22 y/o Nigerian star joins Aston Villa 

Isah Sikiratu and Imuran Rofiat Adenike of Nigeria. Photo by Segun Ogunfeyitimi. Copyright: xShengolpixsxImago

English club Aston Villa have completed the signing of Nigerian defender Rofiat Adenike Imuran from London City Lionesses ahead of the 2026/27 Women’s Soccer League (WSL) season, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 22-year-old has completed her departure from London City Lionesses after two years, where she played a key role in their promotion to the WSL for the first time.

Imuran joined London City in 2024 after impressing with Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The Falconets reached the quarter-finals of the competition before suffering a 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands.

She was also part of the Super Falcons squad that made history by reaching the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Nigeria were eventually knocked out by England following a 4-2 defeat on penalties after a goalless draw in normal time and extra time.

Imuran was again involved with the Super Falcons at the recently concluded 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria suffered a shock quarter-final exit against eventual champions Cameroon. The early elimination also contributed to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Before moving to England, Imuran began her professional career in France with Reims. She spent two years with the French club between 2022 and 2024 and made more than 30 appearances across all competitions before making the switch to London City Lionesses.

After two years with the club, Imuran has now moved on to Aston Villa as she takes the next step in her career.

Soccer Rofiat Imuran: Aston Villa announce Nigerian star arrival

Aston Villa have officially confirmed Imuran’s arrival on a three-year contract, which could keep the Nigerian defender at the club until 2029.

The move comes as Villa look to strengthen their squad after finishing ninth last season. The club endured defensive struggles for much of the campaign and will hope Imuran can provide greater strength and depth at the back.

“22-year-old Nigerian international left-back has signed for @astonvillawomen, from the WSL1, after playing for London City Lionesses for 2 years!”, a post announcing her arrival on Instagram read.

“Sporting Director Marisa Ewers welcomed our shining Star! Let’s gooo, Rofiat!!!”

Imuran will now look to continue her development at Aston Villa and help the club push for a better finish in the WSL.

The 22-year-old could make her debut for the club next weekend when they begin their 2026-27 WSL campaign away to former champions Chelsea.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.

Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin