Aston Villa sign Super Falcons Defender Rofiat Imuran

Super Falcons defender Rofiat Imuran has joined Aston Villa Women from London City Lionesses ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The 22-year-old full-back is the latest Nigerian player to take a step forward in European women's football, with her move to England adding another chapter to a career that began in France with Stade de Reims.

Imuran's arrival is expected to provide another defensive option for Aston Villa manager Natalia Arroyo as the club prepares for the new campaign.

Imuran takes next step in England

Imuran joins Aston Villa after her spell with London City Lionesses, continuing her development in English football.

The defender previously began her European career with Stade de Reims in France before moving on to London.

Her latest transfer represents another opportunity to establish herself at a higher level and compete for a place in Aston Villa's squad.

Imuran has also made significant progress at international level since making her senior Nigeria debut in 2022.

Super Falcons defender brings international experience

Despite being only 22, Imuran has already gained experience on the international stage with the Super Falcons.

She represented Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and was also part of the squad for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Her international experience adds to the profile she brings to Aston Villa as she prepares for the next stage of her club career.

The move also continues the growing presence of Nigerian footballers in leading European women's leagues.

Imuran excited by Aston Villa opportunity

Imuran expressed her excitement after completing the move and highlighted Aston Villa's history and ambitions as key attractions.

The defender said she wants to achieve a lot at the club and is eager to contribute to its ambitions.

Her comments underline her determination to make an impact rather than simply viewing the transfer as another change of club.

Aston Villa strengthen Natalia Arroyo's squad

Imuran's arrival gives Natalia Arroyo another option at full-back as Aston Villa Women prepare for the 2026/27 season.

The club will hope the Nigerian defender can use her experience with the Super Falcons and previous European clubs to make an immediate contribution.

For Imuran, the move provides a fresh platform to continue developing her game in England while competing at a new level of women's football.

A new chapter for Imuran

From starting her European career at Stade de Reims to representing Nigeria at major international tournaments, Imuran's career has progressed rapidly.

Now, the 22-year-old defender begins a new chapter with Aston Villa Women.

Her move strengthens the connection between Nigerian football and elite European women's football while giving Imuran another opportunity to establish herself on the international club stage.

Key Takeaways

• Rofiat Imuran has joined Aston Villa Women.
• The 22-year-old defender moves from London City Lionesses.
• Imuran began her European career with Stade de Reims in France.
• She made her senior Nigeria debut in 2022.
• The defender represented the Super Falcons at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
• She also featured for Nigeria at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
• Imuran joins Aston Villa ahead of the 2026/27 season.
• Her arrival adds another defensive option to Natalia Arroyo's squad.
• The move continues the growing presence of Nigerian players in European women's football.

SportsLigue