Stellenbosch FC have made a sensational move for Super Eagles midfielder Papa Daniel, offering a staggering $10 million monthly deal (approximately ₦14.5 billion annually), a record figure for any Nigerian player linked to the South African Premier Division. The 23-year-old has become one of the hottest properties in African football following a stellar season with NPFL side Niger Tornadoes.
The Minna-based club has seen a remarkable turnaround this season, with Daniel at the heart of their midfield brilliance under coach Majin Mohammed. His tally of three goals and three assists in 21 league appearances has been instrumental in their push for a top-half finish. Scouts from across the continent have taken notice, but Stellenbosch appear ready to break the bank to secure his services.
Daniel’s rapid rise has not gone unnoticed at national level. In March 2025, he earned his debut call-up to the Nigerian national team after impressing in a friendly against Mali, where his composure and vision drew praise from both pundits and fans alike. Sources close to the team suggest he’s being considered for a permanent spot in the squad ahead of the 2026 AFCON qualifiers.
Before returning to Nigeria, Daniel had stints with Adanaspor in Turkey and also underwent trials earlier this season with Czech outfit MFK Karviná. Although the move to Europe didn’t materialize at the time, analysts now believe his performances this season have positioned him for a bigger opportunity, possibly starting with the lucrative South African deal.
Stellenbosch are pushing for continental recognition and believe signing Daniel will boost both their midfield depth and their brand appeal across West Africa. The club, currently fourth in the PSL table, is seeking to qualify for CAF competitions and sees the Nigerian playmaker as a marquee addition to their squad.
Negotiations are expected to progress rapidly over the next two weeks, with Niger Tornadoes likely to demand a significant transfer fee to part ways with their prized asset. Club sources hint that while they are reluctant to lose Daniel mid-season, they are open to negotiations if the financial terms are right and the player expresses intent to move.
Should the deal go through, Papa Daniel would become the highest-paid Nigerian player in South Africa and one of the most expensive transfers in NPFL history. For a player once overlooked in Europe, this could be the defining move of his career—and a huge statement for Nigerian football’s export potential.
