Qarabag strengthen attack with Nigeria winger Taofeek Ismaheel

Nigeria winger Taofeek Ismaheel has joined Qarabag from Polish club Gornik Zabrze in a €1m transfer, giving the Azerbaijani side a new left-sided attacking option.

The 26-year-old, who plays primarily on the left wing and favours his right foot, completed the move on 27 August 2026. Qarabag compete in Azerbaijan’s Premyer Liqa, while Ismaheel arrives from Gornik’s Ekstraklasa squad.

Ismaheel began the 2026-27 campaign with six appearances across domestic and European competition before switching clubs. He played twice in the Ekstraklasa, made two appearances in Europa League qualifying and featured in Champions League qualifying, as well as the Polish Super Cup. He did not score in those matches.

His move to Qarabag follows two seasons in Poland. Ismaheel joined Gornik from French club FC Lorient in July 2024 for €360,000 and spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Lech Poznan. The winger returned to Gornik at the end of that loan spell before making his latest move.

During his time with Lech, Ismaheel was part of the squad that won the Polish championship in the 2025-26 season. His spell at the club came after Gornik had previously allowed him to leave on loan, with Lech paying a €100,000 loan fee in September 2025.

Ismaheel started his European career in Norway, moving from Skeid to Fredrikstad FK in January 2021 before joining Lorient for €500,000 a year later. He subsequently spent time on loan at Valerenga and SK Beveren, gaining experience in Norwegian and Belgian football before returning to France and later moving to Poland.

Born in Lagos, Ismaheel stands 1.72m tall and has represented Nigeria at club level through his professional career. Qarabag’s agreement with Gornik marks the latest stage of a journey that has taken the winger through clubs in Nigeria, Norway, France, Belgium and Poland.

Ismaheel’s transfer to Qarabag has been completed for a fee of €1m.