Taiwo Abdulrafiu: Nigerian defender joins Azam FC from Rivers United

Nigerian left-back Taiwo Abdulrafiu has joined Tanzanian side Azam FC from Rivers United as the 24-year-old makes his first move outside his home country. The defender, who stands at 1.90m and favours his left foot, links up with the Premier League club after leaving the Nigerian champions.

Abdulrafiu switches to Azam FC ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, strengthening the Tanzanian club’s options on the left side of defence. The move comes with the player currently valued at around €125,000, reflecting his growing stature after steady progress through Nigerian domestic football.

He arrives in Dar es Salaam after a spell with Rivers United, whom he joined in August 2024 from fellow NPFL side Sunshine Stars. His time in Port Harcourt followed a rapid rise through the Nigerian league system, where he first came to wider attention with Bayelsa and Sunshine Stars.

Abdulrafiu’s career began with Crown FC before he earned back-to-back moves, first to Bayelsa and then to Sunshine Stars, both on free transfers. His transfer to Rivers United marked a step up to one of Nigeria’s leading clubs and paved the way for his latest switch to East Africa.

Now 24, the defender will continue his career with Azam FC after completing the move from Rivers United ahead of the new season.