AFCON 2025
Aston Villa Women have announced the signing of Nigeria international defender Rofiat Imuran, subject to visa approval, ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 22-year-old full-back becomes Villa’s ninth signing of the summer transfer window as head coach Natalia Arroyo continues to strengthen her squad for the new campaign.
Imuran began her senior career in France with Stade de Reims, where she made 27 league appearances and scored seven goals across two seasons.
The Nigerian defender moved to England in 2024, joining London City Lionesses and gaining further experience in English football.
Her pace and attacking ability from the full-back position have made her an exciting prospect, while her experience at international level adds further quality to Villa’s defensive options.
Imuran made her senior debut for Nigeria in 2022 and has since established herself as part of the Super Falcons setup.
She was included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and was also part of the team at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Her move to Aston Villa represents another important step in her club career as she prepares to compete at a higher level in the English game.
Imuran Excited By Villa Move
Speaking after completing her move, Imuran expressed her excitement about joining the club and highlighted Villa’s history and ambitions.
“I’m very excited to be here and I want to achieve a lot of things.
“It’s a big club with a lot of history, and it has big ambitions, and I want to be part of it.”
Villa Praise Nigerian Defender
Aston Villa Women’s Director of Women’s Football, Marisa Ewers, said the club believes Imuran’s qualities will fit perfectly with Arroyo’s style of play.
“Rofiat is an exciting young defender who already has good experience in English football and at international level.
“She brings pace, energy and quality to our defensive options, and we believe her attributes are a really good fit for how Natalia wants the team to play.”
Aston Villa Strengthen African Connections
Ewers also revealed that Imuran’s arrival forms part of the club’s wider ambition to build stronger connections across Africa and identify emerging talent from the continent.
“As a club, we have ambitions to build stronger connections across Africa and continue to identify and develop exciting talent from the continent. Rofiat’s arrival is another positive step in that direction.
“We’re delighted to welcome her to Aston Villa and look forward to seeing her continue to develop with us.”
Imuran will now look to make her mark at Aston Villa as the club prepares for the 2026/27 season.
