Niger Tornadoes strengthen midfield with Nigeria teenager Babatunde Akaje Hannafi

Nigeria central midfielder Babatunde Akaje Hannafi has joined Niger Tornadoes from fellow NPFL club Kwara United, completing a move that adds a 19-year-old player to the club’s midfield options.

Hannafi’s transfer was concluded on 22 August 2026, with the player moving between two clubs in Nigeria’s top division. He will represent Niger Tornadoes after spending the opening part of the 2026-27 season with Kwara United.

The teenager made 11 NPFL appearances during the previous campaign, playing 790 minutes. He operates in central midfield and joins Niger Tornadoes with senior experience already established in the national league.

Hannafi had moved to Kwara United from ABS FC on 1 January 2026. His time at Kwara United therefore lasted through the second half of the 2025-26 season before the midfielder switched clubs again in August.

Born on 11 April 2007, Hannafi is a Nigeria international at club level through his domestic football career and remains one of the younger players in the Niger Tornadoes squad. His arrival keeps his career within the NPFL, where he has built his first senior experience.

Niger Tornadoes have now completed the signing of Hannafi from Kwara United, with the midfielder joining the club on 22 August 2026.