Nigerian defender Rofiat Imuran has officially joined Aston Villa Women as they prepare for the 2026/27 Women’s Super League season. The announcement was made by the club on Sunday, with the transfer pending visa approval.

At just 22 years old, Imuran becomes the ninth signing for Aston Villa this summer as manager Natalia Arroyo seeks to bolster her squad. Imuran's career began in the Nigeria Women’s Football League, where she played for Sunshine Queens and Rivers Angels before making her way to Europe. She spent two seasons with Stade de Reims in France, where she made 27 league appearances and netted seven goals.

In 2024, Imuran transitioned to English football, joining London City Lionesses. Her international experience is notable, having made her senior debut for the Super Falcons in 2022. She was part of the squad that competed in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, as well as representing Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Upon completing her move to Aston Villa, Imuran expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “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.”

Marisa Ewers, Aston Villa’s Director of Women’s Football, highlighted Imuran's potential impact on the team. She noted that Imuran brings pace, energy, and quality to the club's defensive lineup, aligning well with the tactical vision of manager Arroyo. Ewers emphasized the club's commitment to nurturing talent from Africa, stating, “Rofiat’s arrival is another positive step in that direction.”

As Aston Villa Women gears up for the new season, Imuran's addition is seen as a significant move that could enhance the team's performance in the league and beyond. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the young defender integrates into her new team and contributes to their ambitions this season.