Oluwabori Falaye: Canada-Nigeria striker joins Irtysh on free transfer from KF Tirana

Canada-Nigeria centre-forward Oluwabori Falaye has joined Kazakh Premier Liga side Irtysh on a free transfer from Albanian club KF Tirana.

The 27-year-old switches to Kazakhstan after a spell in the Kategoria Superiore, where he led the line for Tirana. His move to Irtysh has been completed as a permanent deal, with no transfer fee paid between the clubs.

Falaye, who is comfortable operating through the middle of the attack, becomes one of Irtysh’s notable offensive additions in this window as the club reshapes its squad for the Premier Liga campaign. His arrival brings in a forward with experience of playing in a European top division, adding competition for places at the front end of the pitch.

The forward’s market value is currently assessed at around €100,000, underlining Irtysh’s decision to secure him without a fee as a cost-effective piece of business. The transfer also continues a growing trend of players moving from the Balkans to Kazakhstan’s top flight in search of a new challenge.

Born in 1998, Falaye has ties to both Canada and Nigeria, giving Irtysh an attacking option with a multicultural football background and exposure to different playing styles. His departure marks the end of his time in Albania’s top tier, where he had established himself at KF Tirana before opting for a move east.

Falaye’s transfer to Irtysh was finalised on 21 July 2026 and sees him registered as a permanent member of the Kazakh Premier Liga side’s squad.