Super Eagles midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha has officially sealed his transfer from Niger Tornadoes to Slovenian club NK Celje, marking a significant step up in his professional career as he joins a Europa League-competing side.
From Minna to Ljubljana
The 25-year-old midfielder’s journey from the Nigeria Professional Football League to European competition represents a major breakthrough for the talented player who has been making waves in Nigerian football. Mustapha’s departure from Niger Tornadoes was confirmed on July 23rd, 2025, bringing an end to his stint in the NPFL.
Europa League Ambitions
NK Celje’s acquisition of the Nigerian midfielder comes at a crucial time as the Slovenian outfit prepares for their Europa League qualifying campaign. The club is set to face AEK Larnaca in the second round of qualifying, with the first leg scheduled for July 24th, 2025 – just one day after Mustapha’s transfer was confirmed.
The timing of the transfer suggests Celje’s ambition to strengthen their squad for European competition, with Mustapha’s experience in Nigerian football potentially providing the creative spark they need in midfield.
Slovenian Football Experience
Celje competes in the Slovenian PrvaLiga, the country’s top football division, where they’ll be looking to challenge established clubs like NK Olimpija, NK Maribor, and other traditional powerhouses. The league offers Mustapha an excellent platform to showcase his talents on a more international stage while gaining valuable European experience.
International Recognition
Mustapha’s move comes on the heels of his recent call-up to the Super Eagles, having made his international debut against Ghana on May 28th, 2025. His inclusion in Nigeria’s national team setup demonstrates the recognition his performances have earned, and his European move could further enhance his prospects with the national team.
Career Trajectory
The midfielder’s professional journey has seen him move through various clubs, including previous stints with Sporting SFC and a brief period in Turkish football with Adanaspor. His career statistics show 25 appearances with 4 goals and 3 assists across different competitions, highlighting his contribution in the final third.
Strategic Move
For Mustapha, the transfer represents more than just a change of clubs – it’s an opportunity to test himself against higher-level opposition and potentially use Celje as a stepping stone to bigger European leagues. The Europa League exposure could be particularly valuable for his development and future transfer prospects.
Looking Ahead
With Celje’s packed schedule including both domestic league commitments and European competition, Mustapha can expect regular playing time as the club navigates multiple competitions. The team’s fixture list shows they’ll be balancing PrvaLiga matches with their Europa League campaign, providing the Nigerian midfielder with diverse competitive experiences.
NK Celje fans will be eager to see what their new signing can bring to the team as they aim to make an impact both domestically and on the European stage.
Transfer news first reported by Mike the Pundit. Transfer details confirmed from official club sources.
