Nigerian defender Ibrahim Buhari has officially completed a move to Austrian Bundesliga club Austria Wien, Soccernet.ng reports.
Buhari’s transfer ends his time in Swedish football as it has now been confirmed that he has agreed a free transfer from IF Elfsborg.
The 24-year-old centre-back has signed a three-year contract that will keep him at the Vienna-based club until June 30, 2029. Austria Wien confirmed that Buhari will wear the number three shirt and immediately join the first-team squad as preparations continue for the new Austrian Bundesliga season.
The transfer is another important step in Buhari’s European career after spending almost four years developing his game in Sweden. His move also comes at a time when he hopes to return to the plans of Nigeria’s senior national team following previous invitations to the Super Eagles.
Austria Wien moved quickly to secure the defender after the departure of Croatian centre-back Tin Plavotić. The club identified Buhari as a player capable of strengthening their defence while fitting into their long-term plan of signing younger players with room for further development.
Sporting director Tomas Zorn explained that Buhari’s physical strength and athletic qualities made him the ideal choice. Standing at 1.90 metres (6ft 3in), the Nigerian defender is known for his commanding presence in the air, strong tackling and ability to organise the defence.
His first assignment will be to settle into life in Vienna before joining full training with his new teammates as Austria Wien prepare for domestic league and cup competitions.
Ibrahim Buhari: Is Super Eagles the next stop for the former Plateau United star?
Before leaving Nigeria, Buhari established himself as one of the best defenders in the Nigeria Premier Football League with Plateau United. During the 2021/22 campaign, the centre-back scored six league goals despite playing in defence, helping Plateau United finish runners-up in the NPFL and qualify for continental football.
His impressive performances caught the attention of national team selectors. In May 2022, then-Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf included Buhari in a 30-man squad for international friendly matches against Mexico and Ecuador in the United States.
He did not become a regular member of the Super Eagles before he moved to Europe but he was later involved with Nigeria’s Under-23 team during preparations for Olympic qualifying matches.
In September 2022, Buhari completed his move to Swedish club IF Elfsborg. During his time there, he made 77 appearances in all competitions and gained valuable experience at a higher level of European football. One of the highlights of his stay in Sweden came when he featured in six UEFA Europa League group-stage matches.
The move to Austria also represents another opportunity for Buhari to impress Nigeria’s national team coaches. With the Super Eagles preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, consistent performances for Austria Wien could help him force his way back into the senior squad after several years away from international action.
