S’EaglNigerian centre-back, Ibrahim Buhari, has completed a move to Austrian Bundesliga side Austria Wien, bringing an end to his four-year spell in Swedish football after joining the Vienna club on a free transfer from IF Elfsborg.
The 24-year-old has signed a three-year deal that will keep him at Austria Wien until June 30, 2029.
The club also confirmed that the former Plateau United defender will wear the No. 3 jersey as he links up with the first team ahead of the new Austrian Bundesliga campaign.
The switch marks another significant milestone in Buhari’s European career after establishing himself in Sweden, while also presenting him with another opportunity to revive his Super Eagles ambitions following previous national team call-ups.
Austria Wien moved swiftly for the Nigerian after Croatian defender Tin Plavotić departed the club. Buhari was identified as a long-term defensive addition, fitting the club’s strategy of recruiting young players with room for further development.
Standing at 1.90 metres (6ft 3in), Buhari is regarded for his aerial dominance, physical presence, tough tackling and leadership at the back.
He is expected to begin settling into life in Vienna before joining full training as Austria Wien continue preparations for the upcoming domestic league and cup competitions.
Super Eagles return remains a target
Buhari first made his name in the Nigeria Premier Football League with Plateau United, where he emerged as one of the division’s standout defenders.
During the 2021/22 season, he remarkably scored six league goals from centre-back, helping the club finish second in the NPFL and qualify for continental football.
His performances earned him recognition at the national level, with then-Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf naming him in a 30-man squad for international friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador in the United States in May 2022.
Although he did not establish himself in the senior national team before moving abroad, Buhari later featured for Nigeria’s Under-23 side during preparations for Olympic qualifying fixtures.
The defender joined IF Elfsborg in September 2022 and went on to make 77 appearances across all competitions.
During his time in Sweden, he also gained valuable European experience, featuring six times in the UEFA Europa League group stage.
His move to Austria Wien now offers another platform to catch the attention of Nigeria’s coaching staff.
With the Super Eagles building towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, regular performances in Austria could strengthen Buhari’s chances of earning a return to the senior national team.
