Over the years, a number of Nigerian internationals have sealed major transfers during the January window, with several of those moves shaping both their careers and the fortunes of their clubs.
As the 2025/2026 winter transfer window comes to an end, we take a look at six Super Eagles players whose high-profile January switches remain among the most memorable in football history.

Terem Moffi – OGC Nice to FC Porto

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi completed a loan move from French side OGC Nice to Portuguese giants FC Porto in January 2026. The two-time UEFA Champions League winners officially unveiled the forward on January 30.
Moffi’s departure followed a turbulent period at Nice, where poor results culminated in a hostile incident involving supporters after a defeat to Lorient in November 2025. The striker was placed on sick leave shortly after before sealing his temporary switch to Porto.

Nwankwo Kanu – Inter Milan to Arsenal

In January 1999, Nwankwo Kanu left Inter Milan for Arsenal after limited opportunities in Serie A. Signed for a reported £4.15 million, Kanu quickly endeared himself to the Highbury faithful.
His unforgettable hat-trick against Chelsea in October 1999 remains one of the Premier League’s greatest comeback stories. Kanu went on to win multiple trophies with the Gunners, including two league titles and two FA Cups.

Taye Taiwo – Lobi Stars to Marseille

Former Super Eagles left-back Taye Taiwo joined Marseille from Lobi Stars in January 2005 for around €200,000. Signed as a replacement for Bixente Lizarazu, Taiwo’s move marked the beginning of a successful European career in France.

Odion Ighalo – Shanghai Shenhua to Manchester United

Odion Ighalo’s loan move to Manchester United in January 2020 captured global attention. Returning to the Premier League, Ighalo became the first Nigerian to play for the Red Devils.
He made an instant impact, scoring crucial goals in both the Europa League and FA Cup, fulfilling a lifelong dream of representing the club he supported as a boy.

Taribo West – Inter Milan to AC Milan

In one of the rarest moves in Italian football, Taribo West crossed from Inter Milan to city rivals AC Milan in January 2000. Having played a key role in Inter’s UEFA Cup triumph in 1998, the Nigerian defender later featured for Milan, scoring once during his short spell at the San Siro.

Wilfred Ndidi – Genk to Leicester City

Wilfred Ndidi joined Leicester City from Belgian club Genk in January 2017, arriving as the Foxes’ long-term midfield anchor. He quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defensive midfielders.

During his time at Leicester, Ndidi won the FA Cup, Community Shield and the EFL Championship, underlining the success of his January move.