be expected to provide defensive leadership.

Leon Balogun – ETO Győr

Veteran defender Leon Balogun has begun another chapter of his long European career after leaving Cypriot club Aris Limassol for Hungarian side ETO Győr.

The 38-year-old has enjoyed an extensive career spanning several European leagues, including spells in Germany, England, Scotland and Cyprus.

Balogun’s experience at both club and international level will be valuable to his new team as he enters the latter stages of his playing career.

A busy summer for Nigeria internationals

The movement of these players underlines the increasingly global nature of the careers of Nigeria’s senior internationals.

While some are seeking regular playing time, others have moved to clubs offering a new challenge or a pathway to revitalise their careers.

For the Super Eagles, the performances of these players at their new clubs will be closely monitored as Nigeria continues to prepare for a crucial period on the international calendar.