In 2022, a total of 725 Nigerian players participated in the winter and summer transfer windows, making Nigeria the fifth highest in global transfers. This figure was reported by Saturday and highlights Nigeria’s significant presence in the international football market. Alongside Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast also made the top 10, contributing a combined total of 515 players and 428 movements.
The transfers involving Nigerian players during this period amounted to $104.2 million, ranking as the 19th highest globally according to a document released by FIFA. Notably, Nigeria was also represented among the top 10 most transferred women players worldwide. Key Nigerian players in the 2022 transfer market included Umar Sadiq, who moved from Almeria to Real Sociedad for €26 million plus add-ons, and Calvin Bassey, who completed a €27 million plus add-ons transfer to Ajax. Emmanuel Dennis joined Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest from Watford for £25 million, while Taiwo Awoniyi also made the switch to Nottingham Forest for £20 million after a successful season with Union Berlin in the Bundesliga. Additionally, midfielder Joe Aribo left Glasgow Rangers for Southampton at a cost of £10 million plus add-ons, and David Okereke transferred to Cremonese from Club Brugge for €10 million.
In terms of overall transfers, Brazil led the way in 2022, with 2,061 players making moves worldwide, resulting in a total transfer value of $843.2 million. Argentina followed in second place with 1,004 players, while France ranked third, recording the highest number of transfer movements in Europe with 921 transfers valued at £591.5 million. England came in fourth with 848 transfers worth £249.7 million, placing Nigeria fifth. Colombia ranked sixth with 711 players transferred, valued at £203.6 million. Spain had 603 players involved in the 2022 transfer windows, with a total cost of £262.5 million, while Serbia rounded out the top 10 with 425 player transfers.
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