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Super Falcons defender Rofiat Imuran has joined Aston Villa from London City Lionesses.
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The 22-year-old becomes the latest Nigerian women’s player to join the growing contingent at the English club.
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Imuran will wear the number 22 shirt during the 2026-27 season, subject to visa approval.
August 31, (THEWILL) — Nigeria international Rofiat Imuran has joined Aston Villa, adding another Super Falcons star to the club’s growing Nigerian women’s football contingent.
The Women’s Super League side confirmed the signing on Sunday, with the transfer subject to visa approval, as Aston Villa continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Imuran arrives from London City Lionesses, where she spent the previous two seasons after moving to English football in 2024.
The 22-year-old defender has already gained valuable Women’s Super League experience, making 10 appearances in the division during her final season with London City Lionesses.
Predominantly a fullback, Imuran is regarded as an attack-minded modern defender and has developed her game across Nigeria, France and England.
Her move to Aston Villa also adds to the club’s growing links with Nigerian women’s football, with the Super Falcons continuing to produce players capable of competing at the highest level in Europe.
From Rivers Angels to Aston Villa
Rofiat Imuran | unveiling at Aston Villa
— Soothsayer (@Thesoothsayar) August 31, 2026
Imuran began her senior career in Nigeria with Rivers Angels before taking the next step in her development with Stade de Reims Féminines in France.
During her two seasons with the French club, she established herself as an attacking fullback, scoring seven goals in 27 appearances.
She then moved to England in 2024, joining London City Lionesses and gaining further experience in the Women’s Super League.
Her latest transfer represents another significant step in a career that has seen her progress from Nigerian domestic football to two of Europe’s major women’s leagues.
Super Falcons experience
Imuran’s rise at club level has also been reflected in her international career with Nigeria.
She was included in the Super Falcons squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup but did not feature during the tournament.
The defender was also part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Morocco, making one appearance during the Super Falcons’ campaign.
Before establishing herself with the senior national team, Imuran represented Nigeria at youth level and featured for the Falconets at the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Her growing club experience is expected to further strengthen her case for a bigger role with the Super Falcons in future international competitions.
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New challenge at Aston Villa
At Aston Villa, Imuran will compete for a place in a squad looking to make progress in the Women’s Super League.
The Nigerian defender will wear the number 22 shirt during the 2026-27 campaign, giving her another opportunity to establish herself in English football.
For Aston Villa, the signing adds defensive depth and brings in a player with experience across different European leagues.
For Imuran, it is the latest milestone in her development and another chance to prove herself at the highest level of women’s club football.
With her arrival adding to Aston Villa’s growing Nigerian presence, the transfer also highlights the increasing influence of Nigerian women’s footballers in England’s top flight.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
