Nigeria defender Taiwo Abdulrafiu has joined Tanzanian club Azam FC from NPFL side Rivers United ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, www.aclsports.com reports.
The 24-year-old left-back, who featured for Nigeria at the CHAN tournament in East Africa in 2025, has signed a two-year deal with the Chamazi Millionaires.
“A new chapter begins, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to join my new club. Thank you to everyone who has supported and believed in me throughout this journey. I’m ready to give my all, work hard, and embrace every challenge ahead,” said in a post on X on Friday morning.
Abdulrafiu leaves Nigeria after a gradual climb through the domestic ranks. He signed for Rivers United from Sunshine Stars in August 2024, having joined Sunshine from Bayelsa United in September 2023. Before then, he completed a move from Crown FC to Bayelsa United in December 2022, with his latest switch to Tanzania representing the next chapter in his career.
Abdulrafiu’s transfer to Azam FC marks his first move outside Nigeria and sees him link up with the Tanzanian outfit as their latest defensive signing. He will feature in the league and CAF Confederation Cup for Azam in the 2026/27 season.
