S’Falcons Defender Rofiat Imuran Seals Permanent Move To Villa From London City Lionesses

Super Falcons defender Rofiat Imuran has completed a permanent move to Aston Villa from London City Lionesses ahead of the 2026/27 Women’s Super League season.

The 22-year-old Nigeria international leaves London City Lionesses after two years with the club, having played an important role in their historic promotion to England’s top flight.

Imuran joined London City Lionesses in 2024 after attracting attention with her performances for Nigeria’s Falconets at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

She quickly became an important member of the London side and contributed to their promotion to the Women’s Super League for the first time in the club’s history.

Her move to Aston Villa represents another step forward in the defender’s developing career and gives her an opportunity to compete regularly in England’s top division.

Imuran previously featured for Nigeria’s U-20 side during the 2022 World Cup, where the Falconets advanced to the quarter-finals before suffering a 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands.

Her performances at the tournament helped raise her profile before she continued her development in England, gaining experience against some of the country’s leading women’s footballers.

Read Also: Ajibade Apologises To Nigerians After Super Falcons Miss World Cup

At international level, Imuran has also been involved with the Super Falcons and was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the team reached the Round of 16.

Her experience with both Nigeria’s youth and senior national teams has established her as one of the country’s emerging defensive talents.

Imuran now joins Aston Villa as the club prepares for another campaign in the Women’s Super League, with the defender expected to provide additional options in defence.

The move also gives Imuran another opportunity to develop her game at the highest level of English women’s football while competing for regular first-team opportunities.

For London City Lionesses, her departure comes during a period of major investment as the club continues to strengthen its squad following promotion.

The club has made headlines with the recruitment of high-profile players, including two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and England goalkeeper Mary Earps.

Imuran’s departure therefore marks the end of an important chapter in her development at London City Lionesses, where she helped the club achieve a historic milestone.

Her switch to Aston Villa also further strengthens the presence of Nigerian players in the Women’s Super League and provides the Super Falcons defender with another platform to advance her domestic and international career.