Dara Dada: England-Nigeria midfielder joins Bracknell on free transfer from Basingstoke

Bracknell have strengthened their midfield with the signing of England-Nigeria central midfielder Dara Dada on a free transfer from Basingstoke. The 27-year-old, who was born in London and plays primarily in central midfield, joins after leaving the Hampshire club this summer.

Dada moves following a spell in the National League system in which he built a reputation as a consistent performer in the middle of the pitch. Across his time in National League South and National League North, he has made 80 league appearances, scoring eight goals and passing the 5,500-minute mark in senior football.

The right-footed midfielder arrives at Bracknell after less than a year with Basingstoke, whom he also joined on a free transfer from Carshalton Athletic in October 2025. Before that he had brief spells at Carshalton and Aveley, and experience with Hemel Hempstead Town and Gloucester City, including a loan stint in the 2022-23 campaign.

Earlier in his career, Dada featured for Chelmsford City and St Albans City after moving up from Staines Town, having started out in senior football with AFC Hillgate following a spell at Queens Park’s under-23 side. Standing at 1.75m, he adds energy and experience to Bracknell’s options in the centre of the pitch.

Dada’s move to Bracknell is a permanent free transfer, completed on 24 July 2026.