Nigeria-eligible stars dominate dramatic deadline-day transfer scramble

It was a frantic deadline day for Nigeria-eligible players, with Tosin Adarabioyo, Jayden Meghoma, Honest Ahanor, Daniel Oyegoke, Kevin Zeroli, Ayodele Thomas, Oluwaseun Ogbemudia, Tim Iroegbunam and David Ozoh all completing moves to new clubs.

The busiest of the deals saw Tosin Adarabioyo make the short journey across London from Chelsea to Tottenham Hotspur, bringing an end to his time at Stamford Bridge.

The centre-back has signed a permanent deal with Spurs after making 70 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions.

His move adds further depth to Tottenham’s defensive options and gives the 28-year-old a fresh opportunity to establish himself in north London.

Meghoma gets another loan move

Brentford left-back Jayden Meghoma will spend the 2026/27 season with Championship side Portsmouth after completing a season-long loan.

The move represents the third loan spell of his career away from Brentford, following previous temporary stints at Preston North End and Rangers.

The defender will now look to build on those experiences by securing regular first-team football with Portsmouth.

Another player with a Brentford connection, Daniel Oyegoke, has also secured a permanent move.

The versatile defender has joined Lincoln City from Italian club Hellas Verona after spending 18 months with the Serie B side.

Chelsea-bound Ahanor joins Palace

Nigeria Football Federation target Honest Ahanor has also found a new temporary home, with the highly rated defender joining Crystal Palace on loan for the entire season.

Ahanor will officially become a Chelsea player on July 1, 2027, meaning his spell at Palace will provide an opportunity to continue his development before making the switch to Stamford Bridge.

His situation will be closely monitored by Nigeria, with the player remaining a potential option for the Super Eagles.

Ozoh ends 13-year Palace association

David Ozoh has brought his long-standing association with Crystal Palace to an end after agreeing a five-year contract with Derby County.

The move marks his third spell with Derby and concludes a 13-year relationship with Palace.

The midfielder, who remains eligible for Nigeria, will now attempt to establish himself as a key figure at Derby after committing his future to the Championship club until 2031.

Iroegbunam joins ambitious Hull

Tim Iroegbunam has also secured a new Premier League home after leaving Everton for ambitious newcomers Hull City.

The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Tigers, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2031.

His arrival means Nigeria international Semi Ajayi now has a new Nigerian teammate as Hull strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Thomas, Ogbemudia and Zeroli complete moves

Elsewhere, Ayodele Thomas has ended his time at RB Leipzig by completing a permanent transfer to Dutch club N.E.C. Nijmegen.

Oluwaseun Ogbemudia, meanwhile, will continue his development in Germany after joining third-tier side SV Waldhof Mannheim 07 on loan from Union Berlin.

In Italy, AC Milan have sent Kevin Zeroli to FC Südtirol for the season, with the agreement including an option for the club to sign him permanently.

The flurry of deadline-day activity provides several Nigeria-eligible players with new platforms to develop, compete for regular football and potentially strengthen their claims for future Super Eagles consideration.