Super Eagles: Awoniyi, Iheanacho lead 2026 summer club moves

Eight Super Eagles players have changed clubs during the 2026 summer transfer window, with Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho and six other Nigeria internationals moving across Europe and beyond. The transfers include permanent deals, a loan switch and a move triggered by promotion to the Premier League.

Awoniyi completed a reported £17 million transfer from Nottingham Forest to Coventry City, ending a four-year stay at the City Ground. The striker had an inconsistent spell at Forest but remained an influential presence in the dressing room. He now joins Coventry as the club prepares for the Premier League under Frank Lampard, while Frank Onyeka has also made a permanent move to the club after helping them secure promotion during his loan spell from Brentford.

Iheanacho has left Scottish champions Celtic after contributing to their Premiership and Scottish Cup successes. Celtic chose not to extend the forward’s initial one-year agreement, which included an option for a further season. Akor Adams, meanwhile, has moved from Sevilla to Serie A side Venezia on a permanent transfer and has signed a contract running until June 2030. He joined Sevilla in January 2025 and scored 10 goals with four assists in 37 appearances.

Raphael Onyedika has departed Club Brugge for Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany. The midfielder had attracted interest from Turkey, England and Saudi Arabia before choosing the Bundesliga club. His new destination also connects him with the history of Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, who previously played for Frankfurt.

Gift Orban is leaving Hoffenheim’s loan spell at Hellas Verona to join newly promoted Turkish Super League club Amedspor on loan. The move follows a difficult period in Italy that included disciplinary problems and a reported confrontation with a fan. Orban will attempt to rebuild his form in Turkey.

Chidozie Awaziem has switched from Nantes in France to Konyaspor, returning to Turkey after previously spending time at Caykur Rizespor on loan. Former Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun has also moved on, leaving Aris Limassol in Cyprus for Hungarian club ETO Gyor. At 38, Balogun brings extensive experience from a career spent across several European leagues.