Carl Ikeme, Ahmed Musa, Etuhu: Joe Aribo joins long list of Nigerians to sign for Leicester City

Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo has completed a loan move to Southampton until the end of the season, Soccernet.ng reports.

​The past year has been a real struggle for Aribo. Last season, his Southampton side was relegated from the Premier League following a disappointing campaign.

Despite playing an important role for the Saints, it was widely expected that he would move to another club rather than compete in the Championship.

​However, despite being linked to several clubs during the summer, a move failed to materialize, and he remained at Southampton.

But unfortunately, he has since struggled to secure consistent playing time, regardless of the managerial changes at the club.

​On Monday, the 29-year-old Super Eagles star sealed a half-season transfer to fellow Championship side Leicester City.

Consequently, the conclusion of his stint at Leicester City will coincide with the expiration of his contract at Southampton.

We’ve signed Joe Aribo from Southampton on loan until the end of the season, subject to league approval 🤝

— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 2, 2026

​With this move, Aribo becomes the first Nigerian to sign for Leicester City since Wilfred Ndidi’s departure during the last summer transfer window.

In light of this, Soccernet.ng takes a look at the Nigerian footballers who have represented Leicester City over the years.

​Before Joe Aribo: Nigerians Who Have Played for Leicester City

​Leicester City has hosted a fair share of Nigerian talent. Aside from Joe Aribo, nine other Nigerians have worn the Foxes' colors.

​Retired Players

​Ade Akinbiyi: Featured in the early 2000s, Akinbiyi appeared in 67 games and scored 13 goals. ​

Kelvin Etuhu: Had a brief loan spell in 2008, featuring in just four matches before returning to his parent club Southampton.

Danny Uchechi: The former Nigeria U-23 international had a half-season loan stint in 2011, though he did not make a competitive appearance for the club. ​

Carl Ikeme: The retired Super Eagles goalkeeper donned the Foxes' colors for part of the 2010/11 season. He joined on a season-long loan and featured in five games. ​

Yakubu Aiyegbeni: Nigeria’s highest-scoring player in Premier League history played for the Foxes for half a season. Joining on loan during the 2010/11 campaign, he contributed 11 goals in 20 appearances.

​Active Footballers

​Wilfred Ndidi: Ndidi leads the pack for active players, having made a massive impact during his eight-year stay.

He featured in 303 games and scored 18 goals before leaving for Besiktas last summer. He remains a club legend, having helped the team secure its maiden FA Cup title. ​

Kelechi Iheanacho: Joined from Manchester City in 2017 and featured in 232 games before leaving for Sevilla in 2024. During his time at the club, Iheanacho registered 61 goals.

​Ahmed Musa: The former Super Eagles captain also joined the Nigerian contingent at Leicester, spending two seasons at the club. Musa featured in 33 games and scored five goals.​

Ademola Lookman: Lookman enjoyed a season-long loan with the Foxes, contributing eight goals in 42 appearances.

Although he impressed during his stay, he eventually returned to his parent club, RB Leipzig, as Leicester could not secure a permanent deal. He has since reached new heights, recently completing a transfer from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid.